🗓️ On This Day - January 11th

His name was Alexander Hamilton…

On this day in 1757, Alexander Hamilton was born in the British West Indies. He then went on to become the first secretary of the US Treasury. And, any musical fans out there know that he much later became immortalized by the hit Broadway show Hamilton - sing along, now!

The Grand Canyon became a national monument.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon to be a national monument on this day in 1908. It remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the states and one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world! It later became a National Park.

Insulin made a massive difference to millions.

Believe it or not, insulin was used for the very first time to treat diabetes on this day in 1922. It was used on Leonard Thompson, who was 14 years old at the time. It was used to treat his Type 1 diabetes. To this day, it helps millions of diabetes sufferers lead healthy lives.

Amelia Earhart took flight!

On January 11th, 1935, Amelia Earhart flew from Hawaii to the mainland US on a solo mission. She was the first person ever to do this! She went from Honolulu to Oakland, California, specifically.

Tobacco was a no-go.

Back in 1964, US Surgeon General Luther L. Terry finally announced that smoking cigarettes was dangerous and could lead to lung cancer. Although smoking is still popular today, it’s thanks to that announcement that more people are careful of cigarette smoke, and new laws were put into place to protect the public (such as the law prohibiting smoking in public buildings).

Open the Gateway!

One of the most recognizable sights in Queensland, Australia - the Gateway bridge - was opened on this day in 1986. Construction started in 1980, meaning it was a project that took up much of the decade.

National Arkansas Day

Whether you’re from Arkansas or are just a fan of the state, today is the day to celebrate it! On January 11th, the Natural State gets its time in the limelight.

It was the 25th state to join the Union. It gained its apt nickname from the fact that over half of the state is covered in forest. It is also home to the nation’s first national preserve, Hot Springs National Park.

National Step in a Puddle Day

Although every day should be a national step in a puddle and splash your friends day, officially, the day is reserved for January 11th!

So, whether it’s rained recently or you just have a bucket of water, put your boots on and go soak your friends - the calendar said you could!

National Milk Day

Since the first milk deliveries in glass bottles in the US took place on January 11th, 1878, it’s only right that this is national milk day! Grab some cereal or cookies and get your fill.