2017
The underwater search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 ended.
The plane fell off the radar on March 8, 2014, and was never found despite professionals searching 46,332 square miles for the wreckage. On this day, the passengers’ families were informed that the effort to find the plane had been suspended.
Source

2007
The Doomsday Clock’s minute hand was moved two minutes closer to midnight, making the new Doomsday just five minutes to midnight.
The change was made after North Korea performed its 1st nuclear test.
Source

2000
For the first time in history, all 50 states of America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday.
Source

1982
An incredibly cold air swept into the US from Canada and plunged temperatures across most States far below their existing all-time lows.
This event was, and will forever be known as Cold Sunday.
Source

1976
Legendary band Blondie released their debut single “X-Offender.”
X-Offender was written by Debbie Harry and Gary Valentine.
Source

1976
NASA successfully launched the experimental CTS Hermes satellite atop a Delta 2914 rocket.
The Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) was jointly developed by NASA, the Canadian Department of Communications, and the European Space Agency. At the time of its launch, it was the highest-powered communications satellite in orbit, with the three agencies sharing both the use of the satellite and the data obtained from it. While initially designed to last two years, it was instead functional for another two years.
Source

1953
The Chevrolet Corvette sports car was presented for the first time at GM Motorama Auto Show in New York.
Source

1945
Auschwitz concentration camp evacuated 56,000 prisoners.
Sadly, these prisoners were marched to several other camps. Labeled “the death marches,” around 9,000 to 15,000 prisoners died.
Source

1915
Russians defeated Ottoman forces during WWI.
The Battle of Sarikamish was a battle between the Russian and Ottoman empires that began on December 22, 1914. It ended on this day when Russian forces collected leftovers from the defeated Ottoman forces.
Source

1827
The first Duke of Wellington became Commander in Chief, making him the professional head of the British Army.
Source

1773
On his second voyage, explorer Captain James Cook became the first to cross the Antarctic Circle.
Source

1595
French King Henry IV declared war against Spain during the French Wars of Religion.
Source

1584
Bohemia adopted the Gregorian Calendar.
On January 6, 1584, Bohemia had to remove eleven days from the calendar to bring them to this day.
Source