January 3, 1777 - At the Battle of Princeton, forces serving under General George Washington defeat the army of General Lord Charles Cornwallis.

January 3, 1888 - Marvin Stone receives a patent for waxed-paper drinking straws.

January 3, 1899 - The word "automobile" is used for the first time in history in an editorial in the New York Times.

January 3, 1945 - General Douglas MacArthur assumes command of all United States land forces.

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January 3, 1959 - Alaska becomes the 49th state.

January 3, 1967 - Jack Ruby dies of cancer in a Dallas hospital. He was known for killing Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President Kennedy.

January 3, 1983 - Time magazine announces that the personal computer is its Man of the Year.

 

"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." - George Washington