January 31

    What happened on January 31 in history

    4 events fall on January 31, from 1865 to 1990. 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 31

    1. 1865

      Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment

      The House votes to abolish slavery and sends the amendment to the states.

      Read about Opening of the Metropolitan Railway, World's First UndergroundPlay the 19th century round

    2. 1958

      Explorer 1 is launched

      America's first satellite discovers the Van Allen radiation belts.

      Read about Construction of the Berlin WallPlay the 20th century round

    3. 1971

      Apollo 14 launches

      Alan Shepard's return to space will end with a golf shot on the Moon.

      Read about Sydney Opera House Under ConstructionPlay the 20th century round

    4. 1990

      The first McDonald's opens in Moscow

      Queues stretch around Pushkin Square on the day fast food reaches the USSR.

      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