The English Parliament passes the American Revenue Act, which initiates the taxation of the American colonies.
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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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c. 1770, January 30
It is generally believed that 1770 was the year that rhubarb was introduced into the United States. and that first shipment of rhubarb was sent by Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin was at the time living in London and shipped a crate of rhubarb to Philadelphia to his friend, John Bartram, the preeminent botanist of his time. It was not for another 60 years that the root gained popularity in the US..
The Spanish mission San Gabriel Arcángel is founded in California, becoming one of the oldest Catholic missions.
The first traveler's cheques were issued by the London Credit Exchange Company on January 1, 1772, for use across Europe. The traveler checks did not become very popular until American Express developed a large-scale system much later.
Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense", his influential pamphlet, on January 10, 1776. His anonymous publication, advocated for complete American independence from Great Britain, transforming a colonial dispute into a revolutionary cause.
The pivotal publication, sold hundreds of thousands of copies, uniting diverse colonists and political factions behind the idea of a new and independent nation and providing the philosophical foundation for a democratic republic, advocating for a government of the people, not subjects. He wrote:....."Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph". More
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American forces led by George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, held the British at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek in Trenton on January 2, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War and went around them during the night to attack and defeat the British forces in Princeton on January 3, 1277 (Battle of Princeton)
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The Continental Army soldiers under the command of General George Washington defeats a force of British troops near Princeton, New Jersey. (Battle of Princeton).
The British suffer heavy losses in the Battle which was part of a larger campaign for the Continental Army to regain momentum following a string of defeats in the New York City area throughout the summer and fall of 1776.
Vermont declares independence from the British crown and from the Colony of New York. They called the territory New Connecticut but when they met in June to write a constitution, they changed the name to Vermont, loosely based on the French term for “green mountain,” or “montagne verte.”
On January 15, 1777, settlers in the disputed New Hampshire Grants territory, led by figures like Ethan Allen, declared independence from both the British Crown and New York, forming the independent Republic of Vermont (New Connecticut), asserting self-governance amidst the American Revolution, establishing their own government, and functioning as a de facto republic until joining the U.S. in 1791when it was admitted into the Union on March 4 1791, becoming the 14th State of the Union. More
English Captain James Cook, traveling aboard the 100-foot flagship HMS Resolution and its 90-foot companion HMS Discovery. sights O‘ahu on January 18, 1778, becoming the first Europeans to encounter and set foot on the Hawaiian Islands when they land two days later at Waimea on Kaua‘i.
After a short stay Capitan Cook went on to explore the west coast of North America, to continue his search for the Northwest Passage. A year later, he returned to Hawaii where he was killed by the Hawaiian natives at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779 after he attempted to kidnap Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the ruling chief (aliʻi nui) of the island and hold him in exchange for the return of a small stolen cutter. A fatal error that led to his death. Cook's arrival in Hawaii eventually led to large migrations of Europeans and Americans to the islands resulting a century later in 1893, in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii by pro-American elements. More
The first state constitution of Georgia is adopted.
American forces under Brigadier General, Daniel Morgan defeat the British at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina on January 17, 1781 during the American Revolutionary War.
The Continental Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, officially establishing the United States as an independent and sovereign nation. The treaty, signed in Paris on September 3, 1783, required Congress to return the ratified document to England within six months. More
French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries make the first aerial crossing of the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon on January 7, 1785. More
Georgia ratifies the Articles of Confederation becoming the fourth State of the Union.
Connecticut ratifies the Articles of Confederation becoming the fifth State.
The First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrives at Port Jackson, Australia, establishing the first European settlement; the British colony of New South Wales. The settlement was a penal colony, consisting of about 850 convicts and their Marine guards and officers.
The early years were increasingly difficult ones as the colony struggled to establish and be able to feed. By 1792, the first signs of stability were appearing but Governor Phillip, weakened by illness and the deprivations of those years, returned to England, leaving the colony in the hands of military Lieutenant-Governors. January 26 is now celebrated nationally as "Australia Day". Many Aboriginal Australians refer to it as "Invasion Day." More
The first U.S. presidential election is held, resulting in George Washington's unanimous election as the nation's first president.
George Washington delivers the first State of the Union Address on January 8, 1790, in the Senate Chamber of Federal Hall in New York City, establishing the tradition of the President providing an annual report to Congress on the nation's condition.
The first successful balloon flight in America takes place in Philadelphia on January 9, 1793, by French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard.
The 45-46 minute flight launched from Philadelphia's Walnut Street Prison yard in a hydrogen balloon, was witnessed by President George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe and many others. It landed in New Jersey, marking a significant moment in American aviation history. reaching altitudes over 5,800 feet, during which Blanchard conducted scientific experiments, including taking air samples and testing magnetic properties.Key Details of the Flight. Blanchard landed safely in Deptford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, where locals assisted him, recognizing him due to a letter of introduction from Washington.
The French National Convention declares King Louis XVI guilty of treason, leading to his execution.