What happened in January 1977?
The top front-page story of each day in January 1977, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jan 1🎉 Year of the Snake – Japan and parts of South Korea welcome the Year of the Snake, promising a year of bright and beautiful babies.
- Jan 2🏛️ China's New Policies – China pledges to create a new political and economic environment with greater liveliness and prosperity in 1977.
- Jan 3🎾 Ashe Wins Aussie Open – Arthur Ashe secures a decisive first-round victory at the Australian Open, defeating Peter McNamara 6-3, 6-0, 6-2.
- Jan 4🏛️ Carter Inauguration Medals – The first minting of official medals for President-elect Carter's inauguration is scheduled for January 6, 1977.
- Jan 5🌍 Quake Toll in China – A report states that 655,000 people died and 779,000 were injured in the Tangshan earthquake last summer, according to provincial authorities.
- Jan 6🌊 20,000 Homeless in Flood – Floods in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, left 20,000 people homeless, with at least three fatalities and 200 homes destroyed.
- Jan 7🔬 Einstein Theory Confirmed – Radio data from Viking spacecraft on Mars provides new confirmation of Einstein's theory of relativity, enhancing our understanding of physics.
- Jan 8🏛️ Carter Economic Plan – President-elect Carter announces a $30 billion economic stimulus plan aimed at creating 800,000 new jobs and providing tax rebates for all taxpayers.
- Jan 9🔬 Nuclear Reactors Issues – The nuclear power industry faces significant questions similar to those from 25 years ago, highlighting ongoing concerns about reactor safety.
- Jan 10🏆 Tanner Wins Aussie Final – Roscoe Tanner defeated Guillermo Vilas in three sets to win the Australian Open tennis championship.
- Jan 11🌍 Biosphere Reserves Established – Australia introduces biosphere reserves aimed at facilitating natural evolution and conservation efforts.
- Jan 12🎾 Tanner Wins Upset – Roscoe Tanner defeated Dick Bornstedt in the second round of the South Australian tennis tournament despite feeling unwell.
- Jan 13🔬 Laser Communication Link – AT&T plans to install a commercial telephone link in Chicago using laser technology for transmitting calls and data.
- Jan 14🏛️ Trade Center TV Tower – Tentative agreement reached for a 365-foot antenna mast atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center to improve TV reception.
- Jan 15🏥 Emergency Gas Sales Approved – The Federal Power Commission approved emergency sales of natural gas to two pipelines facing shortages in the East and Gulf Coast.
- Jan 16🏛️ Carter's Inauguration – Jimmy Carter is inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States, marking a significant political transition.
- Jan 17🎾 Connors Wins Tournament – Jimmy Connors captured his fourth consecutive Birmingham International indoor tournament, defeating Bill Scanlon 6-3, 6-3.
- Jan 18🌍 Earthquake Hits California – A mild 3.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the western San Fernando Valley, California, on January 17. No damage or injuries were reported.
- Jan 19🏛️ Carter's Inaugural Events – The five-day inaugural celebration for President-elect Jimmy Carter began in Washington, marked by a cold but festive atmosphere.
- Jan 20🌍 10 Million Hindu Pilgrims – Ten million Hindus bathed in the holy River Ganges in Allahabad, celebrating what is claimed to be the largest religious festival in the world.
- Jan 21🇺🇸 Carter Sworn In – Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States, marking a new era in American politics.
- Jan 22🏛️ Carter's Inauguration Day – Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States, marking a significant political shift.
- Jan 23📷 Carter's Inauguration Day – Jimmy Carter is inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States, emphasizing humility and a fresh start for the nation.
- Jan 24🎉 Caldwell Wins Ski Title – Tim Caldwell, a member of the American Olympic team, won the men's 30-kilometer race at the national Nordic cross-country ski championships.
- Jan 25🔬 Global Biological Areas Identified – A program to identify and delineate various biological areas worldwide has begun in the U.S. and other countries.
- Jan 26⛵ Father, Son Tie – Carl Buchan and his father Bill tie for the lead in the Bacardi Cup sailing series after the second race in Miami.
- Jan 27🔬 Utilities Develop New Batteries – Electric utility companies plan to invest $7.6 million in developing zinc-chlorine batteries for electric cars.
- Jan 28🏢 Windows on the World – Windows on the World, a lavish restaurant atop the World Trade Center, has become a symbol of confidence in NYC's future with high demand for reservations.
- Jan 29🌨️ Blizzard Tightens Energy Crisis – A fierce blizzard paralyzed the Central States and East with winds up to 60 mph, causing natural gas shortages and shutting down factories and schools.
- Jan 30🏔️ Machu Picchu Mystery – Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city in Peru, remains a mystery with no one knowing its purpose or why it was built.
- Jan 31🔬 Space Shuttle Tests – The space shuttle, a half rocket and half airplane, is set for tests at a desert dry lake to determine its flight capabilities.
Happy Birthday! 1977 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1977 in real headlines. See the 1977 book →
Born in January? Pick the day
Every birthday in January has its own On This Day in Headlines book: