1848Discovery
Gold discovered at Sutter's Mill
James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill, California, triggering Gold Rush.
Monday 12 October 2026
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Coincidence Engine
Two birth milestones share this date — John Hancock born (1737) and Richard Dean Anderson born (1950), 213 years apart.
1 / 3 coincidences found today • Auto-spins every 7s
From CurioVault
Today's curiosity
Before dinosaurs existed, dragonflies with 2-foot wings ruled the sky.
Read on CurioVault.co → Today's headlines
- Stolen Painting Found by TreeHall of Fame◆
- 1948YOUTH FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING GIRLThe New York Times◆
- 2017Two journalists covering inauguration protests face felony riot chargesThe Guardian◆
- 2016Tallulah review – Ellen Page and Allison Janney make magic in baby dramaThe Guardian◆
- 1789Bishop John Carroll purchased a plot of land that would become the home of the future Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the United States.Wikipedia◆
- 1570James Hamilton killed James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in the first recorded assassination of a head of government using a firearm.Wikipedia◆
- 1789Georgetown College, the first Catholic university in the United States, is founded in Georgetown, Maryland (now a part of Washington, D.C.) when Bishop John Carroll, Rev. Robert Molyneux, and Rev. John Ashton purchase land for the proposed academy for the education of youth.Wikipedia◆
- 2003A very weak signal from Pioneer 10 is detected for the last time, but no usable data can be extracted.Wikipedia◆
- 1920The Netherlands refuses to surrender the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to the Allies.Wikipedia◆
- 1849Elizabeth Blackwell (pictured) graduated from Geneva Medical College in New York, making her the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.Wikipedia◆
- 1899The Malolos Constitution is inaugurated, establishing the First Philippine Republic. Emilio Aguinaldo is sworn in as its first president.Wikipedia◆
- 1849Elizabeth Blackwell is awarded her M.D. by the Geneva Medical College of Geneva, New York, becoming the United States' first female doctor.Wikipedia◆
- 1656Blaise Pascal publishes the first of his Lettres provinciales.Wikipedia◆
- 971Using crossbows, Song dynasty troops soundly defeat a war elephant corps of the Southern Han at Shao.Wikipedia◆
- Stolen Painting Found by TreeHall of Fame◆
- 1948YOUTH FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING GIRLThe New York Times◆
- 2017Two journalists covering inauguration protests face felony riot chargesThe Guardian◆
- 2016Tallulah review – Ellen Page and Allison Janney make magic in baby dramaThe Guardian◆
- 1789Bishop John Carroll purchased a plot of land that would become the home of the future Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the United States.Wikipedia◆
- 1570James Hamilton killed James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in the first recorded assassination of a head of government using a firearm.Wikipedia◆
- 1789Georgetown College, the first Catholic university in the United States, is founded in Georgetown, Maryland (now a part of Washington, D.C.) when Bishop John Carroll, Rev. Robert Molyneux, and Rev. John Ashton purchase land for the proposed academy for the education of youth.Wikipedia◆
- 2003A very weak signal from Pioneer 10 is detected for the last time, but no usable data can be extracted.Wikipedia◆
- 1920The Netherlands refuses to surrender the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to the Allies.Wikipedia◆
- 1849Elizabeth Blackwell (pictured) graduated from Geneva Medical College in New York, making her the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.Wikipedia◆
- 1899The Malolos Constitution is inaugurated, establishing the First Philippine Republic. Emilio Aguinaldo is sworn in as its first president.Wikipedia◆
- 1849Elizabeth Blackwell is awarded her M.D. by the Geneva Medical College of Geneva, New York, becoming the United States' first female doctor.Wikipedia◆
- 1656Blaise Pascal publishes the first of his Lettres provinciales.Wikipedia◆
- 971Using crossbows, Song dynasty troops soundly defeat a war elephant corps of the Southern Han at Shao.Wikipedia◆
Birthday twins
You share your birthday with...
Mariska Hargitay1964- Richard Dean Anderson1950
- John Hancock1737
23 January in history
1 eventEvents, inventions, discoveries and releases. Looking for people or sport? See , and below.
We are adding more verified events for this date - more coming soon.
Showing 1 event
What happened on this day · Odd history for today
Vintage News — January 23
1789 Oddly trueBishop John Carroll purchased a plot of land that would become the home of the future Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the United States.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1570 First everJames Hamilton killed James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in the first recorded assassination of a head of government using a firearm.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1789 First everGeorgetown College, the first Catholic university in the United States, is founded in Georgetown, Maryland (now a part of Washington, D.C.) when Bishop John Carroll, Rev. Robert Molyneux, and Rev. John Ashton purchase land for the proposed academy for the education of youth.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
2003 Oddly trueA very weak signal from Pioneer 10 is detected for the last time, but no usable data can be extracted.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1920 WeirdThe Netherlands refuses to surrender the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to the Allies.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
From The Guardian Archives — On This Day
2017The GuardianTwo journalists covering inauguration protests face felony riot chargesEvan Engel and Alex Rubinstein, reporters on assignment for Vocativ and RT America, face up to 10 years in prison and…
Read on The Guardian →
2016The GuardianTallulah review – Ellen Page and Allison Janney make magic in baby dramaThe Juno pair reunite for a richly wrought story about two strangers from different backgrounds who come together ove…
Read on The Guardian →- 1948The New York TimesYOUTH FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING GIRL
A blue ribbon jury in Kings County Court found Samuel Tito Williams, 19 years old, guilty last night of first-degree…
Read on NYTimes.com →
Headlines via The Guardian Open Platform · Historic front pages via the NYT Archive API
Facts from Wikipedia On This Day API (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia. Thumbnails CC BY-SA. Headlines via The Guardian Open Platform and the NYT Archive API. Historic pages via Library of Congress Chronicling America. Curated by OddlyTrue.
Strange but true headlines of the day
OddlyTrue News Stand
From the archives
Classic headlineStolen Painting Found by Tree
Source: Classic headline (CJR 'Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim' collections)View clipping source
Did you guess the year?
Streak 0 days Best 0
When was “James Hamilton killed James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in the first recorded assassination of a head of government using a firearm.” happening? Slide to your guess.
1950
Weird history, same day
- ???? First ever
James Hamilton killed James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in the first recorded assassination of a head of government using a firearm.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 1789 First ever
Georgetown College, the first Catholic university in the United States, is founded in Georgetown, Maryland (now a part of Washington, D.C.) when Bishop John Carroll, Rev. Robert Molyneux, and Rev. John Ashton purchase land for the proposed academy for the education of youth.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2003 Oddly true
A very weak signal from Pioneer 10 is detected for the last time, but no usable data can be extracted.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hall of Fame headlines are manually verified clippings (source linked); nothing is scraped from Newspapers.com. Facts from Wikipedia On This Day API (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia. Clippings from the Library of Congress, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers site.
Pick another date or enter your birthday (day + month only)
Viewing 23 January — today is 12 October.
Born on this day
3
1737Birth
John Hancock born
American statesman John Hancock, famous for large signature on Declaration of Independence, was born.
1950Birth
Richard Dean Anderson born
Richard Dean Anderson was born. American actor.
1964Birth
Mariska Hargitay born
Mariska Hargitay was born. American actress.
Died on this day
17 in the archiveFive infamous ends — executed, assassinated or murdered — drawn at random from the archive. All infamous ends →
Suicide
2016Death
Prince dies
Prince, musician, died on this day in 2016. Fentanyl overdose. Remembered as: Innovative artist known for his eclectic work and flamboyant stage presence.
Assassinated
1980Death
John Lennon dies
John Lennon, musician, died on this day in 1980. Assassinated in New York City. Remembered as: Co-lead vocalist and founder of The Beatles.
Assassinated
1948Death
Death of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse.
Suicide
30 BCDeath
Cleopatra dies
Cleopatra, queen of the ptolemaic kingdom, died on this day in 30 BC. Suicide (historically debated, asp bite). Remembered as: The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
Accident
2012Death
Whitney Houston dies
Whitney Houston, singer and actress, died on this day in 2012. Accidental drowning. Remembered as: One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Famous birthdays
22 this weekToday · 23 January
- Mariska HargitayAmerican actress (born 1964)Born 1964 · 62 years ago today
- Richard Dean AndersonAmerican actor (born 1950)Born 1950 · 76 years ago today
- John HancockAmerican Founding Father (1737–1793)Born 1737 · 289 years ago today
Coming up this week
Mischa BartonBritish and American actress (born 1986)24 January · born 1986
Neil DiamondAmerican singer-songwriter (born 1941)24 January · born 1941
Edith WhartonAmerican writer and designer (1862–1937)24 January · born 1862
HadrianRoman emperor from 117 to 13824 January · born 76
Alicia KeysAmerican singer and songwriter (born 1981)25 January · born 1981
Mia KirshnerCanadian actress (born 1975)25 January · born 1975
Celebration23 January
National Pie Day
Sponsored by the American Pie Council to celebrate the classic baked dessert.
Music · No.1 on this day
What was topping the charts
The official No.1 singles and albums in the UK and the USA on this date, decade by decade.
2016 10 yrs ago
2006 20 yrs ago
1996 30 yrs ago
1986 40 yrs ago
1976 50 yrs ago
1966 60 yrs ago
1956 70 yrs ago
Sport on this day
0Finals, medals and records decided on 23 January.
No recorded sporting finals on this date yet.
Sporting almanac
Who was champion, 10, 25 and 50 years ago
World Cups, Olympics, Wimbledon, the Masters, Super Bowl and more — year by year since 1877.
2016 10 yrs ago
- Olympic GamesSummer Olympics in Rio
- WimbledonAndy Murray and Serena Williams win Wimbledon
- Super BowlDenver Broncos win Super Bowl 50
- Tour de FranceChris Froome wins the Tour de France
- The MastersDanny Willett wins the Masters
- World SeriesChicago Cubs win the World Series
2001 25 yrs ago
- WimbledonGoran Ivanisevic and Venus Williams win Wimbledon
- Super BowlBaltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV
- The MastersTiger Woods wins the Masters
- World SeriesArizona Diamondbacks win the World Series
- NBA FinalsLos Angeles Lakers win the NBA Finals
- Stanley CupColorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup
1976 50 yrs ago
- Olympic GamesSummer Olympics in Montreal
- Olympic GamesWinter Olympics in Innsbruck
- WimbledonBjorn Borg and Chris Evert win Wimbledon
- Super BowlPittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl X
- Tour de FranceLucien Van Impe wins the Tour de France
- The MastersRaymond Floyd wins the Masters
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