Event of Interest
Jan 6 US Congress begins investigating Crédit Mobilier scandal

Doc Durant
- Jan 11 1st livestock market newspaper published, Drover's Journal, Chicago
- Jan 13 P B S Pinchback relinquishes office of Louisiana Governor
- Jan 14 "Celluloid" registered as a trademark by its inventor, John Wesley Hyatt
- Jan 14 Prominent African American Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback elected to US Senate (though never seated due to state elections controversy)
- Jan 17 A group of Modoc warriors defeats the United States Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold, a part of the Modoc War
- Jan 22 British SS Northfleet sinks at Dungeness, England, 300 die
Historic Publication
Jan 30 "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne is published in France by Pierre-Jules Hetzel

Jules Verne