29 fun facts for January, 26

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< January, 25
January, 27 >>
Summary
January 26th is a significant day with diverse events and celebrations taking place worldwide, including Australia Day, India's Republic Day, and Ellen Ochoa's birthday. It's also marked by various important milestones, like John Logie Baird's first electronic television and the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond.
29 Fun facts
  1. Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th, commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788. The day is marked with community events, performances, and fireworks.
  2. India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26th, honoring the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The day is celebrated with a grand parade in New Delhi, showcasing India's military might and cultural diversity.
  3. In 1949, on January 26th, American television network "The DuMont Network" launched the first daytime variety show called "Inside Photoplay," marking a significant milestone in the history of television broadcasting.
  4. On January 26th, 1979, "The Dukes of Hazzard," a popular American TV show, premiered on CBS. The series, which ran for seven seasons, chronicled the adventures of two cousins in rural Georgia.
  5. January 26 is the birthday of famous American astronaut Ellen Ochoa, who was born in 1958. She served as the Director of the Johnson Space Center and was the first Hispanic-American woman to travel to space.
  6. In 1930, on January 26th, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird demonstrated the first electronic television to the public. His invention enabled the broadcast of moving images, paving the way for modern television technology.
  7. The popular tabletop role-playing game, "Dungeons & Dragons," was first published by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc., on January 26th, 1974. The game has since become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless books, movies, and video games.
  8. On January 26th, 1988, singer-songwriter "Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The musical has since become one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.
  9. January 26th, 1926, marks the founding of the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The exposition lasted for six months and featured many attractions, including an amusement park and various exhibits.
  10. In 1942, on January 26th, the first edition of Bing Crosby's "Kraft Music Hall" radio show aired. The broadcast ran until 1946, helping to establish Crosby as a household name in the United States.
  11. Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time, scored his 50th goal of the season on January 26th, 1982, in just his 39th game. This record-breaking achievement still stands today.
  12. The total solar eclipse occurred on January 26th, 2009, and was visible from Africa, Asia, and Australia. The event attracted thousands of tourists and sky-gazers from around the world.
  13. On January 26th, 1905, the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, was discovered in South Africa. The 3,106-carat gem was later cut into several smaller pieces, with the largest two now part of the British Crown Jewels.
  14. January 26th marks International Customs Day, which is celebrated to acknowledge the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining border security and facilitating international trade.
  15. Famous American comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was born on January 26th, 1958. Known for her wit and humor, she has been a prominent figure in television and film for the past three decades.
  16. On January 26th, 1998, US President Bill Clinton was the focus of a public scandal involving his affair with an intern, Monica Lewinsky. The event led to his impeachment, though he was later acquitted by the Senate.
  17. In 1980, on January 26th, "The Rose," a film starring Bette Midler, made its debut. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Midler an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
  18. January 26th is National Spouses Day in the United States, a day to celebrate and appreciate the supportive and loving partner in your life.
  19. On January 26th, 1961, the United States launched its first outer space chimpanzee, Ham, on a suborbital flight aboard a Mercury-Redstone 2 rocket. The successful mission provided valuable data for future manned space flights.
  20. In 1784, on January 26th, English engineer and inventor Benjamin Rumford was granted the first patent for an industrial steam engine. The invention revolutionized manufacturing and transportation in the industrial age.
  21. The film "The Godfather: Part II" won the Best Picture award at the 47th Academy Awards on January 26th, 1975. The film also earned director Francis Ford Coppola his second Oscar for Best Director.
  22. Famous American basketball player Vince Carter, known for his impressive athleticism and high-flying dunks, was born on January 26th, 1977.
  23. International Environmental Education Day is celebrated on January 26th to raise awareness about the importance of environmental education in preserving the planet for future generations.
  24. On January 26th, 1564, the Council of Trent issued "Benedictus Deus," a papal bull containing the definitive formulation of Roman Catholic dogma following the Protestant Reformation.
  25. The first Winter X Games, an annual extreme sports competition, took place from January 26th to 28th, 1997, in Big Bear Lake, California. The event has since become a major showcase for the world's best winter sports athletes.
  26. January 26th, 1980, marked the premiere of the hit musical "Brigadoon," which opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The production became a classic and has been revived many times since its debut.
  27. The first European settlers arrived in what is now the state of Delaware in the United States on January 26th, 1631. They established a colony named "Zwaanendael," which later became part of Delaware.
  28. In 1983, on January 26th, professional golfer Jack Nicklaus became the first golfer to achieve a lifetime total of $4 million in career earnings. He is widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history.
  29. January 26th was declared as National Peanut Brittle Day in the United States, celebrating the sweet and crunchy confection made from sugar, butter, and peanuts.

Browse all the fun facts per month