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Year Developments in Jazz Historical Events 1619 The first Africans are sold into slavery in America. 1817 New Orleans city council establishes "Congo Square" as an official site for slave music and dance. Harvard Law School is founded.

Mississippi becomes a state.

James Monroe is elected president. 1865 Slavery is abolished in the U.S. by the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 1892 Pianist Tommy Turpin writes Harlem Rag, the first known ragtime composition. The Homestead Strike, one of the most serious labor disputes in U.S. history occurred in Pittsburgh.

General Electric Company is founded. 1895 Pianist Scott Joplin publishes his first two rags.

Cornetist Buddy Bolden forms his band. Cinema is born. 1896 Racial segregation is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Radio technology is introduced. 1897 The first piano rags appear in print.

Ragtime grows in popularity. First subway in the U.S. created in Boston.

William McKinney is elected President. 1898 The U.S. goes to war with Spain. 1899 Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag is published and sells over 100,000 copies.

Duke Ellington is born. Felix Hoffman patents Aspirin.

Spanish rule ends in Cuba.