Naismith Publishes Rules of Basketball
On January 15, 1892, Dr. James Naismith published the rules for a sport he’d invented – basketball. It quickly caught on, with the first professional league forming in 1898.
This Day in History
Aloha from Hawaii
On January 14, 1973, Elvis performed the first live worldwide broadcast concert – Aloha from Hawaii.
Johnny Cash Performs at Folsom Prison
On January 13, 1968, Johnny Cash put on a concert at Folsom Prison. The live album recorded at the prison that day revitalized his career.
Operation Chopper
On January 12, 1962, American forces participated in their first major combat of the Vietnam War – Operation Chopper.
Another Notable Earhart Flight
On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California. She completed the 2,400-mile flight in 18 hours.
Farewell to Buffalo Bill
On January 10, 1917, famed scout and showman “Buffalo” Bill Cody died. With exaggerated tales of his exploits selling dime novels, Cody became a folk hero during his lifetime.
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.
The Battle of New Orleans Begins
On January 8, 1815, future president Andrew Jackson began the Battle of New Orleans, two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. It was the last major battle of the war – and the most one-sided.
Birth of President Millard Fillmore
America’s 13th president, Millard Fillmore, was born on January 7, 1800, in Moravia, New York. He was the second US vice president to take the nation’s highest office as the result of the president’s death. While he struggled on the domestic front, he helped open relations with Japan.