On this day: January 24

January 24, 1848: Gold is Discovered in California

On January 24, 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. This discovery would lead to the California Gold Rush, which brought thousands of people to the area in search of fortune. The Gold Rush had a significant impact on the development of California and the United States as a whole, leading to the growth of cities and industries in the region.

January 24, 1935: First Canned Beer Goes on Sale

On January 24, 1935, the first canned beer went on sale in Richmond, Virginia. The beer was produced by the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company and was an instant success, leading to the widespread adoption of canned beer by breweries around the world. Canned beer revolutionized the beer industry, making it more convenient for consumers to enjoy their favorite brews at home or on the go.

January 24, 1965: Winston Churchill Passes Away

Sir Winston Churchill, the British statesman who led the United Kingdom during World War II, passed away on January 24, 1965, at the age of 90. Churchill is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in British history, known for his inspiring speeches and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to this day.

January 24, 1984: Apple Introduces the Macintosh Computer

On January 24, 1984, Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh, a revolutionary personal computer that would change the way people interacted with technology. The Macintosh was the first mass-market computer to feature a graphical user interface and a mouse, making it more intuitive and user-friendly than other computers of the time. The Macintosh went on to become one of the most iconic and influential computers in history.

January 24, 2004: Opportunity Rover Lands on Mars

On January 24, 2004, NASA’s Opportunity rover successfully landed on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the surface of the red planet. The Opportunity rover was part of the Mars Exploration Rover mission, which aimed to study the geology and climate of Mars in search of evidence of past water activity. The rover operated for over 15 years, sending back valuable data and images of Mars before its mission came to an end in 2018.