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On this day in history - Today, January, 26

Today in History

  • 1788 The first Europeans settle in Australia

    The first elements of the British “First Fleet” had arrived in Sydney Harbour on January 18.

  • 1905 The world's largest diamond is found in South Africa

    The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3106.75 carats (621.35 g or 1.37 lb) and has an estimated value of 2 bi

  • 1950 India becomes a republic

    The Constitution of India came into effect that day.

  • 1998 In a TV statement, Bill Clinton denies having had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”

    On August 17, 1998, Clinton admitted to having had an “improper physical relationship” with Monica L

  • 2001 A massive earthquake hits Gujarat, India

    About 20,000 people died and over 160,000 people were injured.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
January, 26

  • 1961 Wayne Gretzky

    Canadian ice hockey player, coach

  • 1958 Ellen DeGeneres

    American comedian, actress, talk show host

  • 1955 Eddie Van Halen

    Dutch/American guitarist, songwriter, producer

  • 1925 Paul Newman

    American actor, director, race car driver, businessman, co-founded Newman's Own

  • 1918 Nicolae Ceaușescu

    Romanian politician, 11th President of Romania

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
January, 26

  • 1992 José Ferrer

    Puerto Rican actor

  • 1979 Nelson Rockefeller

    American politician, 41st Vice President of the United States

  • 1962 Lucky Luciano

    Italian/American mobster

  • 1952 Khorloogiin Choibalsan

    Mongolian military officer, ruler

  • 1948 John Lomax

    American musicologist