By Tim Lambert
1781 A private road is built to Blackpool
1801 The population of Blackpool is less than 500
1837 Victoria Terrace is built to Blackpool
1844 St Johns Market is built
1846 A branch railway is built
1851 The population of Blackpool is over 2,500. A Board of Health is formed.
1852 Blackpool gains gas light
1863 The North Pier is built
1864 Blackpool gains a piped water supply
1868 Central Pier is built
1872 Raikes Hall Garden opens
1876 Blackpool is given a Mayor and Corporation
1878 Winter Gardens opens
1881 The population of Blackpool is 14,000
1885 An electric tramway opens in Blackpool
1889 The first opera house is built
1891-94 Blackpool Tower is built
1893 South Pier opens
1900 Blackpool Town Hall is built
1901 The population of Blackpool is 47,000
1904 Grand Theatre is built
1911 Grundy Art Gallery is built
1912 Blackpool illuminations are first switched on
1923 The first Blackpool Carnival is held
1926 Stanley Park opens
1938 Blackpool Technical College opens
1972 Blackpool Zoo opens
1980 The Hounds Hill Centre opens
1986 The Sandcastle opens
1990 Blackpool Sea Life Centre opens