From the halls of the Roman Empire to the digital frontier of cryptocurrency, January 3 is a day of radical shifts. Understanding what happened on this day in history January 3 reveals a timeline marked by George Washington’s tactical genius, the rise of the Meiji era, and the first-ever landing on the Moon’s far side.
Important Events That Happened On January 3 In History
69: The Rhine Legions Proclaim Vitellius Emperor
The Rhine legions sparked a massive crisis of leadership when they refused to swear fealty to Emperor Galba. In a move that shook the Roman Empire, they instead proclaimed their own legate, Aulus Vitellius, as the true emperor. This power grab paved the way for the chaotic “Year of the Four Emperors,” a period of civil war that tested the stability of Rome.
250: Emperor Decius Mandates Pagan Sacrifices
In an effort to unify the empire and appease the gods, Emperor Decius issued an edict requiring everyone except Jews to perform sacrifices to the Roman deities. Citizens were forced to obtain a certificate, or libellus, to prove their compliance. This order led to widespread persecution of Christians who refused to participate in what they viewed as idolatry.
1521: Pope Leo X Excommunicates Martin Luther
The rift in Western Christianity became permanent when Pope Leo X issued the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem. By excommunicating Martin Luther, the Catholic Church officially cast out the German monk whose “95 Theses” had challenged papal authority. This decisive act accelerated the Protestant Reformation, changing European history forever.
1653: The Coonan Cross Oath in India
A pivotal moment for the Saint Thomas Christians occurred in Mattancherry, India, as thousands gathered to protest Portuguese colonial interference. By leaning against a cross and taking a solemn oath, they effectively cut ties with the Portuguese Jesuits and the Latin Church. This defiant act preserved their Eastern ecclesiastical traditions against European dominance.
1749: The Birth of the New Hampshire Grants
Governor Benning Wentworth issued the very first of the New Hampshire Grants, a move that would eventually give rise to the state of Vermont. These land grants sparked a long-standing jurisdictional dispute between New Hampshire and New York. The tension over these territories fueled the independent spirit of the “Green Mountain Boys.”
1749: Denmark’s Oldest Newspaper is Founded
The media landscape in Denmark saw a historic beginning with the publication of the first issue of Berlingske. Now known as the oldest continually operating newspaper in the country, it has survived centuries of political and social change. Its longevity remains a testament to the enduring power of the printed word in Danish culture.
1777: Washington’s Triumph at the Battle of Princeton
General George Washington led American forces to a critical victory over the British in the freezing woods of New Jersey. This success at the Battle of Princeton followed his famous crossing of the Delaware and a win at Trenton, significantly boosting the morale of the Continental Army. It proved to the world that the American rebellion was far from over.
1815: A Secret Triple Alliance is Formed
In a clandestine diplomatic maneuver, Austria, the United Kingdom, and France formed a secret defensive alliance. Their target was the growing influence of Prussia and Russia, who were seeking to expand their borders following the Napoleonic Wars. This agreement aimed to maintain a delicate balance of power across a fractured European continent.
1833: Britain Reasserts Control Over the Falklands
The British naval ship Clio, commanded by Captain James Onslow, arrived at the Falkland Islands to re-establish British sovereignty. Onslow demanded the removal of the Argentine flag and the departure of their garrison, cementing British administration of the territory. This event remains a central point of contention in modern international relations between the two nations.
1848: Joseph Jenkins Roberts Becomes Liberia’s First President
Joseph Jenkins Roberts, an African American who had emigrated from Virginia, was sworn in as the first president of the Republic of Liberia. His inauguration marked the beginning of self-governance for the first modern republic in Africa. Roberts spent his term seeking international recognition and expanding the young nation’s borders.
1861: Delaware Rejects Secession
As the United States stood on the brink of the Civil War, the state of Delaware held a pivotal vote regarding its future. Despite being a slave state, Delaware’s legislature chose not to secede from the Union. This decision made it one of the “border states” that remained loyal to the federal government throughout the bloody conflict.
1868: The Dawn of the Meiji Restoration
Japan underwent a seismic political transformation with the official abolition of the Tokugawa shogunate. This Meiji Restoration saw power seized by agents of the Satsuma and Chōshū domains, who sought to modernize the nation under imperial rule. It ended centuries of feudal military governance and opened Japan to the global stage.
1870: Construction Begins on the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century commenced as workers began construction on the Brooklyn Bridge. Spanning the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn, the project faced immense technical and physical challenges. Over the next 13 years, it would become an iconic symbol of New York’s industrial ambition.
1871: The Battle of Bapaume
During the Franco-Prussian War, French forces under General Louis Faidherbe engaged the Prussian army in the Battle of Bapaume. Although the battle ended in a Prussian retreat, the French were unable to capitalize on the victory to break the Siege of Paris. It remains a notable example of the fierce resistance offered by the French during the conflict.
1885: The Battle of Núi Bop Begins
The Sino-French War intensified as French troops launched an offensive against Chinese forces at Núi Bop in northern Vietnam. The engagement was part of a broader struggle for control over the Tonkin region. The fierce fighting underscored the high stakes of colonial expansion in Southeast Asia during the late 19th century.
1911: The Almaty Earthquake Devastates Russian Turkestan
A massive magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the city of Almaty, causing near-total destruction of the urban center. The seismic event leveled buildings and claimed numerous lives in what was then part of Russian Turkestan. The tragedy forced a massive rebuilding effort and highlighted the region’s vulnerability to tectonic activity.
1911: The Siege of Sidney Street
A violent gun battle erupted in London’s East End between police and a group of Latvian anarchists. The event became a national sensation, particularly when then-Home Secretary Winston Churchill arrived on the scene to observe the military-style operation. The siege ended in a fire, leaving two of the suspected criminals dead and sparking a political debate.
1913: Record Low Pressure Hits the Atlantic Coast
An intense storm system moving along the Atlantic coast set a historic barometric pressure reading of 955.0 mb. This remains the lowest confirmed pressure for a non-tropical system in the continental United States. The extreme weather served as a reminder of the power of mid-latitude cyclones to rival the intensity of hurricanes.
1913: Greece Captures the Island of Chios
The First Balkan War saw a significant victory for the Greek Navy as it completed the capture of Chios. The last Ottoman forces on the island surrendered after weeks of resistance, ending centuries of Ottoman rule. This victory helped secure Greek control over the eastern Aegean and solidified their maritime dominance.
1920: The Puebla-Veracruz Earthquake
A destructive magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz, leading to catastrophic landslides. Over 640 people lost their lives as entire villages were buried under debris and mud. The disaster remains one of the deadliest seismic events in the history of the region.
1933: Minnie D. Craig Breaks the Glass Ceiling
In a landmark moment for American politics, Minnie D. Craig was elected as the Speaker of the North Dakota House of Representatives. She was the first woman in United States history to hold a Speaker position in any state legislature. Her leadership paved the way for future generations of women in public office.
1944: “Pappy” Boyington is Shot Down
Famed American flying ace Major Greg “Pappy” Boyington was shot down over the Pacific during a dogfight with Japanese planes. His Vought F4U Corsair was struck by Captain Masajiro Kawato, a skilled pilot flying a Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Boyington survived the crash and was held as a prisoner of war until the conflict ended.
1946: The Tragic Death of Jockey George Woolf
Legendary jockey George Woolf, famously known as “The Iceman,” suffered a severe concussion during a racing accident at Santa Anita Park. He tragically passed away from his injuries the following day, leaving the horse racing world in mourning. To honor his legacy, the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award was established to recognize excellence in the sport.
1947: Congress Goes Live on Television
For the first time in history, the proceedings of the U.S. Congress were broadcast to the American public via television. This technological milestone allowed citizens to witness the opening of the 80th Congress from their own living rooms. It marked the beginning of a new era of transparency and media involvement in federal government affairs.
1949: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is Established
The Philippines took a major step toward economic independence by establishing its own central bank. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas was created to manage the nation’s monetary policy and stabilize the newly independent country’s currency. It became the cornerstone of the Philippine financial system.
1953: A Historic Mother-Son Duo in Congress
The U.S. Congress saw a unique family milestone when Frances P. Bolton and her son, Oliver, were sworn in together. Representing districts in Ohio, they became the first mother and son to serve simultaneously in the House of Representatives. Their joint service remains a rare and notable footnote in American legislative history.
1956: Fire Damages the Eiffel Tower
A dramatic fire broke out at the very top of the Eiffel Tower, causing significant damage to the structure’s upper levels. The blaze was visible across Paris and required an intensive emergency response to prevent the iconic monument from suffering permanent structural failure. Thankfully, the tower was repaired and reopened to the public shortly after.
1957: Hamilton Introduces the First Electric Watch
The world of timekeeping was revolutionized when the Hamilton Watch Company unveiled the “Ventura,” the first electric watch. This innovation eliminated the need for a mainspring, using a battery to power the movement instead. Its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology made it an instant icon of mid-century modern style.
1958: Formation of the West Indies Federation
Ten island territories in the Caribbean came together to form the West Indies Federation, aimed at achieving independence from Britain as a single state. While the federation was short-lived and eventually dissolved in 1962, it represented a significant early effort toward Caribbean unity. Many of the participating islands later became independent nations on their own.
1959: Alaska Joins the Union
The United States officially expanded its borders as Alaska was admitted as the 49th state. Known for its vast wilderness and abundant natural resources, the “Last Frontier” brought a massive increase in land area to the country. The move concluded decades of effort by Alaskans to achieve full political representation and statehood.
1961: The US Severs Ties with Cuba
In a dramatic escalation of Cold War tensions, the United States officially broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba. This move followed a series of economic retaliations and the nationalization of American-owned properties by Fidel Castro’s government. The diplomatic freeze would last for over five decades, shaping the geopolitics of the Western Hemisphere.
1961: The SL-1 Nuclear Accident
A tragic steam explosion destroyed the SL-1 experimental nuclear reactor in Idaho, marking the first and only fatal reactor incident in U.S. history. Three operators were killed instantly when a fuel rod was improperly withdrawn, leading to a prompt critical state. The accident led to major changes in reactor design and safety protocols.
1961: The Angolan War of Independence Begins
Resistance against Portuguese colonial rule turned into an armed revolt in the Baixa de Cassanje region of Angola. Agricultural workers rose up against forced labor practices, sparking a conflict that would last for over a decade. This event is recognized as the opening chapter of the Angolan War of Independence.
1961: Aero Flight 311 Crash
A tragic aviation accident occurred in Finland when Aero Flight 311 crashed into a forest near Kvevlax. All 25 people on board were killed in what remains the deadliest civil aviation accident in Finnish history. Investigators later determined that pilot error and the consumption of alcohol were contributing factors to the disaster.
1962: Fidel Castro is Excommunicated
Pope John XXIII officially excommunicated Cuban leader Fidel Castro from the Catholic Church. The decree was based on a 1949 law that forbade Catholics from supporting communist governments. The move highlighted the deep ideological divide between the Church and the revolutionary movements sweeping through Latin America.
1976: UN Economic Covenant Comes into Force
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights became a legally binding treaty for its member states. Adopted by the UN General Assembly years earlier, it committed nations to protecting rights such as fair labor conditions, social security, and education. It remains a foundational document in international human rights law.
1977: Apple Computer is Officially Incorporated
Technology history was rewritten as Apple Computer was officially incorporated by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Moving from a humble garage into a formal corporate structure, the duo laid the foundation for a company that would redefine personal computing. Their early success with the Apple II set the stage for the global tech giant we know today.
1987: The Crash of Varig Flight 797
A Varig Boeing 707 crashed in a jungle near Akouré, Ivory Coast, shortly after taking off from Abidjan. The accident resulted in the deaths of 50 people on board, with only one passenger miraculously surviving. The crash was attributed to an engine failure that occurred during the flight’s initial climb.
1990: Manuel Noriega Surrenders
After spending days seeking refuge in the Apostolic Nunciature in Panama City, former leader Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces. His surrender marked the conclusion of Operation Just Cause, the American invasion of Panama. Noriega was subsequently flown to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.
1992: CommutAir Flight 4821 Accident
A Beechcraft 1900 operating as CommutAir Flight 4821 crashed during a landing approach in Saranac Lake, New York. The accident claimed the lives of two people on board while two others survived with injuries. Federal investigators pointed to pilot error and poor visibility as the primary causes of the crash.
1993: Signing of the START II Treaty
In a major step toward ending the nuclear arms race, President George H.W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the START II treaty in Moscow. The agreement aimed to ban the use of multiple-warhead intercontinental ballistic missiles. It represented a hopeful moment for international security in the post-Cold War era.
1994: Baikal Airlines Flight 130 Crash
A Russian domestic flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Irkutsk when an engine fire led to a total loss of control. The aircraft struck a dairy farm, killing all 124 people on board and one person on the ground. It remains one of the most tragic aviation disasters in the history of modern Russia.
1999: Launch of the Mars Polar Lander
NASA launched the Mars Polar Lander on a mission to study the climate and geology of the Martian south pole. The spacecraft was designed to search for water ice and provide insights into the planet’s atmospheric history. Unfortunately, communication was lost during the landing sequence, and the mission was declared a failure.
2002: Seizure of the Karine A
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Karine A, a Palestinian-owned freighter, in the Red Sea. Upon searching the vessel, they discovered 50 tons of advanced weaponry, including rockets and anti-tank missiles, allegedly destined for the Gaza Strip. The incident significantly heightened tensions during the Second Intifada.
2004: Flash Airlines Flight 604 Plunges into the Red Sea
Shortly after taking off from Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptian Boeing 737 crashed into the Red Sea, killing all 148 people on board. The majority of the passengers were French tourists returning home. It remains the deadliest accident involving a Boeing 737 Classic aircraft and a somber moment in aviation history.
2009: Bitcoin’s Genesis Block is Mined
A digital revolution began when the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto mined the very first block of the Bitcoin blockchain. Known as the “Genesis block,” it contained a coded message referencing bank bailouts, signaling the creator’s intent for a decentralized currency. This event birthed the entire cryptocurrency industry.
2015: The Baga Massacre in Nigeria
Boko Haram militants launched a devastating attack on the town of Baga and surrounding villages in northeast Nigeria. The group destroyed the entire town, resulting in a massacre with an estimated death toll reaching as high as 2,000 people. It was one of the deadliest and most brutal attacks in the history of the insurgency.
2016: Iran and Saudi Arabia Sever Ties
Diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia collapsed following the execution of prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi authorities. In response, Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, leading the Saudi government to cut all ties. The rift deepened the geopolitical and sectarian divide in the Middle East.
2018: Dutch Storm Surge Gates Close Simultaneously
For the first time in history, all five major storm surge barriers in the Netherlands were closed at the same time to protect the country from a massive storm. This unprecedented operation of the Delta Works system demonstrated the nation’s advanced flood defense capabilities. It was a historic moment for Dutch water management.
2019: Chang’e 4 Lands on the Moon’s Far Side
China’s space agency achieved a monumental “world first” when the Chang’e 4 spacecraft made a soft landing on the far side of the Moon. Since this region is never visible from Earth, the mission required a relay satellite to communicate. The deployment of the Yutu-2 rover marked a giant leap in lunar exploration.
2020: The Assassination of Qasem Soleimani
Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a targeted American drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. As the leader of the Quds Force, Soleimani was a central figure in Iran’s regional military strategy. The strike caused a massive international outcry and brought the U.S. and Iran to the brink of open conflict.
2023: Jurong Bird Park Closes Its Gates
After 52 years of operation, Singapore’s iconic Jurong Bird Park officially closed to the public. Known as one of the largest free-flight aviaries in the world, it was a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike. The park’s residents were moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility at Bird Paradise in Mandai.
2024: The Kerman Bombings in Iran
A tragic twin bombing struck Kerman, Iran, during a ceremony commemorating the fourth anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death. The explosions killed at least 91 people and injured hundreds more in a crowded area near his tomb. It was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Iran in decades.
Take A Look At January 2 Stories
Famous People Born On January 3
| Name | Field / Significance | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Manning | American football quarterback (NFL) | January 3, 1981 – |
| Gordon Moore | Intel co-founder, Moore’s Law | January 3, 1929 – March 24, 2023 |
| Ray Milland | Welsh-American actor, Oscar winner | January 3, 1907 – March 10, 1986 |
| Marion Davies | American film actress | January 3, 1897 – September 22, 1961 |
| Bobby Hull | Canadian ice hockey legend | January 3, 1939 – January 30, 2023 |
| Victor Borge | Comedian, pianist, entertainer | January 3, 1909 – December 23, 2000 |
| Sakamoto Ryōma | Japanese Meiji Restoration figure | January 3, 1836 – December 10, 1867 |
| Lucretia Mott | U.S. abolitionist & feminist leader | January 3, 1793 – November 11, 1880 |
| St. Damien of Molokai | Catholic saint, missionary | January 3, 1840 – April 15, 1889 |
| Grace Coolidge | First Lady of the United States | January 3, 1879 – July 8, 1957 |
| August Macke | German Expressionist painter | January 3, 1887 – September 26, 1914 |
| John Sturges | American film director | January 3, 1910 – August 18, 1992 |
| Élisa Bonaparte | Sister of Napoleon Bonaparte | January 3, 1777 – August 7, 1820 |
| Dorothy Arzner | Pioneer woman film director | January 3, 1897 – October 1, 1979 |
| Richard Karp | Computer scientist, Turing Award | January 3, 1935 – |
| Robert Whitehead | Inventor of the modern torpedo | January 3, 1823 – November 14, 1905 |
| Pierre Drieu La Rochelle | French writer & essayist | January 3, 1893 – March 16, 1945 |
| Carla Anderson Hills | American lawyer & diplomat | January 3, 1934 – |
| Zhang Huan | Chinese contemporary artist | January 3, 1965 – |
| Pietro Metastasio | Italian poet & opera librettist | January 3, 1698 – April 12, 1782 |
| Herbie Nichols | American jazz composer | January 3, 1919 – April 12, 1963 |
| László Sólyom | President of Hungary | January 3, 1942 – October 8, 2023 |
| Jack Levine | American social realist painter | January 3, 1915 – November 8, 2010 |
| Luís Carlos Prestes | Brazilian revolutionary leader | January 3, 1898 – March 7, 1990 |
| Henriette Sontag | German operatic soprano | January 3, 1806 – June 17, 1854 |
| Douglas William Jerrold | English playwright & journalist | January 3, 1803 – June 8, 1857 |
| Henry Handel Richardson | Australian novelist | January 3, 1870 – March 20, 1946 |
| Boris Kochno | Ballet librettist & writer | January 3, 1904 – December 8, 1990 |
| Sir Henry Alfred Lytton | British comic opera actor | January 3, 1865 – August 15, 1936 |
| Franz Cumont | Belgian archaeologist & historian | January 3, 1868 – August 25, 1947 |
Famous People Died On January 3
| Name | Field / Significance | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| William Joyce | Nazi propagandist (“Lord Haw-Haw”) | April 24, 1906 – January 3, 1946 |
| Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo | Explorer of California | – January 3, 1543? |
| Joseph-Jacques-Césaire Joffre | French WWI general | January 12, 1852 – January 3, 1931 |
| Josiah Wedgwood | English pottery pioneer | July 12, 1730 – January 3, 1795 |
| Dame Judith Anderson | Australian stage & film actress | February 10, 1898 – January 3, 1992 |
| Joy Adamson | Conservationist, Born Free | January 20, 1910 – January 3, 1980 |
| Philip V of France | King of France | c.1293 – January 3, 1322 |
| Jeremiah Horrocks | British astronomer | 1618 – January 3, 1641 |
| Keorapetse Kgositsile | South African poet | September 19, 1938 – January 3, 2018 |
| Mary Daly | Feminist theologian | October 16, 1928 – January 3, 2010 |
| Mary Garden | Operatic soprano | February 20, 1874 – January 3, 1967 |
| George Monck | English general, Restoration | December 6, 1608 – January 3, 1670 |
| St. Anterus | Early pope | – January 3, 236 |
| Jaroslav Hašek | Czech satirical writer | April 30, 1883 – January 3, 1923 |
| Victor Sjöström | Swedish film director | September 20, 1879 – January 3, 1960 |
| Monique Wittig | French feminist writer | 1935 – January 3, 2003 |
| Milton Avery | American modernist painter | March 7, 1893 – January 3, 1965 |
| Luca Giordano | Italian Baroque painter | October 18, 1634 – January 3, 1705 |
| William Harrison Ainsworth | English historical novelist | February 4, 1805 – January 3, 1882 |
| Grenville Mellen Dodge | American engineer & general | April 12, 1831 – January 3, 1916 |
| Baldassare Galuppi | Italian opera composer | October 18, 1706 – January 3, 1784 |
| ʿAlī Shīr Navāʾī | Turkic poet & scholar | 1441 – January 3, 1501 |
| Edwin Muir | Scottish poet & critic | May 15, 1887 – January 3, 1959 |
| Reginald Punnett | Geneticist (Punnett square) | June 20, 1875 – January 3, 1967 |
| Fujiwara Michinaga | Japanese regent | 966 – January 3, 1028 |
| Wilhelm Cuno | German chancellor | July 2, 1876 – January 3, 1933 |
| Walter Cunningham | Apollo 7 astronaut | March 16, 1932 – January 3, 2023 |
| Qassem Soleimani | Iranian military commander | March 11, 1957 – January 3, 2020 |
| Peter Naur | Computer scientist, Turing Award | October 25, 1928 – January 3, 2016 |
| Edward Brooke | First Black U.S. senator elected by popular vote | October 26, 1919 – January 3, 2015 |
Observances & Institutional Dates
- Tamaseseri Festival (Japan): A traditional festival at Hakozaki Shrine where participants compete for a wooden ball to ensure good fortune.
- Holy Name of Jesus (Christianity): A feast day dedicated to the naming of the infant Jesus.
- 10th Day of Christmas: Continuing the traditional Western Christian celebration leading up to Epiphany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which U.S. state was admitted on January 3?
Alaska became the 49th state of the Union on January 3, 1959.
When was Apple Computer incorporated?
Apple Computer was officially incorporated on January 3, 1977, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
What is the significance of the Bitcoin Genesis block?
Mined on January 3, 2009, it is the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, marking the start of decentralized cryptocurrency.
