Historical Events
1643
Isaac Newton is born (Old Style date; New Style is January 4).
1884
The Fabian Society is founded in London to promote democratic socialism.
1903
Topsy the elephant is electrocuted at Luna Park, New York, filmed by Thomas Edison.
1958
Sputnik 1 falls from orbit and burns up in Earth's atmosphere.
2004
The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity lands on Mars.
Famous Birthdays
1643
Isaac Newton
English mathematician and physicist who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
1785
Jacob Grimm
German folklorist who co-authored Grimm's Fairy Tales.
1838
General Tom Thumb
Famous little person performer in P.T. Barnum's circus.
1914
Jane Wyman
Academy Award-winning actress and first wife of Ronald Reagan.
1965
Dave Matthews
South African-American musician and leader of the Dave Matthews Band.
