1 January is the first day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 364 days remaining until the end of the year. This day is known as New Year’s Day since the day marks the beginning of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about January 1st, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about January 1st in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- Z Day
- New Year’s Day
- Bloody Mary Day
- Polar Bear Swim Day
- Commitment Day
- Global Family Day
- Copyright Law Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – January 1
1999: The Euro becomes the official currency in 11 countries
While the Euro was already valid for bank transfers, notes and coins were introduced on January 1, 2002.
1993: Czechoslovakia is dissolved
The country was peacefully divided into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.
1992: Russia is formed
The formation of the Russian Federation followed the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
1958: The European Economic Community is founded
The EEC was a predecessor of today’s European Union (EU)
1912: Republic of China is founded
It was succeeded by the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, January 1
1977: Bobby Roode, Canadian wrestler
1895: Edgar Hoover, American 1st Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
1864: Alfred Stieglitz, American photographer
1863: Pierre de Coubertin, French historian, educator, founded the International Olympic Committee
1735: Paul Revere, American military officer
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, January 1
1997: Townes Van Zandt, American singer-songwriter, guitarist
1958: Edward Weston, American photographer
1953: Hank Williams, American singer-songwriter, guitarist
1894: Heinrich Hertz, German physicist
1782: Johann Christian Bach, German composer
