5th » American Revolutionary War: Richmond, Virginia, is burned by Kingdom of Great Britain or British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold.
6th » In the Battle of Jersey, the Great Britain or British defeat the last attempt by France to invade Jersey.
17th » American Revolutionary War: Battle of Cowpens Continental troops under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeat British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at the battle in South Carolina.
Famous Birthdays on January in 1781
20th » Joseph Hormayr, Baron zu Hortenburg, Austrian-German politician (d. 1848)
22nd » François Habeneck, French violinist and conductor (d. 1849)
26th » Ludwig Achim von Arnim, German poet (d. 1831)
30th » Adelbert von Chamisso, German botanist and poet (d. 1838)
Famous Deaths for January 1781
12th » Richard Challoner, English bishop (b. 1691)