Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

Historical Events in 1763

  • Feb 10 Treaty of Paris ends French-Indian War, France surrenders Canada to Great Britain
  • Feb 12 John Casteret appointed British minister of foreign affairs
  • Feb 15 Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Seven Years' War
  • Feb 23 First major slave rebellion in South America begins, the Berbice uprising in Dutch colony of Bernice (modern Guyana) by slaves protesting conditions

John Wilkes Confined in Tower

Apr 30 Member of Parliament and journalist John Wilkes confined in the Tower of London, charged with seditious libel

Johnson Meets Boswell

May 16 Samuel Johnson 1st meets his future biographer James Boswell in London

  • Jun 2 Pontiac's Rebellion: At what is now Mackinaw City, Michigan, Chippewas capture Fort Michilimackinac by diverting the garrison's attention with a game of lacrosse, then chasing a ball into the fort
  • Aug 5 Pontiac's War: Battle of Bushy Run - British forces led by Henry Bouquet defeat Chief Pontiac's Indians at Bushy Run

Foundling Home

Sep 1 Catherine II of Russia endorses Ivan Betskoy's plans for a Foundling Home in Moscow

Proclamation of 1763

Oct 7 George III of Great Britain issues Proclamation of 1763, closing lands in North America north and west of Alleghenies to white settlement

  • Nov 15 Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon begin surveying Mason–Dixon line between Pennsylvania and Maryland
  • Nov 16 English journalist John Wilkes injured in a duel
  • Dec 2 Touro shul of Newport, Rhode Island dedicated (oldest existing US synagogue)