Fact 1: A Birth of Literary Mastermind
January 19 is the birthday of Edgar Allan Poe, known worldwide for his tales of mystery and agony. The master of macabre, Poe was born in Boston in 1809 and delivered masterpieces like "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."
Fact 2: Rock & Roll Legend
Dolly Parton, a renowned country singer, songwriter, and businesswoman, graced the world with her presence on January 19, 1946. She’s known as one of the most honored female country performers of all time.
Fact 3: The Birth of the 'Michelin star'
On January 19, 1900, the first Michelin Guide was published by Michelin tire company as a guidebook for French motorists. Today, earning a Michelin star can radically change the fortunes of a restaurant.
Fact 4: The First Ballooning Flight over the Pacific Ocean
On this day in 1981, the first transpacific flight in a hot-air balloon was completed. The "Double Eagle V" traveled from Japan to California in an epic 84-hour adventure.
Fact 5: January 19 is Popcorn Day
Unknown to many, January 19 celebrates National Popcorn Day in the United States. So, why not enjoy this much-loved snack while reading these fun facts!
Fact 6: The Snowiest Day
January 19, 1977, was the day it snowed in Miami. For the first and only time in its history, the tropical city was blanketed in a thin layer of snow.
Fact 7: First Women's March
The first Women's March was held on January 19, 2019. This event symbolized a big step towards gender equality and was recognized globally.
Fact 8: The Day of the First Underground Railroad
On January 19, 1853, Giuseppe Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' debuted, known for its iconic 'Anvil Chorus'. From its first performance, this dramatic, vivid opera became an international sensation.
Fact 9: James Watt's Birthday
On January 19, 1736, James Watt, the man who contributed significantly to the development of the modern steam engine, was born.
Fact 10: An Iconic Sitcom Premiered
"Alf," an American sitcom about a friendly extraterrestrial, premiered its last episode on January 19, 1990.
Fact 11: Apple Introduced Macintosh
The first successful mass-market personal computer, the Macintosh, was introduced by Apple Inc on January 19, 1984.
Fact 12: Ripley's Believe It or Not!
On January 19, 1916, Robert Ripley launched his world-famous "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" comic series.
Fact 13: Thomas Edison's Patented Electric-Lamp
On January 19, 1886, Thomas Edison received a patent for his electric lamp, changing the course of history and the way we perceive the use of light.
Fact 14: The Last Beetle Rolled Off
On January 19, 1978, the last Volkswagen Beetle made in Germany rolled off VW's plant in Emden. Beetle was a car that stamped the mark of German ingenuity across the globe.
Fact 15: Record-Breaking Movie Debut
On January 19, 1996, the movie "From Dusk Till Dawn" was released and it grossed $10 million on its opening weekend.
Fact 16: Jean Stapleton's Birthday
On January 19, 1923, the world was blessed with Jean Stapleton. Known for playing Edith Bunker in All in the Family, Stapleton achieved monumental fame in the TV industry.
Fact 17: A Ground-breaking Broadcast
"Playhouse 90", the first 90-minute televised drama, was aired for the first time on January 19, 1953.
Fact 18: Peanut Butter's Debut
On January 19, 1903, peanut butter was introduced to the world at the Universal Exposition in St. Louis.
Fact 19: Promotion of Peace and Equality
January 19 is also World Religion Day, celebrated since 1950 to encourage interfaith understanding and harmony.
Fact 20: Venetian Explorer’s Travels
Italian explorer Marco Polo allegedly set forth on his return journey from China on January 19, 1328, after many years of exploration, thereby ending one of the most famed journeys in history.