timeline

1600-1899

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Timeline

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.   
1865   Slavery is abolished in the US by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution.  
1892 Pianist Tommy Turpin writes Harlem Rag, the first known ragtime composition.   
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 Supreme Court. Radio technology is introduced.  
1897 The first piano rags appear in print. Ragtime grows in popularity.   
1898   The US goes to war with Spain. 
1899 Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag is published and sells over 100,000 copies.   
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