1. On January 26, 1784, the Pennsylvania legislature passed an act that established the University of Pittsburgh as the Pittsburgh Academy. This was the first institution of higher education in the western part of Pennsylvania and would later become the University of Pittsburgh.

2. In 1861, the Allegheny Arsenal in Pittsburgh exploded, killing 78 workers, mostly women, and injuring an additional 100. The explosion was attributed to a spark igniting gunpowder stored at the facility. The incident is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in American history.

3. On January 26, 1891, the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team was founded as the Philadelphia Quakers. The team was later renamed the Phillies in 1890 and is one of the oldest continuously operating professional sports teams in the world.

4. The Pennsylvania Farm Show, one of the largest agricultural events in the United States, traditionally begins on January 26 or around that date. The event, which takes place annually in Harrisburg, celebrates Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage with livestock competitions, food and craft vendors, and educational programs.

5. In 1996, a devastating blizzard hit the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania. The storm dropped over 30 inches of snow on parts of the state and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions. The National Guard was called in to assist with emergency operations and the storm is still remembered as one of the worst in Pennsylvania's history.