This date, Jan. 3, holds significance in history across various regions and time periods.
In 1661, a milestone in English theater occurred with the first appearance of female actors on stage. In 1777, the United States adopted the Stars and Stripes as its official flag, and also on this date, American General George Washington’s army achieved a victory over the British in the Battle of Princeton, N.J.
Canada recorded significant events on this date as well. In 1793, slavery was abolished in Canada. In 1800, a fatal duel took place between Upper Canada Attorney-General John White and John Small, the province’s top civil servant, after a dispute involving Small’s wife.
The day also saw significant developments in science, literature, and international relations. Notable events include the birth of Letitia Youmans, the founder of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Canada, in 1827, and the abolishment of slavery in Canada in 1793.
Additionally, on this day in history, waxed paper straws were patented in the U.S. in 1888, J.R.R. Tolkein, author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, was born in 1892, and in 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States.
In 1998, three avalanches occurred in southeastern British Columbia, resulting in the deaths of nine people. This tragic event left a lasting impact on the region.
The date of Jan. 3 has been marked by significant and diverse historic events across the centuries and around the world.