Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe," is rescued after being marooned on an island for four years.
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What Happened in January?
Tragic deaths, ravaged cities, and great acts of heroism. Discover what happened this month in history and the defining moments that shaped the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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The Grafton Estate in Virginia is established by the colonial governor, Sir William Gooch.
Sir Isaac Newton, renowned mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, dies in London at the age of 84.
The Chinese Emperor Yongzheng bans Christian missions in China.
Johann Beringer, a German scholar, discovers the controversial "Lügensteine" or "lying stones," later revealed as a hoax.
The "Baltimore News-Letter," the first newspaper in the American colonies, is published.
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, opens in London.
James Oglethorpe and 130 English colonists arrive at Charleston, South Carolina, establishing the colony of Georgia.
The British East India Company captures the city of Madras in India from the French.
Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, French philosopher, publishes "The Spirit of the Laws."
The city of Milan surrenders to Austrian forces during the War of the Austrian Succession.
1743, January 23 - The French defeat the Austrians at the Battle of Campo Santo during the War of the Austrian Succession.
Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, arrives in France after his defeat in the Jacobite Rising.
The city of Prague surrenders to the Prussian army during the War of the Austrian Succession.
Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces defeat government troops at the Battle of Falkirk Muir in Scotland.
The Austrian army secures a victory against the French at the Battle of Bergen in the Netherlands.
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ends the War of the Austrian Succession, restoring territorial boundaries.
The publication of "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society" features Benjamin Franklin's account of his kite experiment to study electricity.
Sweden adopts the Gregorian calendar, moving from the Julian calendar.
The first hospital in the United States, the Pennsylvania Hospital, is founded in Philadelphia.