Fun Facts about Today in History

(January 26, 1788)
On this day in 1788, Arthur Phillip, with a shipload of convicts, sailed into what is now Sydney Cove, flew the British flag, and established the first permanent European settlement on the continent of Australia.

(January 26, 1950)
India became a republic after gaining complete independence from the United Kingdom.

(January 26, 1958)
Ellen DeGeneres, an American comedian and television host noted for her distinctive observational humour, was born.

(January 26, 1988)
The Phantom of the Opera, a musical adaptation of Gaston Leroux's melodramatic novel, premiered in New York City and went on to become Broadway's longest-running show.

(January 26, 2020)
At the age of 41, American basketball star Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash. He was regarded as one of the sport's greatest players, having won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.