This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – January 7

Every day has a history, but have you ever wondered what happened on January 07? This day is filled with many events that shaped science, politics, culture, and more. January 7 has seen major discoveries and significant changes around the world. In 1610, famous astronomer Galileo Galilei observed Jupiter's four largest moons for the first time, changing how we see the universe. In 1979, Vietnamese forces captured Phnom Penh, ending the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. On January 7, 2015, gunmen attacked the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris, a tragic event that shocked the world. Other events include the start of Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999 and historic firsts in technology and communication. In this article, we'll look at some of the most critical moments from the past that took place on this date and what they mean today.

What Happened On This Day—January 7?

Here's what happened in history on January 07:

1785 – Two Explorers Cross the English Channel by Balloon

• On January 7, 1785, two explorers crossed the English Channel in a gas balloon.
• Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries travelled from Dover to Calais.
• They became the first people to cross the Channel by air.
• During the journey, the balloon nearly crashed due to excess weight.
• They survived by throwing supplies overboard.

1789 – First U.S. Presidential Electors Chosen

• On January 7, 1789, states selected electors for the first U.S. presidential election.
• These electors would later vote for the President.
• This was part of the early democratic system created by the U.S. Constitution.
• It helped shape the future of American elections.

1891 – Zora Neale Hurston Is Born

• On January 7, 1891, Zora Neale Hurston was born in Notasulga, Alabama.
• She became a novelist, anthropologist, and folklorist.
• She is best known for preserving African American culture and stories.
• Her work later became central to American literature.

1892 – Coal Mine Explosion in Oklahoma

• On January 7, 1892, a coal mine explosion in Krebs, Oklahoma, killed 58 miners.
• Nearly 100 miners were killed in the disaster.
• It was the worst mining tragedy in Oklahoma's history.
• The explosion was linked to poor safety and profit-focused decisions.

1896 – Fannie Farmer's First Cookbook Published

• On January 7, 1896, Fannie Farmer's first cookbook was published.
• It replaced vague terms like "pinches" with exact measurements.
• She paid to publish the first 3,000 copies herself.
• The book later sold millions and changed modern cooking forever.

1927 – Harlem Globetrotters Play Their First Game

• On January 7, 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters played their first basketball game.
• They travelled from Chicago to Hinckley, Illinois.
• Abe Saperstein created the team.
• They later became world-famous for skill and entertainment.

1946 – Chicago Child Kidnapping Shocks the Nation

• On January 7, 1946, six-year-old Suzanne Degnan was kidnapped in Chicago.
• A ransom note demanded $20,000 from her family.
• Despite public pleas, she was later found murdered.
• The crime deeply shocked the nation.

1953 – U.S. Announces Hydrogen Bomb Development

• On January 7, 1953, President Harry S. Truman addressed Congress.
• He announced the U.S. had developed a hydrogen bomb.
• The statement was made during the Cold War.
• It marked a significant moment in nuclear weapons history.

1955 – Marian Anderson Breaks Met Opera Barrier

• On January 7, 1955, Marian Anderson performed at the Metropolitan Opera.
• She became the first African American singer to do so.
• Her appearance broke racial barriers in classical music.
• It remains a landmark moment in cultural history.

1959 – U.S. Recognises New Cuban Government

• On January 7, 1959, the United States recognised Cuba's new government.
• This followed the fall of dictator Fulgencio Batista.
• Despite concerns about Fidel Castro, recognition was granted.
• Relations would later worsen during the Cold War.

1979 – Pol Pot Overthrown in Cambodia

• On January 7, 1979, Vietnamese forces captured Phnom Penh.
• This ended the brutal rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.
• Nearly two million people died under the regime.
• The takeover ended one of the deadliest governments in history.

1999 – Clinton Impeachment Trial Begins

• On January 7, 1999, President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial began.
• The trial was held in the U.S. Senate.
• He faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
• The President was later acquitted.

2015 – Charlie Hebdo Attack in Paris

• On January 7, 2015, gunmen attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine.
• Twelve people were killed in the shooting.
• The attack shocked the world.
• It sparked global debates on free speech and extremism.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on January 7?

January 07 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Notable Births on January 7

• Nicolas Cage (1964): Actor known for eccentric performances in major films.
• Katie Couric (1957): TV broadcaster and author, famous for major news roles.
• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (1966–1999): Fashion publicist and style icon, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr.

Notable Deaths on January 07

Catherine of Aragon (1536)

• Catherine of Aragon died on January 7, 1536.
• She was the first wife of King Henry VIII of England.
• Her marriage and divorce helped start significant religious changes in England.

Ignacy Łukasiewicz (1882)

• Ignacy Łukasiewicz died on January 7, 1882.
• He was a Polish chemist and inventor.
• He helped develop the modern oil industry.

Edmund Barton (1920)

• Edmund Barton died on January 7, 1920.
• He was the first Prime Minister of Australia.
• He helped shape Australia's federal government. 

Nikola Tesla (1943)

• Nikola Tesla died on January 7, 1943.
• He was a famous inventor and electrical engineer.
• His work helped modernise electricity systems.

Emperor Hirohito (1989)

• Emperor Hirohito died on January 7, 1989.
• He was the longest-serving Emperor of Japan.
• His reign covered World War II and post-war Japan.

Trevor Howard (1988)

• Trevor Howard died on January 7, 1988.
• He was a British film actor.
• Known for roles in many classic movies.

Murray Rothbard (1995)

• Murray Rothbard died on January 7, 1995.
• He was an American economist and historian.

Peter Yarrow (2025)

• Peter Yarrow died on January 7, 2025.
• He was an American singer-songwriter with Peter, Paul and Mary.
• His music played a significant role in the civil rights movement.