On This Day - January 26, 2026

In a letter dated January 26, 1784, Benjamin Franklin writes to his daughter Sarah (Sally) Bache expressing his dismay that the eagle is chosen as an American symbol. Were he to choose, the turkey would be a more appropriate bird.

The U.S. Patent Office issues patent no. 159,028 to George F. Greene of Kalamazoo, Michigan for an "electromagnetic dental tool," the first electric drill designed for dental work.

Frederick Wells discovers the world’s largestdiamondat the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa. Measuring 3,106 carats, the gem is named the Cullinan diamond.

At North Island, San Diego, California, Glenn Curtiss completes the first successful takeoff and landing of a hydroplane. January 26th Celebrated Birthdays