On January 15th throughout history, significant events have shaped the course of nations and cultures. This date has witnessed a wide range of pivotal moments, from diplomatic treaties and literary milestones to technological innovations and cultural achievements. January 15th stands as a day marked by a diverse tapestry of historical events that have left a lasting impact on the world. Here is list of Major Historical Events of January 15.
Major Historical Events on January 15 – Today in History
1552: France Signs Secret Treaty with German Protestants
France signed a secret treaty with German Protestants, highlighting diplomatic efforts during a pivotal period in European history.
1600: Pierre Chauvin’s Fur Trade Commission
French King Henri IV granted military captain Pierre Chauvin de Tonnetuit a ten-year commission for the fur trade in New France, which led to the establishment of the ill-fated Tadoussac colony.
1759: British Museum Opens in London
The British Museum opened its doors at Montague House in London, becoming a renowned institution for art, history, and culture.
1759: Voltaire’s “Candide” Satire Published Anonymously
Voltaire’s satirical masterpiece “Candide” gained worldwide notoriety when published anonymously in multiple editions across different countries.
1784: The Asiatic Society Founded in Calcutta
The founding of the Asiatic Society in Calcutta by William Jones marked a significant step in the study and promotion of Asian culture and knowledge.
1797: John Etherington Wears First Top Hat
John Etherington of London became the first to wear a top hat, a fashion trend that would endure for generations.
1831: First US Railroad Honeymoon Trip
The inaugural US railroad honeymoon trip, undertaken by Mr. & Mrs. Pierson in Charleston, South Carolina, marked an early milestone in American railway history.
1831: First US-Built Locomotive for Passenger Train
The first US-built locomotive designed to pull passenger trains made its historic debut, revolutionizing transportation.
1846: Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “Poor Folk” Published
Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s first novel, “Poor Folk,” was published in the St Petersburg Collection almanac, marking the beginning of his illustrious literary career.
1847: First Swedish Magazine in US
The first Swedish magazine in the United States, “Skandinavia,” was published in New York City, serving as a cultural bridge for Swedish immigrants.
1857: First First-Class Game in Sydney
Sydney saw its first-class cricket game at The Domain, setting the stage for a long history of cricket in Australia.
1863: First US Newspaper on Wood-Pulp Paper
The Boston Morning Journal became the first US newspaper to be printed on wood-pulp paper, revolutionizing the newspaper industry.
1870: Donkey Becomes Symbol of Democratic Party
The donkey was first used as a symbol of the Democratic Party, gaining recognition through its depiction in Harper’s Weekly.
1876: “Die Afrikaanse Patriot” Newspaper Published
“Die Afrikaanse Patriot” was the inaugural Afrikaans newspaper, published in Paarl, South Africa, contributing to the development of the Afrikaans language and culture.
1882: Jules Crevaux Discovers Inca City in Argentina
French explorer Jules Nicholas Crevaux achieved the historic feat of being the first European to discover an Inca City near Sarta, north-west Argentina.
1886: Weekly Herald, First Newspaper in Vancouver
Vancouver, BC, witnessed the publication of its first newspaper, the Weekly Herald, marking an important step in the region’s communication and information dissemination.
1892: Basketball Rules Published in Triangle Magazine
Basketball rules were first published in Triangle Magazine by James Naismith, laying the foundation for the modern game of basketball.
1902: Abdulaziz Ibn Saud Takes Riyadh
Abdulaziz Ibn Saud led a group of 40 men to capture Riyadh, marking the beginning of the Third Saudi State and his eventual rule over Saudi Arabia.
1911: First Airplane Bombing Experiments in San Francisco
San Francisco witnessed the first airplane bombing experiments with explosives, a pivotal moment in the development of military aviation.
1919: Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht Murdered
Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, prominent socialists in Germany, were tortured and murdered by the Freikorps, marking a tragic chapter in the country’s political history.
1934: John Dillinger Survives Bank Robbery
John Dillinger survived a shootout with Officer William O’Malley while robbing the First National Bank in East Chicago, Indianapolis, thanks to a bulletproof vest, adding to his notorious criminal reputation.
1936: First All-Glass Windowless Structure in US
Toledo, Ohio, saw the completion of the first all-glass windowless structure in the United States, showcasing advancements in architectural design.
1935: Clifford Odets’ “Waiting for Lefty” Premieres
Clifford Odets’ debut play, “Waiting for Lefty,” premiered in New York City, reflecting the social and political themes of the Great Depression era.
1939: First NFL All-Star Game in Chicago
The inaugural NFL All-Star Game took place at Wrigley Field in Chicago, where the New York Giants defeated the All America All-Stars.
1943: First Transport of Jews to Concentration Camp Vught
The first transport of Jews from Amsterdam to the Vught concentration camp marked a tragic episode during World War II.
1943: Pentagon Completed as World’s Largest Office Building
The Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, was completed to serve as the headquarters for the United States military.
1953: East Germany’s First Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrested
East Germany’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Dertingen, was arrested on espionage charges, triggering a purge of senior officials accused of spying and plotting against the state.
1972: Joe Frazier Retains Heavyweight Boxing Titles
World heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier successfully defended his titles by defeating Terry Daniels in four rounds in New Orleans.
1977: Festac ’77 Begins in Lagos, Nigeria
Festac ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, began in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating African and Black cultural heritage.
1984: Schonbrun Skates World Record 5 km
Schonbrun set a world record by skating 5 km in 7 minutes and 39.44 seconds, showcasing remarkable speed and skill.
1990: Detroit Tigers Sign Cecil Fielder
The Detroit Tigers made a strategic move by signing first baseman Cecil Fielder, who went on to become a premier power hitter in Major League Baseball.
1991: Australia Institutes Its Own Victoria Cross
Queen Elizabeth II signed letters patent allowing Australia to institute its own Victoria Cross, becoming the first Commonwealth realm to do so.
1994: Hague Motorist Sets Dutch Alcohol Record
A motorist in The Hague, Netherlands, registered a blood alcohol level of .51%, breaking the Dutch record, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving.
1998: Ian Thorpe Becomes Youngest World Swimming Champion
Australian schoolboy Ian Thorpe achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest male to win a world swimming championship when he triumphed in the 400m freestyle in Perth.
2001: Wikipedia Launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger
Wikipedia, a groundbreaking free content encyclopedia, was launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, transforming the way information is shared and accessed.
2009: “Miracle on the Hudson” – US Airways Flight 1549 Landing
Chesley Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in what became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” with all passengers and crew surviving.
2018: Violent Protests in Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, Tunisia, witnessed violent protests against the government, marking the seventh anniversary of the revolution that brought about significant political changes.
2019: A Boogie wit da Hoodie Tops US Album Chart
American rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie topped the US album chart with “Hoodie SZN,” even with a record-low 823 copies sold in digital sales, reflecting changing music consumption trends.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 14 – Today in History
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