Jan 1 Albany replaces New York City as capital of New York Jan 7 First official use of the modern Italian flag (the Tricolor) by the Cispadane Republic 'Terrifying' Top Hat Causes Sensation Jan 15 1st top hat worn by John Etherington of London Queen Victoria looks uncertainly at her husband as Prince Albert tries out his new top hat Jan 26 Russia, Prussia and Austria sign treaty Jan 30 US Congress refuses to accept 1st petition from African American Dec 1796 Historical Events by Year Feb 1797 Famous People Who Were Authors Dictators Explorers Outlaws Queens Spies