January 31st
1606
Guy Fawkes, a co-conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot, was executed.
1865
Robert E. Lee was appointed commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces.
1865
The House of Representatives approved the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.
1940
The first social security check was issued to Ida Fuller for $22.54.
1958
The first U.S. earth satellite, Explorer I, was launched.
1988
The first episode of "The Wonder Years" aired on ABC.
1990
The first McDonald's opened in Russia.
Birthdays
88 Carol Channing Actress
80 Jean Simmons Actress
78 Ernie Banks Baseball Hall of Famer
62 Nolan Ryan Baseball Hall of Famer
58 Harry Wayne Casey 'KC' Singer, musician (KC and the Sunshine Band)
53 Johnny Rotten Rock singer (The Sex Pistols)
45 Jeff Hanneman Rock musician (Slayer)
39 Minnie Driver Actress
28 Justin Timberlake Singer
27
Tapewormboy Cigar Asylum Inmate
67 Zane Grey 1/31/1872 - 10/23/1939 American Western writer
65 John O'Hara 1/31/1905 - 4/11/1970 American writer
53 Jackie Robinson 1/31/1919 - 10/24/1972 Major League Baseball Hall of Famer