Today in History: January 26, largest diamond ever found in South Africa

"Today is Monday, Jan. 26, the 26th day of 2026. There are 339 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 26, 1905, the Cullinan Diamond, at 3,106 carats (621.2 grams) the largest diamond ever found, was discovered in South Africa. Also on this date: In 1887, groundbreaking began for the construction of the Eiffel Tower; the tower would be completed just over two years later. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act establishing Rocky Mountain National Park."

"In 1950, the Constitution of India took effect, making the country the world's largest democratic republic. In 1993, Vaclav Havel (VAHTS'-lahv HAH'-vel) was elected president of the newly formed Czech Republic. In 1998, President Bill Clinton forcefully denied having an affair with a former White House intern, telling reporters, I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."

"In 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41. In 2023, Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians and wounded several others in a large-scale raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the deadliest single operation in the territory in two decades."

Jan. 26, 2026 is the 26th day of the year with 339 days remaining. On Jan. 26, 1905 the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa. In 1887 groundbreaking began for the Eiffel Tower. In 1915 President Woodrow Wilson established Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1950 the Constitution of India took effect. In 1993 Vaclav Havel became president of the Czech Republic. In 1998 President Bill Clinton denied sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky. In 2020 Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash. In 2023 Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians in a Jenin raid. Notable birthdays include David Strathairn (77) and Wayne Gretzky (65).

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