Sander's New Series of Readers: Revised, Improved, and Newly Illustrated was published on this day in New York.  Charles W. Sanders, born in Herkimer County, New York in 1805, began publishing his school books in 1838 and became one of the most famous names in primary and secondary education in the United States, selling more than ten million books up to 1860.  His new edition would sell millions more, two million in 1864 alone. (By John Osborne)

A disastrous explosion and fire struck Hartford in March 1854, killing twenty-one people and injuring scores more. The fire pointed out starkly the inadequacy of the city's medical facilities and citizens were stung to apply to the state of Connecticut for a charter for a modern hospital.  This was granted in May, 1854 and land purchased the following year.  The hospital opened its doors on August 1, 1860 and operates today.  (By John Osborne) 

John C. Gore sold his Pescadero Ranch property in Monterey County to Edward Tompkins.  Tompkins sold it in 1862 and in 1880 it was acquired by the Pacific Improvement Company.  In 1919, the newly opened 6286 yard Pebble Beach Links Golf Course opened on former ranch and has operated there ever since.  (By John Osborne) 

At ten o'clock in the morning in Omaha, the Nebraska Democratic Territorial Convention convened with Andrew J. Hanscom in the chair.  The nationwide split was evident, with the Breckinridge forces largely pushing aside the Douglas supporters. The gathering did manage to nominate J. Sterling Morton for territorial delegate to Congress after only four ballots and uniting in the end to make the choice unanimous. (By John Osborne) 

At eleven o'clock in the morning in Plattsmouth, the Nebraska Territorial Convention convened in the Campbell Hall with David L. Collier of Burt County in the chair.  The gathering declared itself unanimously for the Lincoln-Hamlin presidential ticket and the Homestead Act and against slavery in the territory.  It also renominated Samuel G. Daily for territorial delegate, after ten ballots, and adjourned late that evening.  (By John Osborne)