This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – January 14

Every day has a story. Have you ever wondered what happened on January 14 in history? On January 14, many important events took place across different times and places. 

On January 14, 1784, the United States ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War and marking the young nation's independence. Long before that, in 1761, the Third Battle of Panipat was fought in India, a clash that shaped regional power. 

In space history, the Huygens probe landed on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, in 2005. These and many other stories make January 14 a day worth remembering in history. In this article, we'll explore those moments, from battles and discoveries to beginnings and endings.

What Happened On This Day—January 14?

Here's what happened in history on January 14:

1784 – Treaty of Paris Ratified

• On January 14, 1784, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris.
• This treaty officially ended the American Revolution.
• It confirmed the United States' independence from British rule.

1794 – First Successful C-Section in the United States

• On January 14, 1794, Dr Jesse Bennett performed the first successful recorded C-section in the U.S.
• The surgery was requested during a difficult labour.
• The patient was his own wife.
• Both the mother and child survived.

1639 – First Colonial Constitution Adopted

• On January 14, 1639, the Fundamental Orders were adopted in Hartford, Connecticut.
• It became the first written constitution in the American colonies.
• Representatives from Wethersfield, Windsor, and Hartford approved it.
• English Puritans from Massachusetts settled the region during the 1630s.

1741 – Benedict Arnold was Born

• Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741.
• He was an American general during the Revolutionary War.
• He later betrayed the United States and became known as a traitor.
• His name became a symbol of treason in American history.

1875 – Albert Schweitzer was Born

• Albert Schweitzer was born on January 14, 1875, in Upper Alsace, Germany.
• He was a theologian, philosopher, musician, and physician.
• Schweitzer later won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• He dedicated his life to humanitarian and medical work.

1920 – Dodge Co-Founder John Dodge Dies

• On January 14, 1920, John Dodge died at the age of 55.
• He co-founded the Dodge Brothers Company with his brother Horace.
• Dodge became one of America's largest automobile manufacturers.
• The company later became part of Chrysler.

1942 – FDR Orders "Alien Enemies" to Register

• On January 14, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Proclamation No. 2537.
• Citizens from Italy, Germany, and Japan were ordered to register.
• Registered individuals received Certificates of Identification.
• The order was issued under the Alien Registration Act of 1940.

1954 – Marilyn Monroe Marries Joe DiMaggio

• On January 14, 1954, Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio.
• The marriage was seen as an All-American romance.
• Their relationship was short and troubled.
• The marriage ended within a year.

1958 – Scottish Serial Killer Peter Manuel Arrested

• On January 14, 1958, Peter Manuel was arrested in Glasgow, Scotland.
• He was linked to 7 to 15 murders over two years.
• Manuel was born in the U.S. to British parents.
• He had a long history of criminal activity.

1963 – George Wallace was Inaugurated as Alabama Governor

• On January 14, 1963, George Wallace became Governor of Alabama.
• He delivered a speech supporting racial segregation.
• The speech was written by Ku Klux Klan leader Asa Carter.
• The event became one of the most controversial moments in U.S. politics.

1967 – Human Be-In Launches the Summer of Love

• On January 14, 1967, the Human Be-In was held in San Francisco.
• The event took place at Golden Gate Park.
• Over 20,000 people attended.
• It helped launch the "Summer of Love" movement.

1969 – Explosion Aboard USS Enterprise

• On January 14, 1969, an explosion occurred on the USS Enterprise.
• The incident happened in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
• 27 people were killed, and over 300 were injured.
• A rocket accident destroyed 15 aircraft.

1970 – Diana Ross and the Supremes' Final Concert

• On January 14, 1970, Diana Ross and the Supremes performed their final concert.
• The group was one of the most successful acts of the 1960s.
• They had 12 number-one hits.
• Their music helped define the decade's sound.

1973 – Miami Dolphins Complete a Perfect Season

• On January 14, 1973, the Miami Dolphins won Super Bowl VII.
• They defeated Washington 14-7.
• The victory completed an undefeated 17-0 season.
• It remains the only perfect season in NFL history.

1980 – Gold Prices Hit Record High

• On January 14, 1980, gold prices crossed $800 an ounce.
• This happened after gold was released from government control.
• The price surge reflected economic uncertainty.
• Gold remained a symbol of financial security.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on January 14?

January 14 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Notable Births on January 14

• Faye Dunaway (1941– ) – Actress known for Bonnie and Clyde, Network, and Chinatown.
• Carl Weathers (1948–2024) – Actor and former football player, famous for Rocky and Predator.
• Dave Grohl (1969– ) – Musician, drummer for Nirvana and frontman of Foo Fighters.

Notable Deaths on January 14

1898 – Lewis Carroll Dies

• Lewis Carroll died on January 14, 1898, at age 65.
• He was an English author and mathematician.
• Carroll wrote the beloved novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.

1957 – Humphrey Bogart Dies

• Humphrey Bogart passed away on January 14, 1957, at age 57.
• He was a famous American movie actor.
• Bogart starred in classics like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.

2016 – Alan Rickman Dies

• Alan Rickman died on January 14, 2016, at age 69.
• He was an English actor.
• Rickman was known for roles in Harry Potter and Die Hard.

1984 – Ray Kroc Dies

• Ray Kroc died on January 14, 1984, at age 81.
• He was an American businessman.
• Kroc helped grow McDonald's into a global brand.

1977 – Peter Finch Dies

• Peter Finch died on January 14, 1977, at age 60.
• He was a British actor.
• Finch is known for films like Network and Sunday Bloody Sunday.