This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – January 13

Every day has a history. Have you ever wondered what happened on January 13 through the years? From brave voyages and dramatic disasters to scientific breakthroughs and political change, this day has seen many moments that shaped the world. On January 13, history remembers a huge earthquake in Italy in 1915 that killed tens of thousands, the tragic Costa Concordia cruise ship sinking in 2012, and the publication of Émile Zola's famous "J'accuse" in 1898 that shook French politics. In this article, we'll take you through these and more interesting events that happened on January 13.

What Happened On This Day—January 13?

Here's what happened in history on January 13:

1129 – Pope Recognises the Knights Templar

• Pope Honorius II officially recognises the Knights Templar.
• The group becomes a Christian military order.
• They protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
• They later gained wealth and political power in Europe.

1807 – Napoleon Bonaparte Buford Is Born

• Born in Woodford, Kentucky, USA.
• Later became a Union general in the American Civil War.
• Served with distinction in the Western campaigns.
• A hero at the Battle of Belmont, Missouri.

1842 – Sole British Survivor Escapes Kabul

• A British army doctor reaches Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
• He is the only survivor of a force of 16,000.
• The army was massacred during the retreat from Kabul.
• The attack happened in the Khyber Pass.

1903 – First Korean Immigrants Enter Hawaii

• Ship RMS Gaelic arrives in Honolulu.
• It brought the first Korean immigrants to the U.S.
• 102 immigrants arrive to work on plantations.
• Marks the start of Korean-American history.

1929 – Wyatt Earp Dies

• Legendary lawman of the American Wild West.
• Known for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
• Dies in Los Angeles at age 80.
• His story later inspires books and films.

1939 – Doc Barker Killed During Prison Escape

• Arthur "Doc" Barker attempts to escape from Alcatraz.
• The guards order him to surrender.
• He ignores commands and is shot dead.
• Member of the notorious "Bloody Barkers" gang.

1941 – James Joyce Dies

• Famous Irish writer dies in Zurich, Switzerland.
• Aged 58 at the time of death.
• Author of Ulysses.
• One of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

1942 – First Successful Use of an Ejector Seat

• Luftwaffe pilot Helmut Schenk escapes his aircraft.
• His jet's control panel freezes mid-air.
• He is ejected using air compression.
• Modern ejector seats later use rockets.

1950 – Soviet Union Boycotts UN Security Council

• Soviet delegate Jacob Malik walks out of the meeting.
• Protests against Nationalist China's UN seat.
• The USSR announces a boycott of the council.
• The decision impacts future UN actions.

1962 – Comedian Ernie Kovacs Dies

• Dies in a car crash in Los Angeles.
• He was 42 years old.
• Known for innovative television comedy.
• Influenced hosts like Johnny Carson.

1966 – First African American Cabinet Member Appointed

• President Lyndon B. Johnson made the appointment.
• Robert C. Weaver becomes HUD Secretary.
• First Black cabinet member in U.S. history.
• Part of Johnson's "Great Society" vision.

1968 – Johnny Cash Performs at Folsom Prison

• Johnny Cash performs for prison inmates
• The concert is recorded live.
• The album becomes a major success.
• It revives his struggling career.

1982 – Plane Crashes into Potomac River

• Air Florida Flight 90 crashed after takeoff.
• The plane hits a bridge and falls into the river.
• 78 people are killed.
• Bad weather causes the disaster.

1986 – NCAA Adopts Proposition 48

• A new rule for student-athletes has been approved.
• Requires minimum grades and test scores.
• Affects freshman participation in sports.
• The rule sparks major controversy.

1987 – Wood-Chipper Murder Arrest

• Richard Crafts is arrested in Connecticut.
• Accused of killing his wife, Helle Crafts.
• The body was disposed of using a wood chipper.
• The case becomes internationally famous.

1990 – Douglas Wilder Becomes First Elected Black Governor

• Takes office as Governor of Virginia.
• First African American elected governor in U.S. history.
• Breaks major racial barriers.
• A landmark political moment.

1995 – All-Female Team Competes in America's Cup

• Team America³ enters the sailing competition.
• First all-women team in the event's history.
• Wins its first race in defender trials.
• A milestone for women in sports.

1999 – Michael Jordan Retires (Second Time)

• NBA superstar announces retirement.
• Plays for the Chicago Bulls.
• Considered one of the greatest athletes ever.
• Fans worldwide react emotionally.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on January 13?

January 13 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Notable Births on January 13

1808 – Salmon P. Chase

• Born in Cornish, New Hampshire, USA.
• American jurist and politician.
• Serves as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Known for anti-slavery leadership before the Civil War.

1596 – Jan van Goyen

• Born in Leiden, Netherlands.
• Famous Dutch landscape painter.
• Known for calm rivers and skies.
• Influenced the Dutch Golden Age of art.

1832 – Horatio Alger Jr.

• Born in Massachusetts, USA.
• Writer of popular “rags-to-riches” stories.
• Inspires American dream ideals.
• Famous in the 19th century

1884 – Sophie Tucker

• Born in present-day Ukraine.
• Becomes a famous American singer and entertainer.
• Known as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas".
• Popular in early 20th-century show business.

1977 – Orlando Bloom

• Born in Canterbury, England.
• Famous actor in global films.
• Known for The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean.
• One of Hollywood's most recognised stars.

Notable Deaths on January 13

1929 – Wyatt Earp, American Lawman

• A famous figure of the Wild West.
• Known for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
• Helped shape the image of frontier justice.
• Dies in Los Angeles at age 80.

1941 – James Joyce, Irish Author

• One of the most important writers of the 20th century.
• Wrote Ulysses, a literary masterpiece.
• Changed modern fiction forever.
• Dies in Zurich, Switzerland, at age 58.

1962 – Ernie Kovacs, American Comedian

• TV pioneer known for creative humour.
• Influenced later talk-show hosts.
• Dies in a car crash at age 42

1976 – Ahmed Jan Thirakwa, Indian Tabla Maestro

• Famous Hindustani classical tabla virtuoso.
• Awarded Padma Bhushan for music.
• Considered one of the greatest tabla players ever.
• Dies on January 13, 1976.

2024 – Joyce Randolph, American Actress

• Best known for The Honeymooners.
• TV actress from the Golden Age of sitcoms.
• Dies at age 99.