Great Northern War begins in Northern Europe between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire
Great Northern War begins in Northern Europe between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on February 12 throughout history.
113
Events
17
Births
5
Deaths
Historical Events on February 12
The last Qing Emperor of China, Puyi (age 6), abdicates after losing the support of the Chinese people and thus the "man
The last Qing Emperor of China, Puyi (age 6), abdicates after losing the support of the Chinese people and thus the "mandate of heaven"
French fashion designer Christian Dior presents his first influential collection, named the "New Look"
French fashion designer Christian Dior presents his first influential collection, named the "New Look"
US President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial
The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, began in the U.S. Senate on January 7, 1999, and concluded with his acquittal on February 12.
NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lands in the saddle region of 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid
NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lands in the saddle region of 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid
North Korea allegedly conducts its third nuclear test, claiming it is a nuclear device that can be weaponized
North Korea allegedly conducts its third nuclear test, claiming it is a nuclear device that can be weaponized
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodo
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches in nearly 1,000 years
"The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is relea
"The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is released in the US
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premieres at the influential concert "Experiment in Modern Music" held by Paul Whit
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premieres at the influential concert "Experiment in Modern Music" held by Paul Whiteman and his orchestra at Aeolian Hall, NYC [1]
Wayne Gretzky scores his 153rd point of the season, breaking the NHL record
Wayne Gretzky scores his 153rd point of the season, breaking the NHL record
Maria Theresa Habsburg marries French Stefanus (emperor François I)
Maria Theresa Habsburg marries French Stefanus (emperor François I)
American comic Dick Van Dyke (22) weds American girlfriend Margerie Willett (20) on the radio show "Bride and Groom" in
American comic Dick Van Dyke (22) weds American girlfriend Margerie Willett (20) on the radio show "Bride and Groom" in Los Angeles California; divorce in 1984 after a long separation
American singer Tony Bennett (25) weds art student Patricia Beech, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York; se
American singer Tony Bennett (25) weds art student Patricia Beech, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York; separate in 1965, divorce in 1971
Bruno, Count of Egisheim-Dagsburg, is crowned Pope Leo IX
Bruno, Count of Egisheim-Dagsburg, is crowned Pope Leo IX
Pope Innocent II is elected
Pope Innocent II (Latin: Innocentius II; died 24 September 1143), born Gregorio Papareschi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 14 February 1130 to his death in 1143.
Battle of the Herrings fought during Hundred Years' War when French and Scottish troops unsuccessfully attack English co
Battle of the Herrings fought during Hundred Years' War when French and Scottish troops unsuccessfully attack English convoy (carrying barrels of herrings) near Rouvray
Muslims in Granada forced to convert to Catholicism
Muslims in Granada forced to convert to Catholicism
Santiago, Chile, founded (or Feb 24)
Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas.
Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"
Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"
The Onderlinge van 1719 u.a., the oldest existing life insurance company in the Netherlands is founded
The Onderlinge van 1719 u.a., the oldest existing life insurance company in the Netherlands is founded
Georgia founded by James Oglethorpe at site of Savannah
Savannah ( sə-VAN-ə) is a city in, and county seat of, Chatham County, Georgia, United States.
British fleet occupies Martinique
The invasion of Martinique was the capture of the French colony of Martinique in the West Indies by British forces between January and February 1762 during the Seven Years' War.
John Casteret appointed British minister of foreign affairs
John Casteret appointed British minister of foreign affairs
Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec of France discovers the uninhabited Kerguelen Archipelago in the sub-Antarctic ocean
Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec of France discovers the uninhabited Kerguelen Archipelago in the sub-Antarctic ocean
First US Fugitive Slave Law passes, requiring the return of escaped slaves
The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory.
First US state university opens, the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a coeducational public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.
Chile gains independence from Spain
The Chilean War of Independence (Spanish: Guerra de la Independencia de Chile, 'War of Independence of Chile') was a military and political event that allowed the emancipation of Chile from the...
Mercantile Library of City of NY opens
Mercantile Library of City of NY opens
Creek Indian treaty is signed as tribal chiefs agree to turn over all their land in Georgia to the government and migrat
Creek Indian treaty is signed as tribal chiefs agree to turn over all their land in Georgia to the government and migrate west by September 1, 1826
Ecuador annexes Galapagos Islands
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Aroostoock (or "Pork & Beans) War: Boundary dispute between Maine & New Brunswick
Aroostoock (or "Pork & Beans) War: Boundary dispute between Maine & New Brunswick
Housatonic Railroad opens, running from Bridgeport, Connecticut, north to the Massachusetts state line
The Housatonic Railroad ( HOOS-ə-TON-ik; reporting mark HRRC) is a Class III railroad operating in southwestern New England and eastern New York.
Choreographer Jules Perrot's ballet "Faust" to music by Giacomo Panizza and Michael Andrew Costa, premieres at La Scala
Choreographer Jules Perrot's ballet "Faust" to music by Giacomo Panizza and Michael Andrew Costa, premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Lombardy
Original Washington's farewell address manuscript sells for $2,300
Original Washington's farewell address manuscript sells for $2,300
Edward Hargraves and three other men discover gold at Ophir, New South Wales, beginning Australia's first gold rush [1]
New South Wales experienced the first gold rush in Australia, a period generally accepted to lie between 1851 and 1880.
Michigan State University established
Michigan State University (Michigan State or MSU) is a public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States.
State troops seize US munitions in Napoleon, Arkansas, during the US Civil War
The units of the Arkansas Militia in the Civil War to which the current Arkansas National Guard has a connection include the Arkansas State Militia, Home Guard, and State Troop regiments raised by...
Henry Highland Garnet becomes the first African American minister to preach to the US House of Representatives, he talks
Henry Highland Garnet becomes the first African American minister to preach to the US House of Representatives, he talks about the end of slavery
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
US Congress passes the Coinage Act of 1873, abolishing bimetallism and placing the country on the gold standard
The Coinage Act of 1873 or Mint Act of 1873 was a general revision of laws relating to the Mint of the United States.
First news dispatch by telephone between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts
First news dispatch by telephone between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
First artificial ice rink in North America at Madison Square Garden, NYC
An ice rink (or ice skating rink) is a frozen body of water or an artificial sheet of ice where people can ice skate or play winter sports.
US National Croquet League organizes in Philadelphia
US National Croquet League organizes in Philadelphia
Social-Democratic Union forms in Amsterdam
Social-Democratic Union forms in Amsterdam
Carl Peters founds German East-Africa Society
Carl Peters founds German East-Africa Society
2nd British Conservative government of Marquess of Salisbury forms in alliance with Liberal Unionist Party
2nd British Conservative government of Marquess of Salisbury forms in alliance with Liberal Unionist Party
Anarchist Émile Henry hurls a bomb into Paris's Cafe Terminus, killing one and wounding 20
Anarchist Émile Henry hurls a bomb into Paris's Cafe Terminus, killing one and wounding 20
-47°F (-44°C), Camp Clarke, Nebraska (state record)
-47°F (-44°C), Camp Clarke, Nebraska (state record)
Dutch Penitentiary children's law proclaimed
Dutch Penitentiary children's law proclaimed
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
American James Clark runs world record marathon (2:46:52.6) in NYC
American James Clark runs world record marathon (2:46:52.6) in NYC
1st edition of Joseph Patterson and Sidney Smith's strip "The Gumps"
1st edition of Joseph Patterson and Sidney Smith's strip "The Gumps"
-Apr 26] 14,000 Rotterdam/Amsterdam harbor workers strike
-Apr 26] 14,000 Rotterdam/Amsterdam harbor workers strike
Soviet troops invade Georgia
The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, also known as Soviet Georgia, the Georgian SSR, or simply Georgia, was one of the republics of the Soviet Union from its second occupation (by the Red Army) in...
1st federal arbitration law approved by Congress
The 68th United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
Barendrecht soccer team forms
Barendrecht soccer team forms
British expeditionary army lands in Shanghai
British expeditionary army lands in Shanghai
Karst Leemburg wins Dutch 11 cities skate (11:30)
Karst Leemburg wins Dutch 11 cities skate (11:30)
Vatican Radio begins broadcasting with the callsign HVJ
Vatican Radio (Italian: Radio Vaticana; Latin: Statio Radiophonica Vaticana) is the official broadcasting service of Vatican City. Established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi, today its programs are...
Communist Party of Holland forms Unemployed Combat Committees
Communist Party of Holland forms Unemployed Combat Committees
German vice-chancellor von Papen demands Catholic aid for Nazis
Catholic resistance to Nazi Germany was a component of German resistance to Nazism and of Resistance during World War II.
Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss government bans Social Democrat party
Engelbert Dollfuss (alternatively Dollfuß; 4 October 1892 – 25 July 1934) was an Austrian politician and dictator who served as chancellor of Austria between 1932 and 1934.
Cleveland (now Los Angeles) Rams granted an NFL franchise
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Greater Los Angeles area.
3rd British Empire Games close in Sydney, Australia
Australia hosted the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, New South Wales and their team was abbreviated AUS. This was their third of 3 Commonwealth Games meets.
First injection of penicillin into a patient by British physician Charles Fletcher at Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, Eng
First injection of penicillin into a patient by British physician Charles Fletcher at Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, England
German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen escape from Brest to Germany in a dash up
German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen escape from Brest to Germany in a dash up the English Channel
Wendell Wilkie enters the race to be the Republican nominee for US President
From March 14 to June 11, 1944, voters of the Republican Party selected delegates to the 1944 Republican National Convention for the purpose of selecting their nominee for president in the 1944...
SF selected for site of UN Conference
SF selected for site of UN Conference
Daytime fireball and meteorite fall seen in eastern Siberia
Daytime fireball and meteorite fall seen in eastern Siberia
1st Lt Nancy Leftenant becomes 1st African American in army nursing corps
1st Lt Nancy Leftenant becomes 1st African American in army nursing corps
USSR breaks relations with Israel
After the Russian Revolution, in which the Bolsheviks took over parts of the collapsing Russian Empire in 1918, they faced enormous odds against the German Empire and eventually negotiated terms to...
The UK government establishes an organisation to control atomic energy in the country under The Atomic Energy Authority
The UK government establishes an organisation to control atomic energy in the country under The Atomic Energy Authority Bill
McGuire Sisters' "Sincerely" single goes to No. 1 and stays No. 1 for 10 weeks
McGuire Sisters' "Sincerely" single goes to No. 1 and stays No. 1 for 10 weeks
Researchers announce Borazan (harder than diamonds) been developed
Researchers announce Borazan (harder than diamonds) been developed
The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny goes into circulation. It replaces the "sheaves of wheat" design
The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny goes into circulation. It replaces the "sheaves of wheat" design
Chinese army kills 12 Indian soldiers
Chinese army kills 12 Indian soldiers
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Bus boycott starts in Macon, Georgia
Bus boycott starts in Macon, Georgia
Fighting breaks out between Turks and Greeks over dispute islands in Cyprus and 16 are killed; the UN responds the follo
Fighting breaks out between Turks and Greeks over dispute islands in Cyprus and 16 are killed; the UN responds the following month by sending a peacekeeping force
KHFI (now KBVO) TV channel 42 in Austin, TX (NBC) begins broadcasting
KHFI (now KBVO) TV channel 42 in Austin, TX (NBC) begins broadcasting
Dutch speed skater Kees Verkerk becomes All-Around World Champion
Dutch speed skater Kees Verkerk becomes All-Around World Champion
Dutch speed skater Ans Schut wins women's 3,000m event at Grenoble Winter Olympics; first 10 finishers beat previous Oly
Dutch speed skater Ans Schut wins women's 3,000m event at Grenoble Winter Olympics; first 10 finishers beat previous Olympic record set in Squaw Valley (1960)
Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" premieres in NYC
Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" premieres in NYC
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
Heads of state of Algeria, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia discuss oil strategy in view of the progress in Arab-Israeli d
Heads of state of Algeria, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia discuss oil strategy in view of the progress in Arab-Israeli disengagement
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
Festac '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, finishes in Lagos, Nigeria
Festac '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, finishes in Lagos, Nigeria
Kosmos 1076, the first Soviet oceanographic satellite, launches
Kosmos 1076, the first Soviet oceanographic satellite, launches
NY Islanders 2nd scoreless tie, vs Winnipeg Jets
NY Islanders 2nd scoreless tie, vs Winnipeg Jets
Admiral Bobby R Inman, USN, becomes deputy director of CIA
Admiral Bobby R Inman, USN, becomes deputy director of CIA
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites, popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion of Nye County,...
12 years after winning the doubles in Sapporo (1972), Italian Paul Hildgarten wins the men's luge singles at the Sarajev
12 years after winning the doubles in Sapporo (1972), Italian Paul Hildgarten wins the men's luge singles at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics
Survivors of a black man murdered by KKK members awarded $7 M damages
Survivors of a black man murdered by KKK members awarded $7 M damages
Five Pakistani Muslim rioters are killed while protesting Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses"
The Satanic Verses controversy, also known as the Rushdie Affair, was a controversy sparked by the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses by the Indian author Salman Rushdie.
Iceland recognizes Lithuania's independence
Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.
Model Anna Nicole Smith hospitalized for drug overdose
Model Anna Nicole Smith hospitalized for drug overdose
"Freak" opens at Cort Theater NYC
"Freak" opens at Cort Theater NYC
"Ain't Nothing 'bout You" single released by Brooks & Dunn
"Ain't Nothing 'bout You" is a song written by Tom Shapiro and Rivers Rutherford and recorded by American country music duo Brooks & Dunn.
An Iran Air Tupolev Tu-154 crashes prior to landing in Khorramabad, Iran, killing 119
An Iran Air Tupolev Tu-154 crashes prior to landing in Khorramabad, Iran, killing 119
A powerful winter storm blankets the Northeastern United States dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington, D.C. up to
A powerful winter storm blankets the Northeastern United States dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington, D.C. up to Boston, Massachusetts. The storm dumped a record 26.9 inches of snow in New York City.
A gunman opens fire in a mall in Salt Lake City, killing five people in the Trolley Square shooting
The Trolley Square massacre was a massacre that occurred on the evening of February 12, 2007, at Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashes near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people
Colgan Air Flight 3407 was a scheduled passenger flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Buffalo, New York, on February 12, 2009.
XXI Winter Olympic Games open in Vancouver, Canada
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games (French: XXIes Jeux olympiques d'hiver) and also known as Vancouver 2010 (Squamish: K'emk'emeláy̓ 2010), were an...
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
American snowboarder Jamie Anderson retains her Olympic slopestyle title (Sochi 2014) at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, c
American snowboarder Jamie Anderson retains her Olympic slopestyle title (Sochi 2014) at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, comfortably ahead of Canada's Laurie Blouin
24 hour general strike in Belgium forces all fights to be cancelled and schools shut
24 hour general strike in Belgium forces all fights to be cancelled and schools shut
Tokyo Olympics Chief Yoshiro Mori resigns after his comments that talkative women made meetings “drag on too long”
Tokyo Olympics Chief Yoshiro Mori resigns after his comments that talkative women made meetings “drag on too long”
French forces say they have killed 40 fighters in air attacks in Burkina Faso linked to deadly attacks on Benin border [
French forces say they have killed 40 fighters in air attacks in Burkina Faso linked to deadly attacks on Benin border [1]
India opens the first part of what will be its longest expressway linking Mumbai with New Delhi over 1,386-kilometer (86
India opens the first part of what will be its longest expressway linking Mumbai with New Delhi over 1,386-kilometer (861 mile) [1]
Oldest known 11,000 Stone Age megastructure, used for hunting, revealed submerged in Bay of Mecklenburg, off the German
Oldest known 11,000 Stone Age megastructure, used for hunting, revealed submerged in Bay of Mecklenburg, off the German coast [1]
Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as Director of National Intelligence by the US Senate [1]
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and U.S. military officer serving as the eighth director of national intelligence (DNI) since 2025. She previously served as U.S.
US Environmental Protection Agency disavows the 2009 scientific 'endangerment' finding which concluded that greenhouse g
US Environmental Protection Agency disavows the 2009 scientific 'endangerment' finding which concluded that greenhouse gases pose a danger to health and welfare [1]
Famous Births on February 12
birth
Cotton Mather is born
Cotton Mather puritan clergyman, known for puritan clergyman, was born on 1663-02-12.
birth
Abraham Lincoln is born
Abraham Lincoln is born
birth
Charles Darwin is born
Charles Darwin, English naturalist and biologist, known for english naturalist and biologist, was born on 1809-02-12.
birth
Omar Bradley is born
Omar Bradley united states army general, known for united states army general, was born on 1893-02-12.
birth
Ray Kurzweil is born
Ray Kurzweil, American computer scientist, author and futurist, known for american computer scientist, author and futurist, was born on 1949-02-12.
birth
Brett Kavanaugh is born
Brett Kavanaugh is born
birth
Joe Garagiola is born
Joe Garagiola baseball player, known for american baseball player, was born on 1926-02-12. Joseph Henry Garagiola Sr.
birth
Arsenio Hall is born
Arsenio Hall, American comedian, actor and tv host, known for american comedian, actor and tv host, was born on 1957-02-12. Arsenio Hall is an American comedian, actor and talk show host.
birth
Josh Brolin is born
Josh Brolin, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1969-02-12. Josh James Brolin is an American actor.
birth
Cliff Bleszinski is born
Cliff Bleszinski is born
birth
Christina Ricci is born
Christina Ricci, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1981-02-12. Christina Ricci is an American actress.
birth
Gucci Mane is born
Gucci Mane, American musician, known for american rapper and music executive, was born on 1981-02-12.
birth
Bobi Wine is born
Bobi Wine, Ugandan musician, known for national unity platform president, was born on 1983-02-12.
birth
Bill Russell is born
Bill Russell, American athlete, known for american basketball player and coach, was born on 1934-02-12.
birth
Juan Carlos Ferrero is born
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spanish athlete, known for spanish tennis player, was born on 1981-02-12. Juan Carlos Ferrero Donat is a Spanish former professional tennis player and current coach.
birth
Louis Renault is born
Louis Renault, French industrialist, known for french industrialist, was born on 1877-02-12.
birth
James Chichester-Clark is born
James Chichester-Clark is born
Notable Deaths on February 12
death
Jane Grey dies
Jane Grey dies
death
Immanuel Kant dies
Immanuel Kant, German philosopher, known for german philosopher, died on 1804-02-12. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher.
death
James Cash Penney dies
James Cash Penney businessman, known for american businessman, died on 1971-02-12. James Cash Penney Jr.
death
Charles M. Schulz dies
Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist, known for american cartoonist, died on 2000-02-12.
death
Tom Landry dies
Tom Landry, American football coach and player, known for american football coach and player, died on 2000-02-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 12, 1700?
- Great Northern War begins in Northern Europe between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire
- What happened on February 12, 1912?
- The last Qing Emperor of China, Puyi (age 6), abdicates after losing the support of the Chinese people and thus the "mandate of heaven"
- What happened on February 12, 1947?
- French fashion designer Christian Dior presents his first influential collection, named the "New Look"
- What happened on February 12, 1999?
- The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, began in the U.S. Senate on January 7, 1999, and concluded with his acquittal on February 12.
- What happened on February 12, 2001?
- NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lands in the saddle region of 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid
Complete Timeline — February 12 Through the Ages
Bruno, Count of Egisheim-Dagsburg, is crowned Pope Leo IX
Bruno, Count of Egisheim-Dagsburg, is crowned Pope Leo IX
Pope Innocent II is elected
Pope Innocent II (Latin: Innocentius II; died 24 September 1143), born Gregorio Papareschi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 14 February 1130 to his death in 1143.
Battle of the Herrings fought during Hundred Years' War when French and Scottish troops unsuccessfully attack English co
Battle of the Herrings fought during Hundred Years' War when French and Scottish troops unsuccessfully attack English convoy (carrying barrels of herrings) near Rouvray
Muslims in Granada forced to convert to Catholicism
Muslims in Granada forced to convert to Catholicism
Santiago, Chile, founded (or Feb 24)
Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas.
Jane Grey dies
Jane Grey dies
Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"
Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"
Cotton Mather is born
Cotton Mather puritan clergyman, known for puritan clergyman, was born on 1663-02-12.
Great Northern War begins in Northern Europe between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire
Great Northern War begins in Northern Europe between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire
The Onderlinge van 1719 u.a., the oldest existing life insurance company in the Netherlands is founded
The Onderlinge van 1719 u.a., the oldest existing life insurance company in the Netherlands is founded
Georgia founded by James Oglethorpe at site of Savannah
Savannah ( sə-VAN-ə) is a city in, and county seat of, Chatham County, Georgia, United States.
Maria Theresa Habsburg marries French Stefanus (emperor François I)
Maria Theresa Habsburg marries French Stefanus (emperor François I)
British fleet occupies Martinique
The invasion of Martinique was the capture of the French colony of Martinique in the West Indies by British forces between January and February 1762 during the Seven Years' War.
John Casteret appointed British minister of foreign affairs
John Casteret appointed British minister of foreign affairs
Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec of France discovers the uninhabited Kerguelen Archipelago in the sub-Antarctic ocean
Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec of France discovers the uninhabited Kerguelen Archipelago in the sub-Antarctic ocean
First US Fugitive Slave Law passes, requiring the return of escaped slaves
The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory.
First US state university opens, the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a coeducational public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.
Immanuel Kant dies
Immanuel Kant, German philosopher, known for german philosopher, died on 1804-02-12. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher.
Abraham Lincoln is born
Abraham Lincoln is born
Charles Darwin is born
Charles Darwin, English naturalist and biologist, known for english naturalist and biologist, was born on 1809-02-12.
Chile gains independence from Spain
The Chilean War of Independence (Spanish: Guerra de la Independencia de Chile, 'War of Independence of Chile') was a military and political event that allowed the emancipation of Chile from the...
Mercantile Library of City of NY opens
Mercantile Library of City of NY opens
Creek Indian treaty is signed as tribal chiefs agree to turn over all their land in Georgia to the government and migrat
Creek Indian treaty is signed as tribal chiefs agree to turn over all their land in Georgia to the government and migrate west by September 1, 1826
Ecuador annexes Galapagos Islands
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Aroostoock (or "Pork & Beans) War: Boundary dispute between Maine & New Brunswick
Aroostoock (or "Pork & Beans) War: Boundary dispute between Maine & New Brunswick
Housatonic Railroad opens, running from Bridgeport, Connecticut, north to the Massachusetts state line
The Housatonic Railroad ( HOOS-ə-TON-ik; reporting mark HRRC) is a Class III railroad operating in southwestern New England and eastern New York.
Choreographer Jules Perrot's ballet "Faust" to music by Giacomo Panizza and Michael Andrew Costa, premieres at La Scala
Choreographer Jules Perrot's ballet "Faust" to music by Giacomo Panizza and Michael Andrew Costa, premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Lombardy
Original Washington's farewell address manuscript sells for $2,300
Original Washington's farewell address manuscript sells for $2,300
Edward Hargraves and three other men discover gold at Ophir, New South Wales, beginning Australia's first gold rush [1]
New South Wales experienced the first gold rush in Australia, a period generally accepted to lie between 1851 and 1880.
Michigan State University established
Michigan State University (Michigan State or MSU) is a public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States.
State troops seize US munitions in Napoleon, Arkansas, during the US Civil War
The units of the Arkansas Militia in the Civil War to which the current Arkansas National Guard has a connection include the Arkansas State Militia, Home Guard, and State Troop regiments raised by...
Henry Highland Garnet becomes the first African American minister to preach to the US House of Representatives, he talks
Henry Highland Garnet becomes the first African American minister to preach to the US House of Representatives, he talks about the end of slavery
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
US Congress passes the Coinage Act of 1873, abolishing bimetallism and placing the country on the gold standard
The Coinage Act of 1873 or Mint Act of 1873 was a general revision of laws relating to the Mint of the United States.
First news dispatch by telephone between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts
First news dispatch by telephone between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts
Louis Renault is born
Louis Renault, French industrialist, known for french industrialist, was born on 1877-02-12.
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
First artificial ice rink in North America at Madison Square Garden, NYC
An ice rink (or ice skating rink) is a frozen body of water or an artificial sheet of ice where people can ice skate or play winter sports.
US National Croquet League organizes in Philadelphia
US National Croquet League organizes in Philadelphia
Social-Democratic Union forms in Amsterdam
Social-Democratic Union forms in Amsterdam
Carl Peters founds German East-Africa Society
Carl Peters founds German East-Africa Society
2nd British Conservative government of Marquess of Salisbury forms in alliance with Liberal Unionist Party
2nd British Conservative government of Marquess of Salisbury forms in alliance with Liberal Unionist Party
Omar Bradley is born
Omar Bradley united states army general, known for united states army general, was born on 1893-02-12.
Anarchist Émile Henry hurls a bomb into Paris's Cafe Terminus, killing one and wounding 20
Anarchist Émile Henry hurls a bomb into Paris's Cafe Terminus, killing one and wounding 20
-47°F (-44°C), Camp Clarke, Nebraska (state record)
-47°F (-44°C), Camp Clarke, Nebraska (state record)
Dutch Penitentiary children's law proclaimed
Dutch Penitentiary children's law proclaimed
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
American James Clark runs world record marathon (2:46:52.6) in NYC
American James Clark runs world record marathon (2:46:52.6) in NYC
The last Qing Emperor of China, Puyi (age 6), abdicates after losing the support of the Chinese people and thus the "man
The last Qing Emperor of China, Puyi (age 6), abdicates after losing the support of the Chinese people and thus the "mandate of heaven"
"The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is relea
"The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is released in the US
1st edition of Joseph Patterson and Sidney Smith's strip "The Gumps"
1st edition of Joseph Patterson and Sidney Smith's strip "The Gumps"
-Apr 26] 14,000 Rotterdam/Amsterdam harbor workers strike
-Apr 26] 14,000 Rotterdam/Amsterdam harbor workers strike
Soviet troops invade Georgia
The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, also known as Soviet Georgia, the Georgian SSR, or simply Georgia, was one of the republics of the Soviet Union from its second occupation (by the Red Army) in...
James Chichester-Clark is born
James Chichester-Clark is born
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premieres at the influential concert "Experiment in Modern Music" held by Paul Whit
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premieres at the influential concert "Experiment in Modern Music" held by Paul Whiteman and his orchestra at Aeolian Hall, NYC [1]
1st federal arbitration law approved by Congress
The 68th United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
Barendrecht soccer team forms
Barendrecht soccer team forms
Joe Garagiola is born
Joe Garagiola baseball player, known for american baseball player, was born on 1926-02-12. Joseph Henry Garagiola Sr.
British expeditionary army lands in Shanghai
British expeditionary army lands in Shanghai
Karst Leemburg wins Dutch 11 cities skate (11:30)
Karst Leemburg wins Dutch 11 cities skate (11:30)
Vatican Radio begins broadcasting with the callsign HVJ
Vatican Radio (Italian: Radio Vaticana; Latin: Statio Radiophonica Vaticana) is the official broadcasting service of Vatican City. Established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi, today its programs are...
Communist Party of Holland forms Unemployed Combat Committees
Communist Party of Holland forms Unemployed Combat Committees
German vice-chancellor von Papen demands Catholic aid for Nazis
Catholic resistance to Nazi Germany was a component of German resistance to Nazism and of Resistance during World War II.
Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss government bans Social Democrat party
Engelbert Dollfuss (alternatively Dollfuß; 4 October 1892 – 25 July 1934) was an Austrian politician and dictator who served as chancellor of Austria between 1932 and 1934.
Bill Russell is born
Bill Russell, American athlete, known for american basketball player and coach, was born on 1934-02-12.
Cleveland (now Los Angeles) Rams granted an NFL franchise
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Greater Los Angeles area.
3rd British Empire Games close in Sydney, Australia
Australia hosted the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, New South Wales and their team was abbreviated AUS. This was their third of 3 Commonwealth Games meets.
First injection of penicillin into a patient by British physician Charles Fletcher at Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, Eng
First injection of penicillin into a patient by British physician Charles Fletcher at Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, England
German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen escape from Brest to Germany in a dash up
German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen escape from Brest to Germany in a dash up the English Channel
Wendell Wilkie enters the race to be the Republican nominee for US President
From March 14 to June 11, 1944, voters of the Republican Party selected delegates to the 1944 Republican National Convention for the purpose of selecting their nominee for president in the 1944...
SF selected for site of UN Conference
SF selected for site of UN Conference
French fashion designer Christian Dior presents his first influential collection, named the "New Look"
French fashion designer Christian Dior presents his first influential collection, named the "New Look"
Daytime fireball and meteorite fall seen in eastern Siberia
Daytime fireball and meteorite fall seen in eastern Siberia
American comic Dick Van Dyke (22) weds American girlfriend Margerie Willett (20) on the radio show "Bride and Groom" in
American comic Dick Van Dyke (22) weds American girlfriend Margerie Willett (20) on the radio show "Bride and Groom" in Los Angeles California; divorce in 1984 after a long separation
1st Lt Nancy Leftenant becomes 1st African American in army nursing corps
1st Lt Nancy Leftenant becomes 1st African American in army nursing corps
Ray Kurzweil is born
Ray Kurzweil, American computer scientist, author and futurist, known for american computer scientist, author and futurist, was born on 1949-02-12.
American singer Tony Bennett (25) weds art student Patricia Beech, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York; se
American singer Tony Bennett (25) weds art student Patricia Beech, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York; separate in 1965, divorce in 1971
USSR breaks relations with Israel
After the Russian Revolution, in which the Bolsheviks took over parts of the collapsing Russian Empire in 1918, they faced enormous odds against the German Empire and eventually negotiated terms to...
The UK government establishes an organisation to control atomic energy in the country under The Atomic Energy Authority
The UK government establishes an organisation to control atomic energy in the country under The Atomic Energy Authority Bill
McGuire Sisters' "Sincerely" single goes to No. 1 and stays No. 1 for 10 weeks
McGuire Sisters' "Sincerely" single goes to No. 1 and stays No. 1 for 10 weeks
Researchers announce Borazan (harder than diamonds) been developed
Researchers announce Borazan (harder than diamonds) been developed
Arsenio Hall is born
Arsenio Hall, American comedian, actor and tv host, known for american comedian, actor and tv host, was born on 1957-02-12. Arsenio Hall is an American comedian, actor and talk show host.
The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny goes into circulation. It replaces the "sheaves of wheat" design
The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny goes into circulation. It replaces the "sheaves of wheat" design
Chinese army kills 12 Indian soldiers
Chinese army kills 12 Indian soldiers
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Bus boycott starts in Macon, Georgia
Bus boycott starts in Macon, Georgia
Fighting breaks out between Turks and Greeks over dispute islands in Cyprus and 16 are killed; the UN responds the follo
Fighting breaks out between Turks and Greeks over dispute islands in Cyprus and 16 are killed; the UN responds the following month by sending a peacekeeping force
KHFI (now KBVO) TV channel 42 in Austin, TX (NBC) begins broadcasting
KHFI (now KBVO) TV channel 42 in Austin, TX (NBC) begins broadcasting
Brett Kavanaugh is born
Brett Kavanaugh is born
Dutch speed skater Kees Verkerk becomes All-Around World Champion
Dutch speed skater Kees Verkerk becomes All-Around World Champion
Dutch speed skater Ans Schut wins women's 3,000m event at Grenoble Winter Olympics; first 10 finishers beat previous Oly
Dutch speed skater Ans Schut wins women's 3,000m event at Grenoble Winter Olympics; first 10 finishers beat previous Olympic record set in Squaw Valley (1960)
Josh Brolin is born
Josh Brolin, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1969-02-12. Josh James Brolin is an American actor.
Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" premieres in NYC
Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" premieres in NYC
James Cash Penney dies
James Cash Penney businessman, known for american businessman, died on 1971-02-12. James Cash Penney Jr.
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
Heads of state of Algeria, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia discuss oil strategy in view of the progress in Arab-Israeli d
Heads of state of Algeria, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia discuss oil strategy in view of the progress in Arab-Israeli disengagement
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
Cliff Bleszinski is born
Cliff Bleszinski is born
Festac '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, finishes in Lagos, Nigeria
Festac '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, finishes in Lagos, Nigeria
Kosmos 1076, the first Soviet oceanographic satellite, launches
Kosmos 1076, the first Soviet oceanographic satellite, launches
NY Islanders 2nd scoreless tie, vs Winnipeg Jets
NY Islanders 2nd scoreless tie, vs Winnipeg Jets
Admiral Bobby R Inman, USN, becomes deputy director of CIA
Admiral Bobby R Inman, USN, becomes deputy director of CIA
Christina Ricci is born
Christina Ricci, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1981-02-12. Christina Ricci is an American actress.
Gucci Mane is born
Gucci Mane, American musician, known for american rapper and music executive, was born on 1981-02-12.
Juan Carlos Ferrero is born
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spanish athlete, known for spanish tennis player, was born on 1981-02-12. Juan Carlos Ferrero Donat is a Spanish former professional tennis player and current coach.
Wayne Gretzky scores his 153rd point of the season, breaking the NHL record
Wayne Gretzky scores his 153rd point of the season, breaking the NHL record
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites, popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion of Nye County,...
Bobi Wine is born
Bobi Wine, Ugandan musician, known for national unity platform president, was born on 1983-02-12.
12 years after winning the doubles in Sapporo (1972), Italian Paul Hildgarten wins the men's luge singles at the Sarajev
12 years after winning the doubles in Sapporo (1972), Italian Paul Hildgarten wins the men's luge singles at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics
Survivors of a black man murdered by KKK members awarded $7 M damages
Survivors of a black man murdered by KKK members awarded $7 M damages
Five Pakistani Muslim rioters are killed while protesting Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses"
The Satanic Verses controversy, also known as the Rushdie Affair, was a controversy sparked by the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses by the Indian author Salman Rushdie.
Iceland recognizes Lithuania's independence
Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.
Model Anna Nicole Smith hospitalized for drug overdose
Model Anna Nicole Smith hospitalized for drug overdose
"Freak" opens at Cort Theater NYC
"Freak" opens at Cort Theater NYC
US President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial
The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, began in the U.S. Senate on January 7, 1999, and concluded with his acquittal on February 12.
Charles M. Schulz dies
Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist, known for american cartoonist, died on 2000-02-12.
Tom Landry dies
Tom Landry, American football coach and player, known for american football coach and player, died on 2000-02-12.
NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lands in the saddle region of 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid
NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lands in the saddle region of 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid
"Ain't Nothing 'bout You" single released by Brooks & Dunn
"Ain't Nothing 'bout You" is a song written by Tom Shapiro and Rivers Rutherford and recorded by American country music duo Brooks & Dunn.
An Iran Air Tupolev Tu-154 crashes prior to landing in Khorramabad, Iran, killing 119
An Iran Air Tupolev Tu-154 crashes prior to landing in Khorramabad, Iran, killing 119
A powerful winter storm blankets the Northeastern United States dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington, D.C. up to
A powerful winter storm blankets the Northeastern United States dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington, D.C. up to Boston, Massachusetts. The storm dumped a record 26.9 inches of snow in New York City.
A gunman opens fire in a mall in Salt Lake City, killing five people in the Trolley Square shooting
The Trolley Square massacre was a massacre that occurred on the evening of February 12, 2007, at Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashes near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people
Colgan Air Flight 3407 was a scheduled passenger flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Buffalo, New York, on February 12, 2009.
XXI Winter Olympic Games open in Vancouver, Canada
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games (French: XXIes Jeux olympiques d'hiver) and also known as Vancouver 2010 (Squamish: K'emk'emeláy̓ 2010), were an...
North Korea allegedly conducts its third nuclear test, claiming it is a nuclear device that can be weaponized
North Korea allegedly conducts its third nuclear test, claiming it is a nuclear device that can be weaponized
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodo
Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana in the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches in nearly 1,000 years
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
Britain's Ordnance Survey, using NASA data posts map of Mars on Flickr
American snowboarder Jamie Anderson retains her Olympic slopestyle title (Sochi 2014) at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, c
American snowboarder Jamie Anderson retains her Olympic slopestyle title (Sochi 2014) at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, comfortably ahead of Canada's Laurie Blouin
24 hour general strike in Belgium forces all fights to be cancelled and schools shut
24 hour general strike in Belgium forces all fights to be cancelled and schools shut
Tokyo Olympics Chief Yoshiro Mori resigns after his comments that talkative women made meetings “drag on too long”
Tokyo Olympics Chief Yoshiro Mori resigns after his comments that talkative women made meetings “drag on too long”
French forces say they have killed 40 fighters in air attacks in Burkina Faso linked to deadly attacks on Benin border [
French forces say they have killed 40 fighters in air attacks in Burkina Faso linked to deadly attacks on Benin border [1]
India opens the first part of what will be its longest expressway linking Mumbai with New Delhi over 1,386-kilometer (86
India opens the first part of what will be its longest expressway linking Mumbai with New Delhi over 1,386-kilometer (861 mile) [1]
Oldest known 11,000 Stone Age megastructure, used for hunting, revealed submerged in Bay of Mecklenburg, off the German
Oldest known 11,000 Stone Age megastructure, used for hunting, revealed submerged in Bay of Mecklenburg, off the German coast [1]
Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as Director of National Intelligence by the US Senate [1]
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and U.S. military officer serving as the eighth director of national intelligence (DNI) since 2025. She previously served as U.S.
US Environmental Protection Agency disavows the 2009 scientific 'endangerment' finding which concluded that greenhouse g
US Environmental Protection Agency disavows the 2009 scientific 'endangerment' finding which concluded that greenhouse gases pose a danger to health and welfare [1]