Michigan Becomes 26th State
On January 26, 1837, President Andrew Jackson approved Michigan’s bid for statehood.
Government
First Official Transcontinental Telephone Call
On January 25, 1915, the first official transcontinental telephone call from New York to San Francisco was made. It was a revolutionary moment in communication, instantly linking callers on either side of the country.
Birth of Statesman John Hancock
John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was the longest-serving president of the Continental Congress, governor of Massachusetts, and famous signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Birth of Richard Nixon
America’s 37th president, Richard Milhous Nixon was born into a poor Quaker family in Yorba Linda, California, on January 9, 1913. Largely remembered for the Watergate scandal and his resignation, he was considered an effective leader by many prior to his fall from grace.
New Mexico Admitted as 47th State
On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state admitted to the Union.
Death of Calvin Coolidge
On January 5, 1933, America’s 30th President, Calvin Coolidge, died suddenly of a heart attack. He’d led the nation through the notable economic growth of the Roaring Twenties.
Founding of Columbia University
On January 4, 1754, King’s College (later Columbia University) was founded in New York. It’s the oldest university in New York and the fifth oldest in the US.
Alaska Becomes America’s 49th State
On January 3, 1959, Alaska was made a state. It was the first new state added to the Union in 46 years.
Betsy Ross Stamp
On January 2, 1952, the US Post Office Department issued a commemorative stamp honoring Betsy Ross, one day after her 200th birthday. The stamp pictures Ross presenting the flag to George Washington and the Flag Committee.