- On this day in 1648. Margaret Jones of Plymouth was found guilty of witchcraft and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck. The witch hunt took place from 1648 – 1663. During that period about 80 people throughout New England were accused of practicing witchcraft. 13 women and 2 men were executed. Margaret Jones was a midwife and practiced medicine.
- On this day in 1787. The First Fleet of convicts leaves Portsmouth, England, heading for Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia. They arrive in Botany Bay on the 18th of January 1788. Over 7 months at sea! The First Fleet consisted of 775 convicts. It was immediately determined that there was insufficient fresh water, unusable timber, poor quality soil and no safe harbour at Botany Bay. The fleet was moved to Port Jackson, arriving on the 26th of January 1788. Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26th.
- On this day in 1950. Stevie Wonder, American singer-songwriter celebrates his birthday today. Born as Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw, Michigan.
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First Fleet memorial, Botany Bay (Photo credit: peter hindmarsh)
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