Birth of Ruth Asawa
Artist Ruth Aiko Asawa was born on January 24, 1926, in Norwalk, California.
American History
First Observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 20, 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday after a decades-long battle.
Birth of Oveta Culp Hobby
Oveta Culp Hobby was born on January 19, 1905, in Killeen, Texas.
Battle of Monte Cassino
On January 17, 1944, the Allies launched one of the longest and bloodiest fights of the Italian campaign – the Battle of Monte Cassino.
The Pentagon
On January 15, 1943, construction on the Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, was completed.
Death of Stephen Foster
On January 13, 1864, Stephen Foster, the “father of American music,” died in New York City.
First Woman Elected to the U.S. Senate
On January 12, 1932, Hattie Caraway became the first women elected to serve in the United States Senate.
Connecticut Becomes Fifth State
On January 9, 1788, Connecticut ratified the US Constitution, making it the fifth state to join the young United States.
Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms
On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt gave his “Four Freedoms” speech while delivering the State of the Union Address.