William MILLER
1843 - The world does not end, contrary to the first prediction by American preacher William Miller. (March 21)
William Miller is perhaps the most famous false prophet in history. In the 1840s he began to preach about the world's end, saying Jesus Christ would return for the long-awaited Second Coming and that Earth would be engulfed in fire sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. He circulated his message in public gatherings and by using the technologies of the day — posters, printed newsletters and charts. Moved by those messages, as many as 100,000 "Millerites" sold their belongings between 1840 and 1844 and took to the mountains to wait for the end.
March 21, 1843
Learn more about the life of
William MILLER.Visit Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA (Coltsville)
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.