January 21

    What happened on January 21 in history

    4 events fall on January 21, from 1793 to 1976. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on January 21

    1. 1793

      Louis XVI is guillotined

      The king is executed on the Place de la Révolution before a vast Paris crowd.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    2. 1908

      New York bans women smoking in public

      The short-lived Sullivan Ordinance makes lighting up an offence for the proprietor.

      Read about Louis Blériot Crosses the English ChannelPlay the 20th century round

    3. 1954

      The first nuclear submarine is launched

      USS Nautilus enters the water at Groton, Connecticut.

      Play the 20th century round

    4. 1976

      Concorde enters service

      Simultaneous departures from London and Paris begin supersonic passenger flight.

      Play the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge