January 11th has witnessed a myriad of significant historical events that have left an indelible mark on our world. From pivotal moments in politics and science to cultural milestones, this date has seen it all. Join us as we delve into the annals of history and explore the Major Historical Events on January 11 throughout the years.
Major Historical Events on January 11 – Today in History
1378: Plough Monday in Durham, England
Earliest record of Plough Monday, marking the return to agricultural work after Epiphany, a tradition that celebrated the start of the farming season in Durham, England.
1569: First English Lottery
England’s first recorded lottery took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. It offered a £5,000 grand prize along with silver, tapestries, and high-quality linen as other prizes.
1571: Emperor Maximilian II’s Edict
Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II granted Austrian nobility the freedom to choose their religion, promoting religious tolerance and diversity among the Austrian nobility.
1693: Powerful Italian Earthquake
A devastating earthquake, the most potent in Italian recorded history, struck Sicily and Southern Italy. With an estimated magnitude of 7.4, it triggered tsunamis and caused extensive destruction.
1759: First American Life Insurance
The first American life insurance company was incorporated in Philadelphia, marking a milestone in the development of financial and insurance industries in the United States.
1774: Charles Messier’s Catalog
French astronomer Charles Messier added the spiral galaxy M51 to his astronomical catalog. This marked a significant contribution to the study of celestial objects.
1775: Francis Salvador’s Election
Francis Salvador became the first Jewish person elected to office in America, representing South Carolina. His election was a historic moment for Jewish-American participation in politics.
1787: Discovery of Uranus’ Moons
William Herschel’s discovery of Uranus’ moons, Titania and Oberon, expanded our understanding of the solar system and added to the body of knowledge about distant celestial bodies.
1794: U.S. Marshal Forsyth’s Death
U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth was killed in Augusta, Georgia, while attempting to serve court papers. He became the first U.S. marshal to lose his life in the line of duty.
1838: Telegraph Demo in New Jersey
Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail conducted the first public demonstration of their telegraph system using dots and dashes at Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, New Jersey, marking a pivotal moment in communication technology.
1839: Martinique Earthquake
An earthquake in Martinique caused the destruction of half of Port Royal and resulted in the tragic loss of 700 lives, illustrating the devastating power of natural disasters.
1863: Union Capture of Arkansas Post
Union forces successfully captured Arkansas Post, also known as Fort Hindman, during the American Civil War, further advancing their campaign in the Western Theater.
1873: First Livestock Market Newspaper
The “Drover’s Journal” was published in Chicago, marking the inception of the first newspaper dedicated to livestock markets. It played a crucial role in facilitating livestock trading and information exchange.
1879: Start of Anglo-Zulu War
The Anglo-Zulu War began when British Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford invaded Zululand in South Africa. This conflict had significant historical implications for the region and its indigenous people.
1892: Hawaiian Historical Society
The Hawaiian Historical Society was established, focusing on the preservation and study of Hawaii’s rich history and culture. It continues to contribute to the understanding of the Hawaiian Islands’ heritage.
1897: First Female State Senator
Martha Hughes Cannon became the first woman to serve as a state senator in the United States, representing Utah. Her election marked a milestone in women’s political participation.
1915: New York Yankees Purchase
Jacob Ruppert and Colonel Tillinghast Huston purchased the New York Yankees baseball team for $460,000. This investment laid the foundation for one of the most iconic franchises in sports history.
1922: Insulin’s First Use
Frederick Banting injected 14-year-old Leonard Thompson with insulin, marking the first successful use of this life-saving hormone to treat diabetes. This breakthrough revolutionized diabetes management.
1938: First Female Bank President
Frances Moulton was elected the first female president of a U.S. national bank, breaking gender barriers in the financial industry and contributing to women’s advancement in banking.
1949: Snowfall in Los Angeles
Los Angeles experienced its first recorded snowfall, an unusual weather event that captured public attention and highlighted the city’s climatic diversity.
1964: Surgeon General’s Smoking Warning
US Surgeon General Luther Terry issued the first government report warning about the hazards of smoking. This landmark publication marked the beginning of public awareness campaigns against smoking.
1970: Sinn Féin Split
The Irish republican political party Sinn Féin split into factions, one in favor of abstentionism (not taking seats in parliaments) and another against it, reflecting ideological divisions within the movement.
1983: NHL Record by Pat Hughes
Pat Hughes of the Edmonton Oilers set an NHL record by scoring two shorthanded goals only 25 seconds apart in a game against St. Louis. This achievement broke a record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.
1986: Douglas Wilder’s Swearing-In
Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the first African American Lieutenant Governor since the Reconstruction era. His inauguration marked a significant milestone in American politics and civil rights history.
1994: End of IRA Broadcasting Ban
The Irish government announced the end of a 20-year broadcasting ban on the Irish Republican Army (IRA), signaling a shift in the country’s approach to addressing political and security issues.
1998: Michelle Kwan’s Figure Skating Win
Michelle Kwan won the US Ladies Figure Skating Championship, showcasing her exceptional talent and becoming a prominent figure in the world of figure skating.
2007: J.K. Rowling Completes Harry Potter
Author J.K. Rowling finished writing the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series, a cultural phenomenon loved by millions worldwide. She completed it in room 552 of the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
2016: FIFA Ballon d’Or Awards
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi won his record fifth FIFA Ballon d’Or award with 41.33% of the votes, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. American midfielder Carli Lloyd was named Women’s World Player of the Year.
2018: Beihang University #MeToo Incident
In China’s first significant #MeToo moment, Beihang University in Beijing dismissed a professor for sexual misconduct, highlighting growing awareness and action against sexual harassment in academia.
2021: Trump’s Impeachment Article
US House Democrats introduced one article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, charging him with “incitement of insurrection” for his role in encouraging his supporters to riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
2022: WHO’s COVID-19 Warning
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning that more than half of Europe could be at risk of contracting COVID-19 within weeks, cautioning against a “west-to-east tidal wave” of the virus, emphasizing the ongoing global health crisis.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 9 – Today in History
