On This Day - January 12, 2026

Hattie W. Caraway (D-Arkansas) wins a special election that makes her the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. In November of the previous year, the Arkansas state legislature appointed Caraway to complete the term vacated by her husband Senator Thadeus Caraway's death.

Batman premiered on television starring Adam West as Batman. The Caped Crusader appeared in 120 episodes that aired on ABC.

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation cryogenically preserved the first person with the intention of being resuscitated in the future. Upon his death, psychology professor Dr. James H. Bedford of California achieved half his dream of being placed in cryogenic suspension. It remains to be seen whether or not he will see the other half of his dream and survive to be re-animated.

Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz launches into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia 7 and becomes the first Hispanic person in space. January 12th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays