1. On January 31, 1870, the 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which gave all male citizens the right to vote regardless of race or color, was ratified by Vermont. This made Vermont the first state to ratify the amendment.

2. On January 31, 1934, Vermont's famous Bread and Puppet Theatre was founded by Peter Schumann. The theatre is known for its politically charged productions and large-scale puppetry.

3. January 31, 1951, is known as the "K.C. Jones Day" in Vermont. It marks the day when K.C. Jones, a basketball legend and Olympian, led the University of San Francisco team to victory against the University of Vermont in a historic game at the Patrick Gymnasium in Burlington.

4. On this day in 1964, the Vermont Legislative Council was established to provide non-partisan research, analysis, and drafting services to the Vermont General Assembly. The council continues to serve as a vital resource for lawmakers in Vermont.

5. January 31, 1984, was a historic day for skiing in Vermont when Bill Johnson became the first American to win an Olympic downhill skiing gold medal. Johnson's victory at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics marked a turning point in U.S. skiing history and inspired a new generation of American skiers.