Dec
January 2025
Feb
On This Day 4 mins Read

January 5: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, January 5, 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco?

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January 5th is known as Bird Day and Whipped Cream Day.

Today marks the fifth day of the year. We’re slowly getting through the year, but still have 360 days left in 2025.

You’re about to find out some of the top historical events for this day covering big advances in film & TV, music and sports and games.

Did you know that on this day, January 5, 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? The bridge was completed on April 19, 1937 at a cost of $35 million.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about January 5th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on January 5 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Lil Nas X released a children’s book called “C is for Country.”

OTD in 2021: Lil Nas X released a children's book called "C is for Country."

It ranked at number 8 for children's books worldwide on this day.

Baseball champion Reggie Jackson was elected to the Hall of Fame.

President Richard Nixon passed a new law that allowed NASA to build America’s first space shuttle.

The world’s most famous clown “Bozo” premiered live on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, California, US.

OTD in 1959: The world's most famous clown "Bozo" premiered live on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles

Singer Buddy Holly’s last song was released.

"It Doesn't Matter" reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadly 29 days later, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash.

Pioneering English pilot Amy Johnson went missing after bailing out of her plane over the Thames River.

Amy Johnson was the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia. She was transporting a plane for the British Air Transport Auxiliary when her plane went down.

Construction of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco began.

OTD in 1933: Construction of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco began.

Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first female American governor.

The Ford Motor Company announced that it would begin an eight-hour workday as well as provide a living wage for workers who would receive $5 a day.

Austrian newspaper called “Die Presse” released Willhelm Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays.

Louis XV of France survived an attempt on his life from Robert-François Damiens, a lowly domestic servant.

Damiens had apparently gone into a religious frenzy and attempted to assassinate the king but failed. It didn't help that all he'd tried to stab King Louis with was a pocket knife, and the king was wearing a thick winter coat. The would-be assassin was tortured and sentenced to death.

The Great Frost of Europe killed thousands of people.

OTD in 1709: The Great Frost of Europe killed thousands of people.

That evening William Derham recorded a record low of just 10°F near London while other recordings through Europe were as low as 5°F. Those chilling temperatures killed thousands on that night and caused a famine in France that eventually caused the demise of 600,000 more people.

The first legal divorce of the American colonies was granted to Anne Clarke.

King Henry VIII was forbidden to remarry in a letter sent to him by Pope Clement VII.

This was a significant moment in history due to the fact that King Henry VIII ignored the Pope and divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Once Henry married Anne Boleyn, he was excommunicated from the church. By doing this, the history of Christianity in Europe changed forever.

Famous Births

If today’s your birthday, you share this special day with Marilyn Manson! Here are other famous people born on this day.

1975

Bradley Cooper

American Actor

Age

50 years old

Born IN

Pennsylvania, USA

1969

Marilyn Manson

American Rock Singer

Age

56 years old

Born IN

Ohio, USA

1981

deadmau5

Canadian DJ

Age

44 years old

Born IN

Toronto, Canada

1959

Clancy Brown

American Actor

Age

66 years old

Born IN

Ohio, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on this day shares the same zodiac sign, Capricorn.

Earth is the element given to Capricorns. The earth is always working, constantly evolving, and keeping our planet going day in, day out!

For those of you born in January, you have the Garnet birthstone. The garnet is commonly a red gem that provides the wearer with love, friendships, loyalty, and luck.

Carnations, January’s primary birth flower, represent the enduring strength and warmth of people born during this month. Snowdrops, January’s secondary birth flower, symbolize the coming of spring and new possibilities.

People born on this day were likely conceived the previous year on April 14th.

The due date for a baby conceived on January 5, 2025, is around September 28.

Quotes

Every day brings a new quote - here are the most renowned quotes spoken on this day in history.

1916

“Be not dumb, obedient slaves in an army of destruction. Be heroes in an army of construction.”

Helen Keller

(American Author)

1759

“Opinions have caused more ills than the plague or earthquakes on this little globe of ours.”

Voltaire

(French Writer)

Special Holidays

If you can spare some time today, here are some unique holidays you could get involved with.

United States

National Bird Day

There are roughly 430 billion birds globally, and sadly, it’s estimated that 12 percent could become extinct in the near future. Today is National Bird Day, so why not use this special day to birdwatch or at least check your Twitter.

United States

National Whipped Cream Day

Is there any better topping for a nice slice of pie than a generous mountain of whipped cream? Whether you whip it yourself or use a can, it's essential to give yourself an extra-large serving today! We won't tell anyone if you squirt it straight into your mouth, either!

Fact Of The Day

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • Groundhog Day

    28 days

  • Valentine's Day

    40 days

  • Women's Day

    62 days

  • St Patrick's Day

    71 days

  • Halloween

    299 days

  • Christmas Day

    354 days

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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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