Today in History - January 5th


  • 1781 - Today in history, Richmond, VA was burned by Benedict Arnold. 
  • 1885 - The Long Island Railroad became the first to offer piggy-back service. 
  • 1900 - On this day in history, Irish leader John Edward Redmond called for a revolt against British rule. 
  • 1914 - The Ford Motor Company instituted the daily minimum wage of $5 and an eight-hour workday. 
  • 1925 - Today in history, Mrs. Nellie Taylor Ross was sworn in as the governor of Wyoming, becoming the first female Governor in the history of the USA.
  • 1930 - Mao Tse-tung penned "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire," on this day in history.
  • 1933 - Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began. 
  • 1940 - Today in history, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) got its very first show of FM radio. 
  • 1944 - The London "Daily Mail" was the first transatlantic news daily to be published. 
  • 1948 - On this day in history, Warner Brothers-Pathe showed the very first color newsreel.
  • 1961 - U.S. broke diplomatic relations with Cuba.
  • 1972 - Today in history, President Nixon ordered the expansion of the space-shuttle program.
  • 1982 - Arkansas judge ruled against mandatory teaching of creation.
  • 1993 - On this day in history, the state of Washington executed Westley Dodd. It was America's first legal hanging in decades.
  • 2011 - Prince William and Kate Middleton will be married by the Archbishop of Canterbury, according to official announcement.
  • 2012 - Today in history, President Barack Obama announced plans to cut defense spending in a greater proportion than most times in history.

SCIENCE, DISCOVERIES, PATENTS - Today in History, January 5th

  • 1892 - The first successful auroral photograph was printed and shown.
  • 1896 - Today in history, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered the type of radiation that became known as X-rays. 

MUSIC HISTORY - Today in History, January 5th

  • 1965 - The Supremes recorded "Stop! In the Name of Love."
  • 1978 - Today in history, The Sex Pistols' US concert debut took place. 
  • 1978 - Prince made his solo debut in Minneapolis, MN. 
  • 1975 - On this day in history, "The Wiz" opened on Broadway. 
  • 1984 - The Police announced a farewell concert in Australia.
  • 1998 - Today in history, Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident. 

SPORTS - Today in History, January 5th

  • 1920 - New York Yankees announced purchase of Babe Ruth.
  • 1996 - On this day in history, Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula declared his retirement.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS - January 5th

  • Walter 'Fritz' Mondale 1928 
  • Robert Duvall 1930 
  • Alvin Ailey 1931 
  • Diane Keaton 1946 
  • Marilyn Manson 1970