American Federation of Labor organized. . Dawes Severalty Act provides for 160 acres to be given to each Indian family, breaking up the system of communal land holdings. Nez Perce war. Interstate Commerce Act passed. Great Blizzard of 1888 paralyzes the east coast and causes 400 deaths.
Electrocution replaces hanging as the official method of capital punishment in New York State.
In Chicago, Jane Addams opens Hull House.