What Happened on January 14?

January 14 is National Dress Up Your Pet Day, when pets rock bandanas and bow ties. It is also the day Congress ratified the peace treaty that made America officially independent.

• 1639 — Connecticut adopts the Fundamental Orders, a first-of-its-kind government plan

  Settlers in Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield agreed to govern themselves with elected leaders — often called the first written constitution in the American colonies. Read the full story →

• 1784 — Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War

  After a nail-biting race against the calendar, nine states finally gathered in Annapolis and unanimously ratified the treaty in which Britain recognized American independence. Read the full story →

• 1943 — Roosevelt and Churchill open the secret Casablanca Conference

  In Casablanca, Morocco, the two Allied leaders planned World War II's next moves — and announced the Allies would accept nothing less than unconditional surrender. Read the full story →

• 1954 — Baseball hero Joe DiMaggio marries movie star Marilyn Monroe

  At San Francisco City Hall, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio married Hollywood's brightest star, Marilyn Monroe — creating America's most famous celebrity wedding. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Benedict Arnold (1741–1801) · Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) · Faye Dunaway (1941)

Days & observances

National Dress Up Your Pet Day · National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day · World Logic Day