This Day in History for January 1 – Emancipation Proclamation Signed and More

Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1863 – President Abraham Lincoln signs the final Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebelling states (More info)

1934 – Alcatraz Island becomes a United States federal prison (More info)

1942 – The Declaration by the United Nations is signed by 26 countries, creating the international postwar peacekeeping organization (More info)

1959 – Fulgencio Batista, dictator of Cuba, is overthrown by Fidel Castro’s forces during the Cuban Revolution (More info)

2002 – Euro banknotes and coins become legal tender in twelve of the European Union’s member states (More info)