What Happened on January 1?
All
events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON JANUARY 1
Explore the most important historical events that happened on January 1, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Queen Victoria
Year:
1877
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom is proclaimed Empress of India.
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American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect in Confederate territory.
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Sandford Fleming
Year:
1885
Twenty-five nations adopt Sandford Fleming's proposal for standard time (and also, time zones).
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Eritrea
Year:
1890
Eritrea is consolidated into a colony by the Italian government.
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Ellis Island
Year:
1892
Ellis Island begins processing immigrants into the United States.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Poland
Year:
1860
The first Polish postage stamp is issued, replacing the Russian stamps previously in use.
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UPMC Mercy
Year:
1847
The world's first "Mercy" Hospital is founded in Pittsburgh, United States, by a group of Sisters of Mercy from Ireland; the name will go on to grace over 30 major hospitals throughout the world.
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Lachlan Macquarie
Year:
1810
Major-General Lachlan Macquarie officially becomes Governor of New South Wales.
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BIRTHS ON JANUARY 1
Discover famous people and historical figures born on January 1, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Shannon Bolin
Year of birth:
1917
Shannon Bolin, American actress and singer (died 2016)
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Willy den Ouden
Year of birth:
1918
Willy den Ouden, Dutch swimmer (died 1997)
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Noor Inayat Khan
Year of birth:
1914
Noor Inayat Khan, British SOE agent (died 1944)
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Kim Philby
Year of birth:
1912
Kim Philby, British spy (died 1988)
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Hank Greenberg
Year of birth:
1911
Hank Greenberg, American baseball player (died 1986)
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Basil Dearden
Year of birth:
1911
Basil Dearden, English director, producer, and screenwriter (died 1971)
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Patrick Anthony Porteous
Year of birth:
1918
Patrick Anthony Porteous, Scottish colonel, Victoria Cross recipient (died 2000)
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J. D. Salinger
Year of birth:
1919
J. D. Salinger, American soldier and author (died 2010)
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DEATHS ON JANUARY 1
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on January 1, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Duff Cooper
Year of death:
1954
Duff Cooper, English politician and diplomat, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (born 1890)
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Hank Williams
Year of death:
1953
Hank Williams, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (born 1923)
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Arthur C. Parker
Year of death:
1955
Arthur C. Parker, American archaeologist and historian (born 1881)
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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
Year of death:
1955
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, Indian colloid chemist, academic, and scientific administrator (born 1894)
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Margaret Sullavan
Year of death:
1960
Margaret Sullavan, American actress (born 1909)
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Edward Weston
Year of death:
1958
Edward Weston, American photographer (born 1886)
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Edwin Lutyens
Year of death:
1944
Edwin Lutyens, English architect, designed the Castle Drogo and Thiepval Memorial (born 1869)
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Charles Turner (Australian cricketer)
Year of death:
1944
Charles Turner, Australian cricketer (born 1862)
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HOLIDAYS ON JANUARY 1
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on January 1 around the world.
Novy God
New Year's Day (Gregorian calendar) Novy God Day (Russia)
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Japanese New Year
New Year's Day (Gregorian calendar) Japanese New Year
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Polar bear plunge
Polar Bear Swim Day
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Public Domain Day
Public Domain Day (multiple countries)
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Triumph of the Revolution
Triumph of the Revolution (Cuba)
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Basil of Caesarea
Christian feast day: Basil the Great (Eastern Orthodox Church)
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Twelve Days of Christmas
The eighth of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Western Christianity)
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Fulgentius of Ruspe
Christian feast day: Fulgentius of Ruspe
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