On this day: January 29
1777 – American Revolutionary War
On this day in 1777, the American Revolutionary War saw the Battle of Crooked Billet take place in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. The battle was a skirmish between American forces under Brigadier General John Lacey and British forces under Major John Graves Simcoe. Despite being outnumbered, the British forces were able to defeat the Americans, marking a minor victory for the British during the war.
1845 – The Raven Published
One of the most famous poems in American literature, “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, was first published on January 29, 1845. The poem tells the story of a man who is visited by a mysterious raven that only says the word “nevermore.” The poem has since become a classic and is often cited as one of Poe’s best works.
1861 – Kansas Admitted to the Union
On January 29, 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th state. The admission of Kansas was significant as it was a free state, meaning it did not allow slavery. This further intensified the tensions between the North and South leading up to the Civil War.
1919 – Prohibition in the United States
On this day in 1919, the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially enacting Prohibition in the country. Prohibition banned the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol, leading to the rise of speakeasies and organized crime. The amendment was later repealed in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment.
1963 – The Beatles’ First No. 1 Hit
On January 29, 1963, The Beatles scored their first No. 1 hit in the United States with the song “Please Please Me.” The song was a major success for the band and helped launch their career to international fame. The Beatles would go on to become one of the most influential and successful bands in music history.
1986 – Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
Tragically, on January 29, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven crew members on board. The disaster was a major blow to NASA and the space program, leading to a reevaluation of safety protocols and procedures. The Challenger disaster remains one of the most devastating incidents in the history of space exploration.
2002 – George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address
On this day in 2002, President George W. Bush delivered his first State of the Union address following the September 11th terrorist attacks. In his speech, Bush outlined his administration’s priorities for the coming year, including the War on Terror and the fight against global terrorism. The address was a pivotal moment in American history and set the tone for the Bush administration’s policies in the years to come.
2010 – Haiti Earthquake
On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0, was one of the deadliest in recorded history, with estimates of over 200,000 people killed. The international community rallied to provide aid and support to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the disaster, but the country continues to struggle with the effects of the earthquake to this day.
