by Jude Coyle

Created on: February 23, 2010   Last Updated: February 24, 2010

Pick a date, any date in history, and one can be fairly sure something monumental happened. Take January 15th, for instance. Here are three examples of happenings and some background information as well. 

On January 15, 1559, Queen Elizabeth I was crowned. The event was heralded with staunch support of her people, with orations and festivals. She was crowned at Westminster Abbey, and anointed by a Catholic Bishop. She was later greeted with fifes, organs and drums as her people celebrated her ascension. 

Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII of England, and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Anne was executed two and a half years after Elizabeth's birth. Elizabeth and half sister, Mary, were then declared illegitimate. Her upbringing was one of intrigue and of political change. Her brother, Edward VI, served as king from the age of 9 to the age of 15. Upon his death, Lady Jane Grey served for nine days. She was overthrown and later executed. Half sister, Mary, a Catholic like her mother, Catherine of Argonne, tried to re-establish her religion as the State Church. Elizabeth, who was educated in the Church of England, found herself in favor one moment, and then out of favor with her sister.

She was 24 when Mary died, and she went on to serve for forty years. It was the first stability England enjoyed in several years. She was known as the 'Virgin Queen,' because of her reluctance to marry, which she never did. Her rule was marked by wars with France, Spain and battles over the Netherlands. The Spanish Armada sank on her watch. She also reestablished her beloved Church of England, which is still considered the Church of State. Her family squabbles with Mary Queen of Scots were legendary. Mary was eventually decapitated, while her infant son, James, replaced her on the Scottish throne. When Elizabeth finally passed on, James VI of Scotland became James I of England.

A group of patriots from 26 towns declared the independence of The Republic of New Connecticut in 1777 on this day. New Connecticut was formed by land currently located between the States of New York and New Hampshire. The name was changed to the State of Vermont, after a French word meaning 'Land of the Green Mountains.' Its constitution was one of the first ratified in North America. It was drawn up at Windor's Tavern on July 4th, 1777. It made slavery illegal, set up a unicameral government, and allowed each adult male the vote. They

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