Today in History
Historical Events
A massive earthquake hits Gujarat, India. About 20,000 people died and over 160,000 people were injured.
In a TV statement, Bill Clinton denies having had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”. On August 17, 1998, Clinton admitted to having had an “improper physical relationship” with Monica Lewinsky.
India becomes a republic. The Constitution of India came into effect that day.
The world's largest diamond is found in South Africa. The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3106.75 carats (621.35 g or 1.37 lb) and has an estimated value of 2 billion USD.
The first Europeans settle in Australia. The first elements of the British “First Fleet” had arrived in Sydney Harbour on January 18.
Famous Births
Born on this day
Wayne Gretzky
1961
Canadian ice hockey player, coach
Ellen De
1958
GeneresAmerican comedian, actress, talk show host
Eddie Van Halen
1955
Dutch/American guitarist, songwriter, producer
Paul Newman
1925
American actor, director, race car driver, businessman, co-founded Newman's Own
Nicolae Ceaușescu
1918
Romanian politician, 11th President of Romania
Famous Deaths
Died on this day
José Ferrer
1992
Puerto Rican actor
Nelson Rockefeller
1979
American politician, 41st Vice President of the United States
Lucky Luciano
1962
Italian/American mobster
Khorloogiin Choibalsan
1952
Mongolian military officer, ruler
John Lomax
1948
American musicologist