What Happened on January 6?

January 6 is Three Kings Day! It is also when Samuel Morse first demonstrated the telegraph — the technology that let messages outrun horses.

• 1838 — Samuel Morse demonstrates the telegraph for the first time

  At an iron works in New Jersey, dots and dashes raced through two miles of wire — carrying the very first public telegram: 'A patient waiter is no loser.' Read the full story →

• 1941 — FDR names the Four Freedoms

  As war raged overseas, President Roosevelt told Congress everyone everywhere deserves four freedoms: speech, worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Read the full story →

• 1912 — New Mexico becomes the 47th state

  After more than sixty years of petitioning, the Land of Enchantment joined the Union — bringing ancient pueblos, Spanish colonial heritage, and wide deserts into one star richer. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Joan of Arc (1412–1431)

Days & observances

Epiphany (Three Kings Day)