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On This Day 4 mins Read

January 28: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, January 28, 1887, the world's largest snowflake was discovered?

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You're On the 2025 version of this page. Click to view Jan 28, 2026.

January 28th is known as International Lego Day and Data Privacy Day.

We’ve made it to the 28th day of the year! There are 337 days left in 2025.

Sit tight as we share with you the many incredible facts and events that all happened on this day in history, including historical events in technology and literature.

Did you know that on this day, January 28, 1887, the world’s largest snowflake was discovered? It measured 15 inches wide by 8 inches thick and was found in a snowstorm at Fort Keogh, Montana.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about January 28th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on January 28 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Tennis sisters went head-to-head when Serena Williams beat Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 at the Australian Open Women’s Tennis.

OTD in 2017: Tennis sisters went head-to-head when Serena Williams beat Venus Williams 6-4
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The Egyptian government shut down 88% of the internet across the country.

The government decided this would be the best course of action to help control the large protests that were happening.

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Michelangelo’s famous painting “Christ of the Woman of Samaria” was sold for a staggering $7.4 million.

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Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after takeoff, killing all seven crew members.

OTD in 1986: Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after takeoff

Several crew survived the initial breakup of the craft but not the impact of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather won five Golden Globe awards.

It won the categories of Best Actor - Drama (Marlon Brando), Best Original Score, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture - Drama at the 30th Golden Globe Awards.

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Honeybees stung Johannes Relleke a world record 2,443 times in Zimbabwe.

Amazingly she survived. Locals call the event "The Relleke Massacre" because all the bees died!

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A patent was received for Ole Kirk Christiansen’s LEGO plastic bricks.

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Law No. 38 in Iceland was approved, making abortion legal.

Iceland was the first western country to legalize abortion.

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Spain founded the Spanish Legion; an army unit made up of foreign soldiers.

The Spanish Legion was founded to provide professional troops to Spain's colonies, as local units of conscripts were not very effective.

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The United States Coast Guard was formed by an act passed by the US Congress.

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Digging began to make way for the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

OTD in 1887: Digging began to make way for the construction of the Eiffel Tower
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The world’s largest snowflake measuring 15 inches wide by 8 inches thick, was discovered in a snowstorm at Fort Keogh, Montana.

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was first published in the UK.

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Edward VI was crowned King of England after Henry VIII died.

OTD in 1547: Edward VI was crowned King of England after Henry VIII died.

He was just nine years old when crowned.

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Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with Elijah Wood! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1999

HRVY

English Singer

Age

26 years old

Born IN

England, UK

1981

Elijah Wood

American Actor

Age

44 years old

Born IN

Iowa, USA

1993

Will Poulter

English Actor

Age

32 years old

Born IN

England, UK

1457

Henry VII

British King

Died On

Apr 21, 1509 (Age 52)

Born IN

Wales, UK

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on this day shares the same star sign, Aquarius.

Aquarians are incredibly assertive, and once they have made their mind up about something, there is no changing it.

Those of you that were born in January have the Garnet birthstone. The garnet is undoubtedly a gift to the wearer as it brings them love, friendships, loyalty, health, and luck.

Carnations, the designated primary birth flower of January, embodies the resilience and warmth of individuals born during this month. The secondary birth flower is snowdrops, which bring a sense of hope and renewal.

For people born on Jan 28, your estimated date of conception falls on May 7 in the previous year.

A baby that is conceived on January 28, 2025, will be born around October 21, 2025.

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, January 28th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1491 — 1547

Henry VIII

English King Henry VIII was born on June 28, 1491. He died on this day in 1547, at age 55 in England, UK.

Quotes

Of all of the quotes said on this day, these are the most well-known ones spoken on January 28th throughout history.

1821

“The best of prophets of the future is the past.”

Lord Byron

(English Poet)

Special Holidays

Here are some interesting holidays that are celebrated on this day.

United States

International Lego Day

International Lego Day is the best day of the year to create your own little world using those colorful building blocks known as LEGO! On this day in 1958, a patent application for the modern Lego brick design was filed in Denmark.

World

Data Privacy Day

It’s pretty hard to keep track of what personal information we have lying around on the internet. So today’s not just about checking up on what data of yours you have out for the taking, but also about putting pressure on corporations to back off a bit and respect our privacy.

Fact Of The Day

A colorful, abstract illustration of a brain highlighting neural pathways and activity

The same brain cycles that occur when asleep still happen when you’re awake, but in smaller sections. This means parts of your brain are always “falling asleep.”

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • Groundhog Day

    5 days

  • Valentine's Day

    17 days

  • Women's Day

    39 days

  • St Patrick's Day

    48 days

  • Halloween

    276 days

  • Christmas Day

    331 days

Jan 27 Jan 29

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References

MLA

Ward, Luke. "January 28: Facts & Historical Events On This Day." FactstoryHub, 1 Jan. 2020, www.factstoryhub.com/day/january-28/. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

APA

Ward, L. (2025, October 31). January 28: Facts & Historical Events On This Day. FactstoryHub. https://factstoryhub.com/day/january-28/

Chicago

Ward, Luke. "January 28: Facts & Historical Events On This Day." FactstoryHub, October 31, 2025. https://factstoryhub.com/day/january-28/.

About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of FactstoryHub. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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