Kamehameha IV dies and is succeeded by his elder brother Lot (Kamehameha V). Read More.

Frenchman Charles-Victor Crosnier de Varigny appointed minister of finance by Kamehameha V. He takes an active part in drafting the Constitution of 1864 and later serves as foreign affairs minister.

David Kalakaua, future king of Hawai'i, marries Kapi'olani.

Kamehameha V appoints John Owen Dominis, husband to future Queen Lili'uokalani, governor of O'ahu.

A court action challenges Hawaiian law prohibiting anyone from providing alcoholic beverages to Hawaiians; the Supreme Court rules in favor of the government.

C. Brewer becomes first sugar plantation agent.

Island cotton first exported.

Hawaiian Kingdom expenditures total $666,061; revenues total $688,687.

$1,175,000 worth of imports arrive in Hawai'i; exports total $960,000.

Kamehameha V renames Hale Ali'i, his official residence, 'Iolani Palace to honor Kamehameha IV who was also known as 'Iolani (bird of heaven).

North American Missionary Society ends activities in Hawai'i and leaves future work to the Hawaiian Evangelical Association. The Hawaiian Evangelical Association - formed in 1853 and partially under the control of the American Board in Boston - is now autonomous.

Ke Kaao o Laieikawai by S.N. Haleole is the first work of fiction written and published by a Hawaiian.

Battle at Gettysburg demonstrates again the ferocity of a war often pitting brother against brother.

Edouard Manet paints Le Dejeuner sur l'Herbe and Olympia.