January 1840

Friday 03:

One of the Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia's predecessor papers The Port Phillip Herald is founded by George Cavanaugh.

Monday 13:

The steamship Lexington burns and sinks four miles off the coast of Long Island with the loss of 139 lives.

Sunday 19:

Captain Charles Wilkes circumnavigates Antarctica, claiming what became known as Wilkes Land for the United States.

Monday 20:

Willem II becomes King of the Netherlands.

Wednesday 22:

British colonists reach New Zealand.