Born on This Day
Author of "The Catcher in the Rye" known for his reclusive nature and his works dealing with themes of alienation.
First and longest-serving director of the FBI whose tenure shaped modern law enforcement.
DJ and rapper known for his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop, including "The Message."
For centuries, old sailors told tales of giant rogue waves that appeared out of nowhere. But no one had any proof until a freak 85-foot-high wave was measured hitting the Draupner oil platform off the coast of Norway.
Timeline
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on January 1st
History Every Day
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.