1. On January 31, 1865, the United States House of Representatives passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery throughout the United States. Massachusetts played a major role in the abolitionist movement, with many of its citizens speaking out against slavery and working to end it.

2. On January 31, 1919, Boston police officers went on strike for higher wages and better working conditions. Governor Calvin Coolidge famously declared that "There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, any time," and sent in the National Guard to maintain order. The strike ended after nine days, with many officers being fired and replaced.

3. On January 31, 1920, the Boston Opera House opened to the public. The Opera House was one of the city's premier venues for opera, ballet, and other cultural events, and has hosted many famous performers over the years. It is currently undergoing a major renovation and restoration.

4. On January 31, 1958, the first successful transatlantic passenger jet flight took off from Logan International Airport in Boston. The BOAC Comet 4 traveled from London to New York in just over six hours, marking a major milestone in aviation history.

5. On January 31, 1961, Ham the Chimp became the first primate in space, aboard the Mercury-Redstone 2 rocket. The rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but Ham and the rest of the Mercury program were trained and prepared for their missions at the Holloman Aerospace Medical Center in New Mexico.