On January 5th:

 1066  Edward the Confessor Passes Away

On January 5th, 1066, Edward the Confessor, the King of England known for the construction of Westminster Abbey, passed away. His death set the stage for the tumultuous events of the Norman Conquest later that year.

 1781  Richmond, Virginia, is Captured by British Forces during the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, on January 5th, 1781, British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold captured Richmond, Virginia. This was a significant event in the southern theater of the war.

1933  Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge Begins

On this day in 1933, construction commenced on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The bridge, with its stunning art deco design, would become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.