175 years ago (26 Jan 1837): 
Michigan became the 26th U.S. state
150 years ago (10 Jan 1862):
Death of Samuel Colt, American inventor and firearms manufacturer who popularised the revolver.
150 years ago (27 Jan 1862): 
American Civil War: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued General War Order No. 1, ordering the Union army and navy to begin their offensive operations against the Confederates on 22nd February 1862
125 years ago (20 Jan 1887):
The U.S. Senate agreed to allow the U.S. Navy to lease Pearl Harbour, Hawaii as a naval base.
100 years ago (1 Jan 1912):
The Republic of China was officially established.
80 years ago (12 Jan 1932):
Hattie Caraway became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
70 years ago (26 Jan 1942):
World War II: The first American troops arrived in Europe. 4,508 soldiers from the 34th Infantry Regiment docked in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
25 years ago (21 Jan 1987):
American singer Aretha Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.