January 3 is the third day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 362 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about January 3rd, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about January 3rd in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Fruitcake Toss Day
- Festival of Sleep Day
- National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
- National Drinking Straw Day
- Weigh-In Day
Historic Events
1994: Millions of people from the former Apartheid Homelands gain South African citizenship
The apartheid regime had stripped the black inhabitants of the right to citizenship to ensure a white majority of the de jure population.
1993: The second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II) is signed
The U.S.A. and Russia agreed to reduce the number of nuclear warheads by about 3,000.
1961: The United States breaks diplomatic relations with CubaIn
April 1961, the U.S. government launched an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Cuban government by invading the country at the bay of pigs.
1959: Alaska becomes the 49th U.S. state
The territory had been bought from Russia in 1867 for a mere $7.2 million.
1957: The first electric watch is available
The Hamilton Electric 500 came in “modern” asymmetrical designs to reflect the revolutionary technology.
Famous Birthdays
1969: Michael Schumacher, German race car driver
1956: Mel Gibson, American/Australian actor, director, producer, screenwriter
1901: Ngo Dinh Diem, South Vietnamese politician, 1st President of the Republic of Vietnam
1892: J. R. R. Tolkien, English philologist, author
1883: Clement Attlee, English politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Heartbreaking Deaths
2010: Mary Daly, American philosopher, theologian
2005: Will Eisner, American illustrator
2003: Sid Gillman, American football player
1967: Jack Ruby, American murderer
1946: William Joyce, American/English politician, broadcaster
1782: Johann Christian Bach, German composer
1782: Johann Christian Bach, German composer
