What Happened on January 23 in History?
January 23 marks several significant milestones in medical history, civil rights, and international relations.
Major Historical Events
Elizabeth Blackwell's Graduation (1849): Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, graduating from Geneva Medical College in New York.
Shaanxi Earthquake (1556): The deadliest earthquake in recorded history struck Shaanxi province, China, killing an estimated 830,000 people.
Deepest Ocean Descent (1960): Jacques Piccard and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the bathyscaphe Trieste, setting a world record depth of approximately 35,797 feet.
Vietnam War Peace Accord (1973): President Richard Nixon announced that an agreement had been reached to end the Vietnam War.
Ratification of the 24th Amendment (1964): The U.S. ratified the 24th Amendment, which prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections, a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement.
USS Pueblo Seizure (1968): The American intelligence ship USS Pueblo was attacked and seized by North Korean forces in the Sea of Japan; the crew was held captive for 11 months.
Music & Culture
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986): The first class of artists, including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and James Brown, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"Roots" Premiere (1977): The groundbreaking television miniseries Roots debuted on ABC, eventually becoming one of the most-watched events in U.S. TV history.
Frisbee Invention (1957): Inventor Walter Frederick Morrison sold the rights to his flying disc to the Wham-O toy company, which later renamed it the "Frisbee".
Famous Birthdays
John Hancock (1737): American statesman and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Édouard Manet (1832): Renowned French Impressionist painter.
Rutger Oelsen Hauer (1944): Dutch actor, with a career that spanned over 170 roles across nearly 50 years, beginning in 1969.
Mariska Hargitay (1964): American actress best known for her role in Law & Order: SVU.
Observances
National Handwriting Day: Observed annually in the U.S. on the birthday of John Hancock.
