On This Day

January 1759 in History

Events in History

  • Jan 11 1st American life insurance company incorporated, Philadelphia

British Museum Opens its Doors

Jan 15 British Museum opens in Montague House, London

British Museum ticket from 1790

Historic Publication

Jan 15 Voltaire's satire "Candide" is published anonymously in five editions in five countries to scandalous acclaim (estimated date)

Voltaire
Enlightenment Philosopher Voltaire

Birthdays in History

  • Jan 5 Jacques Cathelineau, French royalist & army leader, born in Le Pin-en-Mauges, France (d. 1793)
  • Jan 17 Paul Cuffe, Mass, merchant/shipbuilder/African American nationalist
  • Jan 21 Johan Valckenaer, Dutch politician/patriot

Weddings in History

Wedding of Interest

Jan 6 US 1st President George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis at White House Plantation

George Washington
First US President George Washington
Martha Washington
1st US First Lady Martha Washington

Deaths in History

  • Jan 1 Jacques-Joachim Trotti, Marquis de La Chétardie, French adventurer, dies at 54
  • Jan 3 Marquis & Marquess of Tavora, Portuguese nobles, executed
  • Jan 5 Thomas Philip Wallrad de Hénin-Liétard d'Alsace, Cardinal- Archbishop of Mechelen, Belgium, dies at 79
  • Jan 12 Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, eldest daughter of King George II of Great Britain, dies at 49

Historical Figures

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