1630 – Letters Patent issued to Plymouth Colony
1898 – Emile Zola publishes his open letter “J’accuse” accusing the French government of framing Alfred Dreyfus for sabotage
1957 – 7th NFL Pro Bowl, LA Memorial Coliseum: Western Conference beats Eastern Conference, 19-10; MVPs: Bert Rechichar, Baltimore Colts, K; Ernie Stautner, Pittsburgh Steelers, DT
1968 – “Illya Darling” closes at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC after 320 performances
1973 – Lasse Daniel Efskind skates world record 1000m (1:17.6)
1985 – John McEnroe repeats previous year’s result with a 7–5, 6–0, 6–4 win over Ivan Lendl to claim back-to-back season-ending ATP Masters Grand Prix tennis titles at Madison Square Garden, NYC
1985 – Blackhawk Doug Wilson failed on 12th penalty shot against Islanders
1988 – LA Dodger/SD Padre Steve Garvey retires
1990 – 1st elected African American Governor inaugurated (Douglas Wilder-Virginia)
1992 – American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer pleads guilty but insane