In History, Today on January 15

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, causing widespread damage and resulting in at least 105 deaths and over 3,300 injuries.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported, marking a critical point in the global spread of the virus that originated in Wuhan, China.

A terrorist attack at the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, Kenya, results in the deaths of 21 people. The attack is claimed by the militant group Al-Shabaab.

A false missile alert was issued in Hawaii, causing widespread panic before being corrected 38 minutes later.

The Swiss National Bank abandoned the Swiss Franc's cap against the Euro, causing significant volatility in the currency markets.

The Arab Spring: Protests began in Oman, marking the start of the Omani protests, part of the wider Arab Spring movement.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti three days earlier on January 12 resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with international aid operations continuing to be mobilized on January 15.

US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after striking a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport.

ESA's Huygens probe lands successfully on Saturn's largest moon, Titan, marking the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System.

Wikipedia, a free-content encyclopedia, was launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger.

The Treaty on the Framework for CARICOM Single Market and Economy was signed, marking a significant step towards economic integration within the Caribbean Community.

The United Nations deadline for the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from occupied Kuwait expired, preparing the way for the start of Operation Desert Storm.

President Richard Nixon announced the suspension of offensive action in North Vietnam, a step towards ending U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Muammar Gaddafi was proclaimed premier of Libya.

The first Super Bowl was played, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, was dedicated.

Martin Luther King Jr., American civil rights leader, was born.

The Great Molasses Flood occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, when a large storage tank burst, releasing a wave of molasses that killed 21 people.

James Naismith published the rules of basketball for the first time.

A political cartoon for the first time symbolized the Democratic Party with a donkey.

Johannes Brahms' 'A German Requiem' premiered in Leipzig, marking a significant moment in the composer's career and in the Romantic music era.

Liberia was established as a settlement by the American Colonization Society for freed American slaves, founding what would eventually evolve into the sovereign nation of Liberia.

The naval engagement known as the Battle of Fort Peter took place during the War of 1812, where British forces attacked a U.S. defensive position at Fort Peter, located in Georgia.

The British Museum opened to the public for the first time.

The trial of King Charles I of England began at the High Court of Justice in London. Charles I was charged with treason against England, marking the beginning of a pivotal moment in English history, leading to his eventual execution.

Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey.

King Henry VIII declares himself head of the Church of England, beginning the English Reformation.

Pope Innocent III issues a papal bull proclaiming a crusade against heretical groups, most notably targeting the Cathars in Languedoc, marking the beginning of the Albigensian Crusade.

Duke Hugh the Great of France is appointed as the guardian of the young King Louis IV, marking a significant power shift in the Frankish kingdom.

The Battle of the Volturnus was fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Lombards, resulting in a Byzantine victory.

Otho was proclaimed Roman Emperor after the assassination of his predecessor, Galba.