Origins & Early Life

Jackson Haines (1838–1875) was an American figure skater and roller skater who is regarded as the father of modern figure skating. Haines was a trained ballet dancer. When he was a young man, he performed in skating exhibitions and on the variety stages. At this time, figure skating was performed in the "British Style", which was rigid and formal, unlike what is performed today.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Haines's style was in complete contrast; he used his ballet background to create graceful programs, and introduced accompanying music, an innovation. He also screwed his figure skates directly onto his boots, which added stability and allowed him to do more athletic leaps and jumps. The common practice of the time was to strap the blades onto the boot, but direct attachments of skates based on the designs of the accomplished skater and author, "Captain" Robert Jones had been manufactured in London as early as 1772. Haines left the United States via Boston during the height of the American Civil War. He went to Europe and gave ice and roller skating exhibitions in over a dozen countries.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He performed before royalty and taught his style of skating, which later became known as the "International Style...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred Thayer Mahan — Contemporary (Born in 1840) (1840): Pioneering theorist of sea power, shaping global naval strategy for over a century.
• Auguste Rodin — Contemporary (Born in 1840) (1840): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Beau Brummell — Contemporary (Died in 1840) (1840): The quintessential English dandy who defined male fashion during the Regency era.
• 13th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Born in 1876) (1876): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Antonio López de Santa Anna — Contemporary (Died in 1876) (1876): Controversial Mexican general and politician, pivotal figure in 19th-century Mexican history.
• Constantin Brâncuși — Contemporary (Born in 1876) (1876): Pioneer of modern sculpture, Brâncuși emphasized clean lines and elemental forms.
• Angelo Mariani (chemist) — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): French chemist and entrepreneur, famous for inventing Vin Mariani, the first coca wine.
• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): Pioneering Bengali novelist, poet, and journalist, celebrated as the 'Emperor of Literature'.
• Albert Schweitzer — Historical peer (Born in 1875) (1875): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'
• Aleister Crowley — Historical peer (Born in 1875) (1875): Founder of Thelema, a major occultist, poet, and ceremonial magician.
• 1840 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1840
• 1876 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1876