Cleveland History

January 20, 1961 – The Cleveland Press publishes front-page coverage of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration.
Cleveland newspapers provided prominent coverage of JFK’s inaugural address, reflecting Northeast Ohio’s political engagement during a time of Cold War tensions and national optimism.

January 21, 1895 – Cleveland Chamber of Commerce opens new headquarters at Public Square.
The new building solidified the Chamber’s role in Cleveland’s economic development and symbolized the city’s growing status as a regional industrial and commercial hub in the late 19th century.

January 22, 1930 – Construction begins on the Terminal Tower complex.
The Terminal Tower would become the second-tallest building in the world outside New York City upon its completion in 1930. Groundbreaking and foundational work were underway by late January.

January 23, 1986 – The Cleveland Orchestra embarks on a European tour.
The world-renowned orchestra began a major overseas tour, performing in cities such as Vienna and London, further cementing Cleveland’s reputation as a global cultural center.

January 24, 1911 – Marcus Hanna dies in Washington, D.C.
Cleveland industrialist and U.S. Senator Marcus Hanna, an influential political kingmaker and advisor to President William McKinley, passed away. Flags in Cleveland flew at half-mast in his honor.

World History

January 20, 1942 – Nazi officials met at the Wannsee Conference in Berlin to coordinate the implementation of the “Final Solution,” the systematic plan to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe during World War II.

January 20, 1961 – John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States. In his address, he famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

January 21, 1793 – King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris during the French Revolution, marking a major turning point in the fall of the monarchy and rise of the republic.

January 23, 1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell received her medical degree from Geneva Medical College in New York, becoming the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

January 24, 1848 – James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, triggering the California Gold Rush and a massive wave of westward migration.