🗓️ On This Day - January 19th
January 19th is no ordinary date to just gloss over! A lot has happened on this fateful day throughout history - it’s an important landmark for computing, royal history, and for setting world records. If you’re celebrating an occasion today, here’s what you need to know about January 19th.
On this day
Henry V completed his conquest.
On January 19th, 1419, King Henry V of England finished reconquering Normandy thanks to the surrender of the northern French town of Rouen. The war continued until 1453, having started in 1337, hence the name “The Hundred Years War.”
Queen Victoria was paralyzed.
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was suddenly stricken with paralysis on this day back in 1901. She died three days later at the age of 81. To this day, she’s regarded as one of England’s most iconic regal figures.
Howard Hughes flew to victory!
Howard Hughes set a new world air record by flying from Los Angeles to New York City in only seven hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds. As long as that may seem, back in 1937, that was pretty impressive!
Lucy gave birth!
On January 19th, 1953, about 72% of the television sets in the United States were watching “I Love Lucy” - this was due to the fact that in this all-important episode, Lucy gave birth.
Introducing the next big Apple!
In 1983, Apple Computers announced the very first commercial, personal computer to have a graphical user interface and a computer mouse. It was called Apple Lisa and was the grandparent of the MacBook!
But computer viruses weren’t far behind…
On this day back in 1986, the first IBM PC computer virus was released into the world. It was created by the Farooq Alvi Brothers in Pakistan. It was reportedly created to deter unauthorized copying of their software. What a legacy to leave behind…!
The United Nations expanded.
In 1993, January 19th was the day the United Nations welcomed two new countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The organization now has 193 member countries!
Special Days Falling on January 19th
Here are some fantastic reasons to start celebrating January 19th in the years to come.
World Quark Day
If you’re a fan of superfoods, then you may benefit from knowing that January 19th is the day we celebrate quark internationally! It is a high-protein food that can be used in baking, blending, and general cooking. It is often used as an alternative to soft cheese or yogurt, so it works well in smoothies and all kinds of dips and sauces!
National Popcorn Day
Who doesn’t love filling up on popcorn at the movies? Well, today, you can absolutely fill yourself up on the stuff - fire up your favorite movies, pick out your favorite toppings (butter, salt, sugar, whatever tickles your fancy), and enjoy!
Good Memory Day
It’s sometimes easy to focus on stressful memories from the past. Good Memory Day, celebrated on January 19th, helps us all to reflect on those moments during our lives where we felt happiest - positive memory recall is an asset, and you’ll have plenty more great memories to come!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In January 1999, eleven European countries started using the new single European currency, the Euro. The Euro is still widely used across Europe, although certain members of the European Union never adopted the currency. The United Kingdom, for example, never used the Euro. However, since the UK eventually left the EU, they never needed to make the change and instead stuck with the UK pound sterling - will this prove to have been a wise decision? History will tell.
Famous Birthdays on January 19th
James Watt, Scottish inventor, born 1736
Janis Joplin, American singer, and songwriter, born 1943
Dolly Parton, American singer, and songwriter, born 1946
Katey Sagal, American actress, born 1954
Logan Lerman, American actor, born 1992
If you were born on January 19th
…you’re a Capricorn! You’re super patient, loyal, and everyone’s friend in a crisis. This can mean you over-work yourself sometimes, so take it from us – have a break occasionally!
While you do, make sure to read up on our Capricorn fact file – full of interesting factoids about your star sign, and why you should feel proud to be a goat!
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