January, 1847 – Samuel Colt sells his first revolver

Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers placed an order for 1000 revolver pistols after having witnessed their devastating effect.

January, 1933 – Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.

January, 1912 – German scientist Alfred Wegener presents his theory of continental drift

His work laid the foundation for the theory of plate tectonics, which explains why continents move.

January, 1785 – Hot air balloon crosses the English Channel

French inventor Jean-Pierre Blanchard took about two and a half hours to fly from Dover (UK) to Guines (France).

January, 1889 – Computer pioneer Herman Hollerith patents his punched card calculator

His invention paved the way for modern automatic computation.

January, 1768 – Philip Astley opens the world's first modern circus

The British equestrian, who is considered the father of modern circus, opened a riding school in London where he also performed tricks for an audience in the afternoons.

January, 1920 – The Treaty of Versailles takes effect

Although a ceasefire had been in place since November 11, 1918, World War I officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles.