MNN - Mother Nature Network

Jan. 26, 1700: An earthquake estimated at magnitude 9.0 is believed to have struck off the coast of the Northwest U.S. While there are no written records from the Northwest at this time in history, seismic sleuths have pieced together information from geologic evidence in the region, and from a tsunami that is known to have struck Japan hours later. The "Cascadia quake" is still a favorite source of investigation and debate among seismologists.

 

Jan. 26, 1915: Rocky Mountain National Park (at right) is established in Colorado. The park features 60 peaks of more than 12,000 feet or more, and extensive stands of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine trees.

 

Jan. 26, 1982: As part of his plan to reduce the size of government, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proposes dismantling the Department of Energy.

 

Jan. 26, 2001: Thousands die as an earthquake strikes Gujarat in western India. The damage and death toll are also high in neighboring Pakistan.

 

Jan. 26, 2012:  A Canadian Government memo draws fire from critics for its Nixon Enemies List-like tone:  Opponents of Canada’s ambitious tar sands plans are termed government “adversaries,” while oil industry groups are described as government “allies.”