What Happened on January 26?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON JANUARY 26
Explore the most important historical events that happened on January 26, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Diamond
Year:
1905
The world's largest diamond ever, the Cullinan, which weighs 3,106.75 carats (0.621350 kg), is found at the Premier Mine near Pretoria in South Africa.
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Muhammad Ahmad
Year:
1885
Troops loyal to The Mahdi conquer Khartoum, killing the Governor-General Charles George Gordon.
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Reconstruction era
Year:
1870
Reconstruction Era: Virginia is readmitted to the Union.
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Ambrose Burnside
Year:
1863
American Civil War: General Ambrose Burnside is relieved of command of the Army of the Potomac after the disastrous Fredericksburg campaign. He is replaced by Joseph Hooker.
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Year:
1915
The Rocky Mountain National Park is established by an act of the U.S. Congress.
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Finnish Civil War
Year:
1918
Finnish Civil War: A group of Red Guards hangs a red lantern atop the tower of Helsinki Workers' Hall to symbolically mark the start of the war.
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2021 Indian farmers' Republic Day protest
Year:
2021
Protesters and farmers storm the Red Fort near Delhi, clashing with police. One protester is killed and more than 80 police officers are injured.
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German–Polish declaration of non-aggression
Year:
1934
German–Polish declaration of non-aggression is signed.
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BIRTHS ON JANUARY 26
Discover famous people and historical figures born on January 26, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Charles Wade
Year of birth:
1863
Charles Wade, Australian politician, 17th Premier of New South Wales (died 1922)
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Joseph Saidu Momoh
Year of birth:
1937
Joseph Saidu Momoh, Sierra Leonean soldier and politician, 2nd President of Sierra Leone (died 2003)
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John Cady (golfer)
Year of birth:
1866
John Cady, American golfer (died 1933)
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Corrado Augias
Year of birth:
1935
Corrado Augias, Italian journalist and politician
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Louis Anquetin
Year of birth:
1861
Louis Anquetin, French painter (died 1932)
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Jack Warner (football executive)
Year of birth:
1943
Jack Warner, Trinidadian businessman and politician
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David Purley
Year of birth:
1945
David Purley, English race car driver (died 1985)
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Angela Davis
Year of birth:
1944
Angela Davis, American activist, academic, and author
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DEATHS ON JANUARY 26
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on January 26, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Nikolai Vavilov
Year of death:
1943
Nikolai Vavilov, Russian botanist and geneticist (born 1887)
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Harry H. Laughlin
Year of death:
1943
Harry H. Laughlin, American sociologist and eugenicist (born 1880)
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Adriaan van Maanen
Year of death:
1946
Adriaan van Maanen, Dutch-American astronomer and academic (born 1884)
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Grace Moore
Year of death:
1947
Grace Moore, American soprano and actress (born 1898)
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William Wrigley Jr.
Year of death:
1932
William Wrigley Jr., American businessman, founded the Wrigley Company (born 1861)
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Jeanne Hébuterne
Year of death:
1920
Jeanne Hébuterne, French painter and author (born 1898)
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Arthur Cayley
Year of death:
1895
Arthur Cayley, English mathematician and academic (born 1825)
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James Edwin Campbell (poet)
Year of death:
1896
James Edwin Campbell, American educator, school administrator, newspaper editor, poet, and essayist (born 1867)
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HOLIDAYS ON JANUARY 26
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on January 26 around the world.
Australia Day
Australia Day (Australia)
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Republic Day (India)
Republic Day (India)
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January 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: January 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Paula of Rome
Christian feast day: Saint Paula of Rome
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Gabriele Allegra
Christian feast day: Blessed Gabriele Allegra
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Alberic of Cîteaux
Christian feast day: Saint Alberic of Cîteaux
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