On This Day

Historical Events in January 1909

  • Jan 1 American Robert Fowler runs then world record marathon (2:52:45.4) at Yonkers, NY
  • Jan 1 Drilling begins on the Lakeview Gusher
  • Jan 1 In Great Britain, the Old Age Pension Law is finally instituted, providing pensions for every British subject over 70 with low income
  • Jan 2 1st official Dutch 11 city skate (Minne Hoekstra in 13:50)
  • Jan 5 Colombia recognizes Panama's independence

DiscoveryHistoric Expedition

Jan 9 Ernest Shackleton as part of the British Nimrod Expedition reaches a record farthest South latitude (88°23' south)

Polar Explorer Ernest Shackleton
Polar Explorer
Ernest Shackleton
  • Jan 16 British explorers David, Mawson & Mackay reach south magnetic pole as part of the Nimrod Expedition
  • Jan 19 Eugene Walter's "Easiest Way" premieres in NYC
  • Jan 22 Vassily Kandinsky forms Kunstlerverein in Munich
  • Jan 23 1st radio rescue at sea

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Jan 25 Richard Strauss' premier of "Elektra" in Dresden

Composer and Conductor Richard Strauss
Composer and Conductor
Richard Strauss
  • Jan 27 The Young Left is founded in Norway
  • Jan 28 US military forces leave Cuba for 2nd time

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