What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Feb 29 ]

2024 - The Smokehouse Creek Fire of 2024: A Catastrophic Event

In 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire became the second-largest wildfire in U.S. history, burning over 1.1 million acres in Texas. This devastating event impacted the state's cattle ranching industry and raised significant environmental concerns, prompting community resilience and action.

2020 - The Historic 2020 US-Taliban Peace Deal

On February 29, 2020, the US and Taliban signed a historic peace deal in Doha, Qatar, aiming to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan. The agreement set a timeline for troop withdrawal, contingent on the Taliban's commitment to peace and intra-Afghan negotiations.

2020 - Watford's Stunning Victory Over Liverpool

On February 29, 2020, Watford shocked Liverpool with a decisive 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road, ending the Reds' historic unbeaten run and winning streak, a match that will be remembered in football history.

1992 - End of the Sarajevo Siege: A Historic Moment

On February 29, 1996, Serb forces withdrew from Sarajevo, ending a 1,425-day siege, the longest of a capital city in modern warfare. This significant event marked a turning point in the region's tumultuous history and the lives of its residents.

1988 - The Rebranding of KWK-FM to WKBG in 1988

In 1988, KWK-FM changed its call letters to WKBG, marking a transformative moment in St. Louis radio. This rebranding introduced new programming and successfully revitalized the station's image, leading to increased listener engagement and popularity.

1972 - The ITT Memo Scandal: A Political Controversy of 1972

In 1972, journalist Jack Anderson revealed a memo from ITT's Dita Beard, indicating the company paid a $400,000 bribe to drop antitrust charges, sparking significant political controversy and raising ethical questions about corporate influence in politics.

1967 - The Beatles' Landmark Grammy Win in 1968

In 1968, The Beatles made history by winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for their album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," marking the first time a rock album received this prestigious accolade.

1965 - The Premiere of 'The Sound of Music' on ABC-TV

On November 23, 1976, ABC-TV broadcasted the premiere of the beloved musical film 'The Sound of Music,' originally released in 1965. This event introduced the timeless story to a new audience, celebrating its enchanting music and heartfelt narrative.

1964 - 1964 High School Basketball Marathon

The 1964 high school basketball game between Pinecrest and East Lincoln in North Carolina became a phenomenal event, ending with a score of 56-54 after an unprecedented 13 overtimes, showcasing the teams' endurance and passion for the sport.

1963 - Patrik Sundström’s Historic Night in Pittsburgh

In a historic performance on 1984, Patrik Sundström of the Vancouver Canucks scored one goal and assisted six others in a stunning 9-5 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This feat marked him as just the third NHL player to record six assists in a road game.

1960 - The 1960 Agadir Earthquake: A Catastrophe in Morocco

The 1960 Agadir earthquake devastated the city of Agadir, Morocco, killing 12,000 to 15,000 people and destroying 95% of the buildings. The disaster changed the city forever, leading to significant rebuilding and improvements in earthquake preparedness.

1955 - Miraculous Rescue: Michael Bracey's 59-Hour Elevator Ordeal

In 1980, Michael Bracey endured a harrowing 59-hour ordeal trapped in an elevator in England due to a mechanical failure. His miraculous survival sparked discussions on elevator safety regulations, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and human resilience.

1952 - 1952 Ice Pairs Championship Victory

In 1952, the Ice Pairs Championship in Paris was won by the outstanding duo, Ria Falk and Paul Falk from West Germany. Their victory highlighted their skill and marked a significant resurgence for West German figure skating after World War II.

1952 - Restoration of Heligoland to German Authority in 1952

In 1952, Heligoland was restored to German authority after being under British occupation since World War II. This marked a significant moment in Germany's post-war recovery and the cultural revival of the island, known for its unique cliffs and rich history.

1948 - The 1948 Stern-Group Bombing on the Cairo-Haifa Train

On June 29, 1948, a bomb placed by the Stern Gang detonated on the Cairo-Haifa train, killing 27 British soldiers. This attack, rooted in escalating conflicts in British-controlled Palestine, highlighted the complex dynamics of the era and set the stage for future tensions.

1944 - Sentencing of Indonesian Communist Party Leaders in 1944

In 1944, five leaders of the Indonesian Communist Party were sentenced to death amid rising tensions in Indonesia. This marked a significant moment in the history of the country, reflecting the severe political repression during the Japanese occupation and the struggle for independence.

1937 - Richard Petty's Leap Day Victory in 1976

On Leap Day 1976, Richard Petty achieved a remarkable victory in the Carolina 500, marking the only Winston Cup race ever run on February 29th, with an impressive two-lap lead over Darrell Waltrip.

Auto Racer Richard Petty
Racing Car Driver Darrell Waltrip

1934 - Hank Aaron's Groundbreaking Contract in Baseball History

In 1972, Hank Aaron made history as the first player to achieve an annual salary of $200,000, signing a three-year deal with the Atlanta Braves following an extraordinary season. This landmark contract reshaped athlete salary negotiations in professional sports.

Baseball Player Hank Aaron

1928 - Gordie Howe's Historic 800th Goal

On March 12, 1980, Gordie Howe made history by becoming the first NHL player to score 800 career goals during a game where the Hartford Whalers defeated the St. Louis Blues 3-0 at Springfield Civic Center, marking a significant moment in hockey history.

Ice Hockey Legend Gordie Howe

1920 - The Invention of the Artificial Rabbit in Dog Racing

In 1920, Owen Patrick Smith invented the artificial rabbit, revolutionizing greyhound racing at the opening of the Blue Star Amusement Park in Emeryville, California. This innovation improved safety and the popularity of the sport, establishing a new standard for dog racing.

1919 - Pierre Trudeau Steps Down as Prime Minister in 1984

Pierre Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada in 1984 after 15 transformative years in office. His decision marked a major shift in Canadian politics, prompting discussions about the legacy he left behind and the future of the Liberal Party.

Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau

1908 - The Revelation of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

On July 24, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the US had developed the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, an advanced reconnaissance aircraft capable of high-speed and high-altitude flights, revolutionizing military intelligence during the Cold War.

36th US President Lyndon B. Johnson

1904 - The Birth of the Panama Canal Commission

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Panama Canal Commission to oversee the construction of an engineering marvel that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, forever changing maritime trade. This event was pivotal in U.S. history and global commerce.

26th US President Theodore Roosevelt

1903 - Cleveland Indians Sold for $4 Million

In 1956, the Cleveland Indians MLB franchise was sold for $4 million, marking a significant milestone under former player Hank Greenberg's management. This event reshaped the baseball landscape in Cleveland and offered new prospects for the team’s future.

Baseball Player Hank Greenberg

1892 - The Incorporation of St. Petersburg, Florida in 1892

The incorporation of St. Petersburg in 1892 marked a significant turning point in its history, leading to rapid growth fueled by the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway and the vision of Peter Demens, setting the stage for the vibrant city we see today.

1890 - Eisenhower Seeks Second Term in 1956

In January 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced his decision to seek a second term in office. Highlighting his achievements and addressing post-war America, this pivotal moment set the stage for a significant election amid a changing political landscape.

34th US President and WWII General Dwight D. Eisenhower

1872 - Completion of the Gotthard Railway Tunnel

In 1880, the Gotthard Railway Tunnel was completed, revolutionizing transport between Switzerland and Italy. This engineering marvel overcame significant challenges, enhancing trade and travel across Europe.

1853 - The Birth of Solid Helium: A 1908 Scientific Breakthrough

In 1908, Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes produced solid helium for the first time, marking a significant milestone in cryogenics and deepening our understanding of low-temperature physics. This breakthrough laid the groundwork for future discoveries in superconductivity and quantum phenomena.

1848 - The Independence of Neuchâtel from Prussia in 1848

In 1848, the Principality of Neuchâtel declared its independence from Prussia, reflecting the wave of nationalism sweeping through Europe. Local leaders and citizens rallied for self-governance, setting the stage for future discussions on Swiss federalism.

1745 - Understanding Jay's Treaty of 1796

Jay's Treaty, proclaimed in 1796, aimed to resolve tensions between the United States and Great Britain, fostering peaceful relations and trade while addressing territorial disputes post-Revolutionary War. The treaty's mixed reception influenced American politics and diplomatic relations.

1740 - Marquis de Sade's Transfer to the Bastille in 1784

In 1784, Marquis de Sade was transferred from the Vincennes fortress to the notorious Bastille, highlighting his controversial life and radical ideas that challenged societal norms. His time there saw the creation of influential literature amidst rising tensions that would culminate in the French Revolution.

Philosopher and Writer Marquis de Sade

1692 - The Salem Witch Trials: A Dark Chapter in History

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 marked a horrifying era in American history. With numerous accusations led by figures like Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, the trials ignited fear and hysteria that resulted in wrongful convictions and executions due to the belief in witchcraft.

Dramatic lithograph of the Salem witch trials produced in 1892