“Have you ever wondered what makes January 10th special in the grand scheme of history? Well, you’re in for a treat! This isn’t just any other day; it’s a day that’s packed with some really cool, jaw-dropping moments from the past. We’re talking about big-time historical events – the kind that you’d definitely want to know about. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s take a casual stroll down memory lane. We promise, by the end of this article “Major Historical Events on January 10 – Today in History”, January 10th will be more than just another date on your calendar – it’ll be a day full of stories and surprises that you’ll remember!”
Major Historical Events on January 10 – Today in History
1430: Catholic Order of the Golden Fleece founded
The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in Bruges by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, to celebrate his prosperous reign. This chivalric order recognized nobility and loyalty, significantly influencing European politics and society.
1776: “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine
In 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense,” a pamphlet advocating American independence, a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
1801: William Henry Harrison appointed governor
William Henry Harrison was appointed as the first governor of the Indiana Territory, playing a pivotal role in the expansion and administration of the American frontier, and later becoming the 9th President of the United States.
1839: First Assam tea in UK
The first tea from indigenous plants of Assam, India, arrived in the United Kingdom, marking a significant shift in the global tea trade. This event helped establish Assam as a major tea-producing region.
1861: Forts taken by LA troops
Fort Jackson & Fort Philip were taken over by Louisiana state troops during the U.S. Civil War, marking a strategic point in the Confederate control over the Mississippi River and impacting the war’s naval operations.
1862: Battle of Big Sandy River
The Battle of Big Sandy River, KY (Middle Creek), occurred, a significant early engagement in the Eastern Kentucky offensive of the American Civil War, impacting the Confederate’s control in the region.
1863: 1st London underground
The world’s first underground railway opened in London, revolutionizing urban transportation. The Metropolitan Railway laid the groundwork for modern subway systems and transformed city life.
1870: Georgia legislature reconvenes
The Georgia legislature reconvened after a ruling that expelled elected African Americans had the right to hold office. This marked a significant moment in Reconstruction efforts and African American political representation.
1900: British generals in Cape Town
British generals Frederick Roberts and Herbert Kitchener reached Cape Town during the Second Boer War, marking a significant moment in British military campaigns and the broader conflict that impacted South African history.
1910: 1st international air meet
The first international air meet in the US was held in Los Angeles, signaling the growing interest and development in aviation technology and its potential for transportation and military use.
1911: 1st US aerial photo
The first photo in the US taken from an airplane occurred in San Diego, showcasing the new possibilities for aerial photography and reconnaissance, significantly impacting military strategy and journalism.
1912: World’s 1st flying boat
The world’s first flying boat made its maiden flight in New York, piloted by Glenn Curtiss. This innovation opened new avenues for aviation, combining marine and air travel.
1916: Pancho Villa’s retaliation
Pancho Villa’s revolutionary army retaliated against President Woodrow Wilson’s recognition of Mexico’s Carranza government by executing 16 American mining engineers, escalating tensions and international conflict.
1917: Suffragettes protest at White House
The “Silent Sentinels,” led by Alice Paul and the National Woman’s Party, began their historic protests outside The White House, advocating for women’s suffrage and marking a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights.
1930: New Zealand’s 1st Test cricket
New Zealand played its first game of Test cricket in Christchurch against England. English bowler Maurice Allom made history with a Test hat-trick, marking a memorable debut for New Zealand in international cricket.
1943: FDR leaves for Casablanca
Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first US President to visit a foreign country during wartime, traveling to Casablanca, Morocco. This marked a significant moment in WWII diplomacy and strategy.
1944: 1st mobile electric power plant
The first mobile electric power plant was delivered in Philadelphia. This technological innovation represented a significant advancement in providing flexible, on-demand power supply, especially in remote or war-affected areas.
1946: Radar signal off Moon
The US Army successfully bounced the first radar signal off the Moon from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, marking a significant achievement in radar technology and space communication research.
1951: 1st jet passenger trip
The first jet passenger trip was made, signifying a new era in fast and efficient air travel. This marked the beginning of the jet age, revolutionizing global transportation.
1958: Jerry Lee Lewis’ #1 hit
Jerry Lee Lewis’ hit song “Great Balls of Fire” reached #1 on the UK pop charts, showcasing the growing popularity of rock and roll and his influence on the music industry.
1964: Calcutta clashes
Calcutta witnessed violent clashes between Muslims and Hindus, reflecting the deep-seated religious and communal tensions in the region and impacting the social fabric of India.
1964: “Introducing the Beatles” released
“Introducing the Beatles” by Vee-Jay Records was released, marking the first Beatles album available in the US. This release played a crucial role in sparking Beatlemania across America.
1967: Edward W. Brooke in US Senate
Edward W. Brooke took his seat as the first popularly elected African American to the US Senate, representing a significant moment in American politics and the advancement of civil rights.
1970: Preview Center at Walt Disney World
The Preview Center at Walt Disney World, Florida, opened, marking the first building of the now-famous theme park and resort. It signaled the beginning of a new era in family entertainment.
1973: Open University graduates
Graduates studying remotely from ‘the Open University’ received their degrees for the first time, marking a significant advancement in distance learning and making higher education more accessible.
1985: Daniel Ortega inaugurated
Daniel Ortega was inaugurated as President of Nicaragua for the first time, marking a significant moment in the country’s political history and its relationship with the U.S. and other nations.
1990: China lifts martial law
China lifted martial law, which had been imposed after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, signaling a significant, though controversial, step towards normalizing the situation in the country.
1996: Israel frees Palestinian prisoners
Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a move seen as a gesture toward peace and reconciliation in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
1997: Comet 1997 A1 discovered
The first comet of 1997, Comet 1997 A1, was discovered, adding to the scientific understanding of comets and their trajectories through the solar system.
2001: Arctic Refuge not designated as monument
The White House announced that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would not be designated as a national monument, a decision influenced by the debate over environmental protection and energy exploration.
2011: FIFA Ballon d’Or awards
At the FIFA Ballon d’Or, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi won his 2nd consecutive award, and Brazilian forward Marta won her 5th consecutive women’s award, both showcasing their dominance in the sport.
2018: Jeff Bezos’ wealth exceeds $100 billion
Jeff Bezos’s net worth hit $106 billion due to a rise in Amazon’s share price, making him the second person worth over $100 billion, highlighting the immense wealth generated in the tech industry.
2022: Binance CEO’s net worth $96 billion
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao’s net worth reached $96 billion, making him one of the world’s richest billionaires, largely due to the surging value of cryptocurrency.
2022: Maya Angelou quarter coins
The US Mint issued quarter coins commemorating poet Maya Angelou, making her the first black woman to be depicted on the coin, celebrating her contributions to culture and civil rights.
2023: 80th Golden Globe Awards
The 80th Golden Globe Awards saw “The Fabelmans” win best drama, “The Banshees of Inisherin” best comedy/musical, “House of the Dragon” best TV drama, and “Abbott Elementary” best TV comedy, highlighting the year’s top entertainment.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 8 – Today in History
