International On This Day - January 2, 2027

Louis Daguerre captures the first photo of the Moon

President William Henry Harrison appoints the first woman to the role of presidential secretary. Alice Sanger's impeccable qualifications as a skilled stenographer and typist gained her an introduction to Harrison two years prior.

The Soviet Union launches Luna 1, the first spacecraft to escape the Earth's gravitational pull. Intended to impact the Moon, the unmanned rocket overshot the Moon and entered orbit around the Sun.

The first African American woman elected mayor of a major city and the first Mayor of the District of Columbia is sworn into office. Sharon Pratt Kelly ran for the office on the Democratic ticket against Maurice T. Turner, Jr. January 2nd Celebrated Birthdays