Jan 24 41
Roman emperor Caligula is assassinated by his bodyguards.
Jan 24 1848
Gold is discovered in California. Few initially believe the claim, and the "California Gold Rush" won't truly begin until President James K. Polk confirms the discovery in December -- 11 months later.
Jan 24 1908
The first Boy Scout troop is organized in England by its founder, Robert Baden-Powell. He enjoyed watching the boys swim naked, and as a hobby he collected photographs of them.
Jan 24 1978
The nuclear-powered Soviet Cosmos 954 satellite plunges through Earth's atmosphere and disintegrates, scattering radioactive debris over parts of Canada's Northwest Territories. Much of the satellite lands in the Great Slave Lake; only about 1% of the radioactive material is recovered.
Jan 24 1984
Changing the computer industry forever, the Apple Macintosh is unveiled.
Jan 24 1986
Crackpot and founder of the fraudulent Scientology movement, L. Ron Hubbard dies. His bad science fiction writing has grown alarmly prolific in the years since his death.
Jan 24 1989
Ted Bundy put to death in the Electric Chair for the murder of Kimberly Leach, after ten years trying to appeal.
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