2025January

January 3: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

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Facts & Historic Events That Happened on January 3

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January 3rd celebrates Fruitcake Toss Day and Drinking Straw Day.

Today’s the third day of the year and our New Year resolutions are well on the way!

You’re about to discover some of the coolest historical events and fun facts for January 3 including the many major advances in technology and exploration that all fell on this special day.

Did you know that on this day in 1870, workers began construction on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York? It was the first steel-wire suspended bridge in the world.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about January 3rd in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on January 3 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2024

Jeffery Epstein’s associates were revealed in court documents from Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2015 trial.

The list of associates includes countless high-profile figures, including former US Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, Steven Hawking, Michael Jackson, and Prince Andrew of Britain.

2019

China’s Chang’e-4 became the first spacecraft to successfully land on the far side of the Moon.

2018

A woman in Rome became the first person to receive a bionic hand that can sense touch.

OTD in 2018: A woman in Rome became the first person to receive a bionic hand that can sense touch.

After losing her left hand in an accident 25 years prior, Almerina Mascarello said, “it’s almost like it’s back again.”

2009

The cryptocurrency “Bitcoin” was created, providing a new digital currency.

1999

The Mars Polar Lander was launched.

This 640 pound (290 kg) robotic spacecraft lander was launched to study the soil and climate of Planum Australe, a region near the South Pole on Mars.

1987

Aretha Franklin became the first-ever female artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

1977

The Apple Computer Company became Apple Computers Inc.

OTD in 1977: The Apple Computer Company became Apple Computers Inc.

Apple Computers Inc was originally founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, but Wayne sold his shares to Jobs and Wozniak for just $800 before Apple Computers Inc was incorporated.

1961

The United States broke diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba.

1959

Alaska became the 49th State to join the United States of America.

1956

A fire broke out at the top of the famous iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

The fire broke out at 19:21 after an electrical fault, and up to 3,000 visitors to Paris’ top attracted were evacuated. It took 125 firefighters and 20 firetrucks to combat the fire.

1925

Benito Mussolini’s Fascist dictatorship over Italy began after an aggressive speech in parliament.

1870

Workers began construction on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

OTD in 1870: Workers began construction on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

The bridge’s construction was completed on May 24, 1883, making it the world’s largest suspension bridge.

1842

British Novelist Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine left England for America on board the Britannia ship.

1777

During the Battle of Princeton, British forces were defeated in New Jersey by George Washington’s revolutionary army.

OTD in 1777: During the Battle of Princeton

1496

Leonardo da Vinci unsuccessfully tried to fly his famous Flying Machine invention for the first time.

Leonardo da Vinci is known for many things, from his incredible art to his master inventions, and one of the most well-known was his Flying Machine. Unfortunately, his attempt to fly was unsuccessful, but he learned that no man could ever jump high enough to propel his craft.

250 AD

Roman Emperor Decius ordered everyone in the Roman Empire to make sacrifices to the Roman gods.

There were already many Christians in Rome by this point, but the decree did not discriminate. In fact, it was partly targeted at the Christian population who practiced the newly minted religion without the Empire’s permission. Many Christians who refused, including Pope Fabian, were executed.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, did you know that Mel Gibson was also born on this day? Here are more famous people born on this day.

2003

Greta Thunberg

Swedish

Activist

Greta Thunberg

Age:

21 years old

Born In:

Stockholm, Sweden

1956

Mel Gibson

American

Actor

Mel Gibson

Age:

68 years old

Born In:

New York, USA

1969

Michael Schumacher

German

Race Car Driver

Michael Schumacher

Age:

55 years old

Born In:

Hürth, Germany

1892

J. R. R. Tolkien

English

Writer

J. R. R. Tolkien

Died On:

Feb 9, 1973 (Age 81)

Born In:

Orange Free State, South Africa

Quotes

Here we have the most notable quotes that have been spoken throughout history on January 3rd.

1861

Thank God men cannot as yet fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth.

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau

American Naturalist

Special Holidays

Are you looking for something to do today? Well, here’s a few special days that might just give you some ideas.

January 3: National Drinking Straw Day
United States

National Drinking Straw Day

Today’s the day that we celebrate the invention of the drinking straw. While plastic drinking straws are a definite no-go these days, head on down to your local eco shop and pick yourself up a reusable one to join in the festivities!

January 3: Fruitcake Toss Day
United States

Fruitcake Toss Day

The holiday celebrations are certainly over now, but what to do with your leftover fruitcake? Worry not because today is Fruitcake Toss Day. Now grab all that cake and toss it as far as you possibly can! Goodbye fruitcake!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

Celebrities have to pay $40,000 to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Birthday & Zodiac

People who were born on January 3rd share the Capricorn zodiac sign.

Capricorn’s can-do attitude often leads to success in pretty much any industry. But, while they’re fantastic leaders, they should also be mindful of their workaholic tendencies.

If you were born in January, your birthstone is the Garnet. The garnet is a colorful gem that provides the wearer protection on their journey through life.

If your birthday falls on this day, you would’ve likely been conceived around April 12 in the previous year.

Babies conceived on January 3, 2025, will be due around September 26, 2025.

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