January 1788

Tuesday 01:

First edition of The Times of London, previously The Daily Universal Register, is published.

Wednesday 02:

Georgia becomes the 4th state to ratify the United States Constitution.

Wednesday 09:

Connecticut becomes the fifth state to join the United States.

Saturday 26:

The British First Fleet, led by Arthur Phillip, sail into Sydney Harbour to establish the first permanent European settlement on the continent. Celebrated as Australia Day.

Monday 28:

The first penal colony is founded at Botany Bay, Australia.