“Understanding the significance of January 12 in historical context requires a deep dive into the events that marked this day through the ages. From political upheavals that altered the course of nations to cultural milestones that defined eras, this article analyzes the Major Historical Events on January 12, exploring their impact and legacy.”
Major Historical Events on January 12 – Today in History
1552: Dutch West Coast Storm
In 1552, a devastating heavy storm struck the Dutch West Coast, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives.
1554: Bayinnaung Crowned King of Burma
In 1554, Bayinnaung was crowned King of Burma, embarking on a remarkable journey to assemble Southeast Asia’s largest empire through military conquest and diplomacy.
1773: First Public Museum in North America
The first public museum in the North American colonies was established in Charlestown, South Carolina.
1808: Organizational Meeting for Wernerian Natural History Society
The organizational meeting held in Edinburgh in 1808 led to the creation of the Wernerian Natural History Society, contributing to the advancement of natural sciences.
1812: First Cargo to New Orleans by Steam
In 1812, the first cargo arrived in New Orleans by steamship from Natchez, marking a significant development in transportation and trade.
1839: Anthracite Coal Used to Smelt Iron
Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, saw the first use of anthracite coal for smelting iron in 1839, revolutionizing the iron industry.
1872: Yohannes IV Crowned Emperor of Ethiopia
Yohannes IV’s coronation as Emperor of Ethiopia in Axum in 1872 marked the first imperial coronation in Axum in over two centuries, a momentous event in Ethiopian history.
1896: First X-ray Photo in US
Dr. Henry Smith in Davidson, NC, captured the first X-ray photo in the United States in 1896, pioneering the field of medical imaging.
1906: Dow Jones Closes Above 100
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 100 for the first time in 1906, a significant milestone in the history of the stock market.
1911: University of the Philippines College of Law Established
The University of the Philippines College of Law was formally established in 1911, with future Philippine presidents among its early enrollees, contributing to legal education in the country.
1932: Hattie W Caraway Elected 1st Woman Senator
In 1932, Hattie W. Caraway was elected as the first woman senator from Arkansas, a historic moment in American politics.
1942: US National War Labor Board Created
The U.S. National War Labor Board was created in 1942 to mediate labor disputes during World War II, ensuring labor stability in wartime industries.
1948: First Supermarket in the UK Opens
The UK witnessed the opening of its first supermarket, the Co-op, in East London’s Manor Park, in 1948, revolutionizing the way people shopped for groceries.
1948: Mahatma Gandhi Begins Final Fast
Mahatma Gandhi embarked on his final fast in 1948, advocating for peace and change in the midst of India’s struggle for independence.
1952: University of Tennessee Admits 1st Black Student
The University of Tennessee admitted its first black student, Gene Mitchell Gray, as a graduate student in chemistry in a significant step towards racial integration in education.
1958: Dolph Schayes Sets NBA Record
Syracuse Nationals player Dolph Schayes set an NBA record with an impressive 11,770 career points, leaving a lasting mark on professional basketball.
1962: Operation Chopper in Vietnam War
Operation Chopper marked America’s first combat mission in the Vietnam War, marking the beginning of a protracted and controversial conflict.
1967: Dr. James Bedford Cryonically Preserved
Dr. James Bedford became the first person to be cryonically preserved with the intent of future resuscitation, a pioneering moment in the field of cryonics.
1969: Led Zeppelin’s Debut Album Released
Atlantic Records released the eponymous debut album of Led Zeppelin in the United States, launching one of the most iconic rock bands in history.
1971: Bombs Explode at UK Employment Secretary’s Home
Two bombs exploded at the home of UK Employment Secretary Robert Carr, highlighting political tensions during that period.
1972: Abu Sayeed Chudhury Becomes President of Bangladesh
Abu Sayeed Chudhury became President of Bangladesh, while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assumed the role of Prime Minister, shaping the nation’s political landscape.
1974: “Joker” by Steve Miller Band Peaks at #1
“Joker” by the Steve Miller Band peaked at #1 on music charts, becoming a memorable hit in the world of music.
1988: Willie Stargell Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/first baseman Willie Stargell was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.
1991: Largest Crowd at Atlantic Coast Women’s Basketball Game
The largest crowd ever witnessed an Atlantic Coast Women’s Basketball game, with 11,520 spectators, highlighting the growing popularity of women’s sports.
1991: Melvin Stewart Sets World Record in 200m Butterfly
Melvin Stewart swam the world record in the 200m butterfly with a time of 1:55.69, showcasing excellence in swimming.
1992: Highest Scoring NCAA Basketball Game
The highest-scoring NCAA basketball game occurred as the Troy State Trojans defeated the DeVry Hoyas 258-149 in Troy, Alabama, setting a remarkable scoring record.
1992: Last Building in Gateway Area in Cleveland Demolished
The last building in the Gateway area in Cleveland was demolished, symbolizing urban redevelopment and transformation.
1997: Space Shuttle STS 81 Launches
Space Shuttle STS 81 (Atlantis 18) launched into space, contributing to advancements in space exploration and scientific research.
2004: RMS Queen Mary 2 Maiden Voyage
The RMS Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest ocean liner at the time, embarked on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in the history of ocean travel.
2006: Dead End in Iran Nuclear Program Negotiations
The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany declared an impasse in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, recommending referral to the United Nations Security Council.
2007: Comet McNaught Reaches Perihelion
Comet McNaught reached perihelion, becoming the brightest comet seen in over 40 years, captivating astronomers and stargazers worldwide.
2010: Earthquake Devastates Haiti
An earthquake of devastating magnitude struck Haiti, resulting in approximately 160,000 casualties and widespread destruction in the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
2014: Woody Allen Receives Cecil B. DeMille Award
Woody Allen received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for his lifetime achievements in filmmaking at the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
2017: Justin Thomas Shoots Sub-60 Round of 59
Justin Thomas, at the age of 23, achieved the remarkable feat of shooting a sub-60 round of 59 in the opening round of the Sony Open at Waialae CC in Hawaii, ultimately winning the tournament.
2017: Obama Awards Biden Presidential Medal of Freedom
In a surprise presentation, U.S. President Barack Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Vice President Joe Biden, honoring his exceptional contributions to American public service and leadership.
2019: Missy Elliott Inducted into Songwriter’s Hall of Fame
Missy Elliott made history as the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, acknowledging her influential role in shaping the world of hip-hop music and songwriting.
2023: Toadzilla Discovered in Australia
“Toadzilla,” a giant cane toad weighing 2.7kg and unofficially considered the world’s largest toad, was discovered in Conway National Park, Australia. However, due to its invasive nature, it was later euthanized, highlighting the challenges of dealing with invasive species in the region.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 11 – Today in History
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