January 1, 1863
The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect, freeing enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.
January 1, 1892
Ellis Island opens to process immigrants in New York Harbor.
January 1, 1934
Alcatraz Island, in San Francisco Bay, becomes a federal prison.
January 1, 1983
ARPANET officially switches to Internet Protocol, forming the foundation of the modern internet.
January 2, 1890
Alice Sanger becomes the first female White House staffer under President Harrison.
January 8, 1790
President Washington delivers the first State of the Union address.
January 8, 1815
The Battle of New Orleans concludes, solidifying American victory in the War of 1812.
January 8, 1935
Birth of Elvis Presley, “The King.”
January 11, 1935
Amelia Earhart’s flight from Hawaii to California.
January 19, 1955
President Dwight D. Eisenhower gives the first televised presidential news conference.
January 20, 1961
John F. Kennedy becomes the youngest person elected U.S. President.
January 24, 1945
First canned beer went on sale in Virginia.
January 31, 1950
President Truman announces the U.S. will develop a hydrogen bomb.
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