1. Birth of Alice Hegan Rice: On January 31, 1870, Alice Hegan Rice was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky. She became a well-known author and is most famous for her novel, "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," which was adapted into a play and several films.

2. First commercial oil well: On January 31, 1819, Rogers, Clark, and Company drilled the first commercial oil well in the United States at Big Sinking Creek near Burkesville, Kentucky. This event marked the beginning of the oil industry in the country.

3. Kentucky becomes a state: On January 31, 1793, Kentucky was officially admitted to the United States as the 15th state. Kentucky was originally part of Virginia, but after the American Revolution, it became its own entity.

4. Birth of John Breckinridge: John Breckinridge, who served as the 14th Vice President of the United States, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on January 31, 1760. He was also a U.S. Senator and Attorney General under President Thomas Jefferson.

5. Flood of 1937: In January 1937, the Ohio River experienced its worst flood in history, which affected several states including Kentucky. On January 31st of that year, Louisville, Kentucky, was completely flooded with water reaching up to 30 feet in some areas. Thousands of people were left homeless and damages were estimated to be over $25 million.