Hernán Cortés leaves Cuba for the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with 11 ships and 500 men
Hernán Cortés leaves Cuba for the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with 11 ships and 500 men
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on February 18 throughout history.
91
Events
10
Births
4
Deaths
Historical Events on February 18
John Bunyan's Christian novel "The Pilgrim's Progress" is published in London by Nathaniel Ponder
John Bunyan's Christian novel "The Pilgrim's Progress" is published in London by Nathaniel Ponder
Fort St. Louis is established by a Frenchman at Matagorda Bay, forming the basis for France's claim to Texas
Spanish Texas was one of the interior provinces of the colonial Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1519 until 1821. Spain claimed ownership of the region in 1519.
Mark Twain publishes "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" in the US
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a picaresque novel by American author Mark Twain that was first published in the United Kingdom in December 1884 and in the United States in February 1885.
First major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [NS=Mar 3]
First major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [NS=Mar 3]
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the c
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the capital, Kiev, culminating after five days in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych
4th Emmy Awards: First time awards are presented on a nationwide basis; "The Red Skelton Show," Sid Caesar, and Imogene
4th Emmy Awards: First time awards are presented on a nationwide basis; "The Red Skelton Show," Sid Caesar, and Imogene Coca win
First opera performed in America, "Flora," in Charleston, South Carolina
First opera performed in America, "Flora," in Charleston, South Carolina
Twenty-year-old Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky becomes the first player in NHL history to score five career hat tricks be
Twenty-year-old Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky becomes the first player in NHL history to score five career hat tricks before age 21, scoring five goals and two assists in a 9-2 Oilers home win against St. Louis
Marriage between Jadwiga, the female King of Poland and Jagiello, the Duke of Lithuania, forming the Polish-Lithuanian U
Marriage between Jadwiga, the female King of Poland and Jagiello, the Duke of Lithuania, forming the Polish-Lithuanian Union
American founder of the Chicago Bears football team George Halas (27) weds Minnie Bushing
American founder of the Chicago Bears football team George Halas (27) weds Minnie Bushing
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce in 1941
Kʼakʼ Yipyaj Chan Kʼawiil, known as Smoke Shell, ascends to the throne of the Maya city of Copán
Kʼakʼ Yipyaj Chan Kʼawiil, known as Smoke Shell, ascends to the throne of the Maya city of Copán
Jerusalem is retaken by the Christian Crusader kingdom in a peace treaty between Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Egy
Jerusalem is retaken by the Christian Crusader kingdom in a peace treaty between Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Egyptian ruler Al-Kamil
Battle of Wesenberg: Livonian Brothers of the Sword fight the forces of Novgorod and Pskov, led by Dmitry of Pereslavl n
Battle of Wesenberg: Livonian Brothers of the Sword fight the forces of Novgorod and Pskov, led by Dmitry of Pereslavl near Rakvere in modern-day Estonia; both sides claim victory
Emperor of Ethiopia Amda Seyon I begins his campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces
Emperor of Ethiopia Amda Seyon I begins his campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces
Treaty of Zadar: The Venetian Republic loses influence over Dalmatia in exchange for ending hostilities with the King of
Treaty of Zadar: The Venetian Republic loses influence over Dalmatia in exchange for ending hostilities with the King of Hungary and Croatia, Louis I
Huguenot Jean de Poltrot assassinates French General Duke François de Guise with a shot from his pistol
The First French War of Religion (2 April 1562 – 19 March 1563) was the opening civil war of the French Wars of Religion.
Zeeland falls to Dutch rebels
Zeeland falls to Dutch rebels
Quakers consider drafting formal protest of slavery in Germantown, Pennsylvania
Quakers consider drafting formal protest of slavery in Germantown, Pennsylvania
French invade under Jacques Cassard on Curacao
French invade under Jacques Cassard on Curacao
Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II bans children under 8 from labor
Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II bans children under 8 from labor
Trinidad is surrendered to a British fleet under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby
Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, KB (7 October 1734 – 28 March 1801) was a British Army officer, politician and colonial administrator who served as the governor of Trinidad in 1797.
Ohio legislature approves establishment of Ohio University at Athens as the 1st university in Ohio; first classes are he
Ohio legislature approves establishment of Ohio University at Athens as the 1st university in Ohio; first classes are held in 1809
More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar
More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar
US labor newspaper, "The Man" begins publishing as a daily, in NYC
US labor newspaper, "The Man" begins publishing as a daily, in NYC
Detroit Boat Club forms and still exists
The Detroit Boat Club was established in 1839, as a sport rowing club. It was first created on the Detroit River during a time in which Detroit was just starting to grow.
First regular steamboat service to California starts (or Feb 28)
Stockton is a city in and the county seat of San Joaquin County, California, United States.
California Legislature creates nine Bay Area counties
California () is a state in the Western United States that lies on the Pacific Coast.
Battle of Fort Moultrie, SC occupied by Federals
Battle of Fort Moultrie, SC occupied by Federals
Direct telegraph link established between Britain and New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and over 600 smaller...
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Arabs capture Egyptian premier Nabar Pasha
Arabs capture Egyptian premier Nabar Pasha
British General Charles Gordon arrives in Khartoum
The siege of Khartoum (also known as the battle of Khartoum or fall of Khartoum) took place from 13 March 1884 to 26 January 1885.
Capt Archinard's army fights with Nyamina of Niger in West-Sudan
Capt Archinard's army fights with Nyamina of Niger in West-Sudan
Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls goes almost dry for the first time in 50 years
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York.
80°F recorded in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
Battle at Paardeberg, 1,270 British killed/injured
Battle at Paardeberg, 1,270 British killed/injured
H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner
H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
The first official flight with airmail takes place in Allahabad, British India, when Henri Pequet, a 23-year-old pilot,
The first official flight with airmail takes place in Allahabad, British India, when Henri Pequet, a 23-year-old pilot, delivers 6,500 letters to Naini, about 10 km away
Germany begins a blockade of Britain
On 25 August 1915, the Allied forces officially declared a blockade of the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
The last German garrison in the German colony of Cameroons surrenders
The last German garrison in the German colony of Cameroons surrenders
Germany renews its offensive against the Russians, making dramatic gains against disorganized and dispirited Russian tro
Germany renews its offensive against the Russians, making dramatic gains against disorganized and dispirited Russian troops
British troops occupy Dublin
British troops occupy Dublin
Belgium: Borinage-mine workers strike for higher wages
Belgium: Borinage-mine workers strike for higher wages
1st US radio broadcast of "Cities Service Concerts"
1st US radio broadcast of "Cities Service Concerts"
Johan Grøttumsbråten of Norway wins the Nordic combined gold at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics; doubles up with the 18k
Johan Grøttumsbråten of Norway wins the Nordic combined gold at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics; doubles up with the 18k cross country gold the previous day
American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovers the dwarf planet Pluto
Clyde William Tombaugh (February 4, 1906 – January 17, 1997) was an American astronomer and telescope maker, best known for discovering Pluto in 1930, marking the first detection of what would...
Japan proclaims and names Manchukuo in Manchuria, China, as an independent state
Manchukuo, officially known as the State of Manchuria prior to 1934 and the Empire of Manchuria thereafter, was a puppet state of the Empire of Japan in Northeast China that existed from 1932 until...
NHL record 32 points scored, NY Americans (28) & Mont Maroons (24)
NHL record 32 points scored, NY Americans (28) & Mont Maroons (24)
Golden Gate International Exposition opens on Treasure Island
The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was a World's Fair held at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, U.S.
Japanese troop land on Bali
Japanese troop land on Bali
1st edition of Dutch resistance newspaper "Trouw"
1st edition of Dutch resistance newspaper "Trouw"
15-year-old Joe Nuxhall signs a contract to play baseball with the Cincinnati Reds just one day after playing in a high
15-year-old Joe Nuxhall signs a contract to play baseball with the Cincinnati Reds just one day after playing in a high school basketball game; debuts later that year
24 die in a train crash in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania
24 die in a train crash in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania
3 City College of NY basketball players admit to accepting bribes
3 City College of NY basketball players admit to accepting bribes
KOLN TV channel 10 in Lincoln, NB (CBS) begins broadcasting
KOLN TV channel 10 in Lincoln, NB (CBS) begins broadcasting
The first Church of Scientology is established in Los Angeles, California
The Church of Scientology was started in 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard to promote and practice his Scientology theories and techniques.
Baghdad Pact signed, making Turkey & Iraq a defense alliance
Baghdad Pact signed, making Turkey & Iraq a defense alliance
Kenyan freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi executed by hanging by the British colonial government
Dedan Kĩmathi Waciũri was the leader of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army during the Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960) against the British colonial rule in Kenya in the 1950s.
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
4th Daytona 500: Race winner Fireball Roberts dominates the event, leading 144 of the 200 laps
4th Daytona 500: Race winner Fireball Roberts dominates the event, leading 144 of the 200 laps
Muriel Resnik's "Any Wednesday" premieres in NYC
Muriel Resnik's "Any Wednesday" premieres in NYC
27 copper miners die in avalanche, Granduc Mountain, British Columbia
27 copper miners die in avalanche, Granduc Mountain, British Columbia
Softball pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out 6 straight major leaguers
Softball pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out 6 straight major leaguers
After winning men's luge singles Olympic gold medal in Innsbruck (1964), Thomas Köhler of Germany teams with Klaus Bonsa
After winning men's luge singles Olympic gold medal in Innsbruck (1964), Thomas Köhler of Germany teams with Klaus Bonsack to take out the doubles in Grenoble
Doug Walters scores 2nd innings century after 242 in 1st
Doug Walters scores 2nd innings century after 242 in 1st
Chicago 7 defendants found innocent of inciting to riot
Chicago 7 defendants found innocent of inciting to riot
California Supreme Court abolishes death penalty
Capital punishment is a legal penalty in the U.S. state of California. However, the penalty has not been carried out in that state since 2006, due to a standing federal court order issued that year...
NASA launches Italian satellite San Marcos C-2 (235/843 km)
NASA launches Italian satellite San Marcos C-2 (235/843 km)
Italy broadens abortion law
Italy broadens abortion law
American rock band KISS play their first concert in their hometown venue of Madison Square Garden in New York City
American rock band KISS play their first concert in their hometown venue of Madison Square Garden in New York City
1st Iron Man Triathlon (swim, bike ride, and run marathon) held, beginning and ending at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu Har
1st Iron Man Triathlon (swim, bike ride, and run marathon) held, beginning and ending at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu Harbor of Oʻahu, Hawaii
-52°F (-47°C), Old Forge, New York (state record)
-52°F (-47°C), Old Forge, New York (state record)
Jeff Erlanger (10), a spinal tumor survivor and quadriplegic, appears on children's television program "Mister Rogers' N
Jeff Erlanger (10), a spinal tumor survivor and quadriplegic, appears on children's television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", discusses his disability and demonstrates his electric wheelchair
Indiana Pacers lose, 121-94 in Milwaukee; begin a 28 NBA game losing streak on the road
Indiana Pacers lose, 121-94 in Milwaukee; begin a 28 NBA game losing streak on the road
East German figure skater Katarina Witt wins first of 2 consecutive women's singles gold medals at the Sarajevo Winter O
East German figure skater Katarina Witt wins first of 2 consecutive women's singles gold medals at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics; also wins gold in Calgary (1988)
American amateur astronomer Peter Collins discovers Nova Cygni 1992, observed from Boulder, Colorado
V1974 Cygni or Nova Cygni 1992 was a nova, visible to the naked eye, in the constellation Cygnus. It was discovered visually with 10×50 binoculars on February 19, 1992, by Peter Collins, an amateur...
38th Daytona 500: Dale Jarrett wins his 2nd Great American race ahead of Dale Earnhardt and Ken Schrader
38th Daytona 500: Dale Jarrett wins his 2nd Great American race ahead of Dale Earnhardt and Ken Schrader
Stjepan Mesić becomes the second President of Croatia
Stjepan "Stipe" Mesić (pronounced [stjêpan stǐːpe měːsit͡ɕ]; born 24 December 1934) is a Croatian lawyer and politician who served as the president of Croatia from 2000 to 2010.
43rd Daytona 500: Michael Waltrip wins tragic race; last lap crash claims life of Dale Earnhardt, prompting sport to imp
43rd Daytona 500: Michael Waltrip wins tragic race; last lap crash claims life of Dale Earnhardt, prompting sport to implement new safety procedures
Comet C/2002 V1 (NEAT) makes perihelion, seen by SOHO.
A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.
A runaway freight train carrying sulfur, petrol, and fertilizer catches fire and explodes near Neyshabur in Iran, killin
A runaway freight train carrying sulfur, petrol, and fertilizer catches fire and explodes near Neyshabur in Iran, killing 295 people, including 182 rescue workers
49th Daytona 500: Kevin Harvick wins by 0.02s over Mark Martin in the closest finish since the first race at Daytona in
49th Daytona 500: Kevin Harvick wins by 0.02s over Mark Martin in the closest finish since the first race at Daytona in 1959
$50 million worth of diamonds is stolen in an armed robbery at Brussels Airport, Belgium
On 18 February 2013, eight masked gunmen in two cars with police markings stole approximately €38,000,000 (US$50,000,000, £33,000,000) worth of diamonds from a Swiss-bound Fokker 100 operated by...
American snowboarder David Wise wins first of 2 consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medals in Sochi; wins again in Pyeongc
American snowboarder David Wise wins first of 2 consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medals in Sochi; wins again in Pyeongchang (2018)
60th Daytona 500: Austin Dillon wins after multi-car wreck sends race into overtime (207 laps) ahead of rookie Darrell W
60th Daytona 500: Austin Dillon wins after multi-car wreck sends race into overtime (207 laps) ahead of rookie Darrell Wallace Jr
Facebook blocks users in Australia from accessing news sites in response to proposed new laws for tech companies to pay
Facebook blocks users in Australia from accessing news sites in response to proposed new laws for tech companies to pay to show news content
Massacre leaves 49 dead after tribal fighting in Papa New Guinea's Enga Province [1]
Massacre leaves 49 dead after tribal fighting in Papa New Guinea's Enga Province [1]
The royal tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II (reigning from about 1493 to 1479 BC) is discovered west of the Valley of
The royal tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II (reigning from about 1493 to 1479 BC) is discovered west of the Valley of the Kings, the first tomb of a pharaoh found since Tutankhamun in 1922 [1]
Famous Births on February 18
birth
Mary I of England is born
Mary I of England is born
birth
Alessandro Volta is born
Alessandro Volta, Italian chemist and physicist, known for italian chemist and physicist, was born on 1745-02-18.
birth
Aleksei Leontiev is born
Aleksei Leontiev is born
birth
Toni Morrison is born
Toni Morrison, American novelist and editor, known for american novelist and editor, was born on 1931-02-18. Chloe Anthony Wofford "Toni" Morrison was an American novelist and editor.
birth
John Travolta is born
John Travolta, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1955-02-18. John Joseph Travolta is an American actor.
birth
Yoko Ono is born
Yoko Ono, Japanese musician, known for japanese artist and activist, was born on 1934-02-18. Yoko Ono is a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker.
birth
Dr. Dre is born
Dr. Dre musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1966-02-18. Andre Romell Young, known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor.
birth
Enzo Ferrari is born
Enzo Ferrari, Italian athlete, known for italian racing driver, engineer and entrepreneur, was born on 1898-02-18.
birth
Fazal Mahmood is born
Fazal Mahmood is born
birth
André Breton is born
André Breton, French co-founder of surrealism, known for french co-founder of surrealism, was born on 1896-02-18.
Notable Deaths on February 18
death
Kublai Khan dies
Kublai Khan dies
death
Martin Luther dies
Martin Luther, German priest, theologian and author, known for german priest, theologian and author, died on 1546-02-18.
death
Michelangelo dies
Michelangelo, Italian artist and architect, known for italian artist and architect, died on 1564-02-18.
death
Robert Oppenheimer dies
Robert Oppenheimer theoretical physicist, known for american theoretical physicist, died on 1967-02-18. J.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 18, 1519?
- Hernán Cortés leaves Cuba for the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with 11 ships and 500 men
- What happened on February 18, 1678?
- John Bunyan's Christian novel "The Pilgrim's Progress" is published in London by Nathaniel Ponder
- What happened on February 18, 1685?
- Spanish Texas was one of the interior provinces of the colonial Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1519 until 1821. Spain claimed ownership of the region in 1519.
- What happened on February 18, 1885?
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a picaresque novel by American author Mark Twain that was first published in the United Kingdom in December 1884 and in the United States in February 1885.
- What happened on February 18, 1917?
- First major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [NS=Mar 3]
Complete Timeline — February 18 Through the Ages
Kʼakʼ Yipyaj Chan Kʼawiil, known as Smoke Shell, ascends to the throne of the Maya city of Copán
Kʼakʼ Yipyaj Chan Kʼawiil, known as Smoke Shell, ascends to the throne of the Maya city of Copán
Jerusalem is retaken by the Christian Crusader kingdom in a peace treaty between Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Egy
Jerusalem is retaken by the Christian Crusader kingdom in a peace treaty between Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Egyptian ruler Al-Kamil
Battle of Wesenberg: Livonian Brothers of the Sword fight the forces of Novgorod and Pskov, led by Dmitry of Pereslavl n
Battle of Wesenberg: Livonian Brothers of the Sword fight the forces of Novgorod and Pskov, led by Dmitry of Pereslavl near Rakvere in modern-day Estonia; both sides claim victory
Kublai Khan dies
Kublai Khan dies
Emperor of Ethiopia Amda Seyon I begins his campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces
Emperor of Ethiopia Amda Seyon I begins his campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces
Treaty of Zadar: The Venetian Republic loses influence over Dalmatia in exchange for ending hostilities with the King of
Treaty of Zadar: The Venetian Republic loses influence over Dalmatia in exchange for ending hostilities with the King of Hungary and Croatia, Louis I
Marriage between Jadwiga, the female King of Poland and Jagiello, the Duke of Lithuania, forming the Polish-Lithuanian U
Marriage between Jadwiga, the female King of Poland and Jagiello, the Duke of Lithuania, forming the Polish-Lithuanian Union
Mary I of England is born
Mary I of England is born
Hernán Cortés leaves Cuba for the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with 11 ships and 500 men
Hernán Cortés leaves Cuba for the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with 11 ships and 500 men
Martin Luther dies
Martin Luther, German priest, theologian and author, known for german priest, theologian and author, died on 1546-02-18.
Huguenot Jean de Poltrot assassinates French General Duke François de Guise with a shot from his pistol
The First French War of Religion (2 April 1562 – 19 March 1563) was the opening civil war of the French Wars of Religion.
Michelangelo dies
Michelangelo, Italian artist and architect, known for italian artist and architect, died on 1564-02-18.
Zeeland falls to Dutch rebels
Zeeland falls to Dutch rebels
John Bunyan's Christian novel "The Pilgrim's Progress" is published in London by Nathaniel Ponder
John Bunyan's Christian novel "The Pilgrim's Progress" is published in London by Nathaniel Ponder
Fort St. Louis is established by a Frenchman at Matagorda Bay, forming the basis for France's claim to Texas
Spanish Texas was one of the interior provinces of the colonial Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1519 until 1821. Spain claimed ownership of the region in 1519.
Quakers consider drafting formal protest of slavery in Germantown, Pennsylvania
Quakers consider drafting formal protest of slavery in Germantown, Pennsylvania
French invade under Jacques Cassard on Curacao
French invade under Jacques Cassard on Curacao
First opera performed in America, "Flora," in Charleston, South Carolina
First opera performed in America, "Flora," in Charleston, South Carolina
Alessandro Volta is born
Alessandro Volta, Italian chemist and physicist, known for italian chemist and physicist, was born on 1745-02-18.
Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II bans children under 8 from labor
Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II bans children under 8 from labor
Trinidad is surrendered to a British fleet under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby
Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, KB (7 October 1734 – 28 March 1801) was a British Army officer, politician and colonial administrator who served as the governor of Trinidad in 1797.
Ohio legislature approves establishment of Ohio University at Athens as the 1st university in Ohio; first classes are he
Ohio legislature approves establishment of Ohio University at Athens as the 1st university in Ohio; first classes are held in 1809
More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar
More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar
US labor newspaper, "The Man" begins publishing as a daily, in NYC
US labor newspaper, "The Man" begins publishing as a daily, in NYC
Detroit Boat Club forms and still exists
The Detroit Boat Club was established in 1839, as a sport rowing club. It was first created on the Detroit River during a time in which Detroit was just starting to grow.
First regular steamboat service to California starts (or Feb 28)
Stockton is a city in and the county seat of San Joaquin County, California, United States.
California Legislature creates nine Bay Area counties
California () is a state in the Western United States that lies on the Pacific Coast.
Battle of Fort Moultrie, SC occupied by Federals
Battle of Fort Moultrie, SC occupied by Federals
Direct telegraph link established between Britain and New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and over 600 smaller...
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Arabs capture Egyptian premier Nabar Pasha
Arabs capture Egyptian premier Nabar Pasha
British General Charles Gordon arrives in Khartoum
The siege of Khartoum (also known as the battle of Khartoum or fall of Khartoum) took place from 13 March 1884 to 26 January 1885.
Mark Twain publishes "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" in the US
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a picaresque novel by American author Mark Twain that was first published in the United Kingdom in December 1884 and in the United States in February 1885.
Capt Archinard's army fights with Nyamina of Niger in West-Sudan
Capt Archinard's army fights with Nyamina of Niger in West-Sudan
Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls goes almost dry for the first time in 50 years
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York.
André Breton is born
André Breton, French co-founder of surrealism, known for french co-founder of surrealism, was born on 1896-02-18.
Enzo Ferrari is born
Enzo Ferrari, Italian athlete, known for italian racing driver, engineer and entrepreneur, was born on 1898-02-18.
80°F recorded in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
Battle at Paardeberg, 1,270 British killed/injured
Battle at Paardeberg, 1,270 British killed/injured
H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner
H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner
Aleksei Leontiev is born
Aleksei Leontiev is born
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
The first official flight with airmail takes place in Allahabad, British India, when Henri Pequet, a 23-year-old pilot,
The first official flight with airmail takes place in Allahabad, British India, when Henri Pequet, a 23-year-old pilot, delivers 6,500 letters to Naini, about 10 km away
Germany begins a blockade of Britain
On 25 August 1915, the Allied forces officially declared a blockade of the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
The last German garrison in the German colony of Cameroons surrenders
The last German garrison in the German colony of Cameroons surrenders
First major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [NS=Mar 3]
First major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [NS=Mar 3]
Germany renews its offensive against the Russians, making dramatic gains against disorganized and dispirited Russian tro
Germany renews its offensive against the Russians, making dramatic gains against disorganized and dispirited Russian troops
British troops occupy Dublin
British troops occupy Dublin
American founder of the Chicago Bears football team George Halas (27) weds Minnie Bushing
American founder of the Chicago Bears football team George Halas (27) weds Minnie Bushing
Belgium: Borinage-mine workers strike for higher wages
Belgium: Borinage-mine workers strike for higher wages
1st US radio broadcast of "Cities Service Concerts"
1st US radio broadcast of "Cities Service Concerts"
Fazal Mahmood is born
Fazal Mahmood is born
Johan Grøttumsbråten of Norway wins the Nordic combined gold at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics; doubles up with the 18k
Johan Grøttumsbråten of Norway wins the Nordic combined gold at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics; doubles up with the 18k cross country gold the previous day
American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovers the dwarf planet Pluto
Clyde William Tombaugh (February 4, 1906 – January 17, 1997) was an American astronomer and telescope maker, best known for discovering Pluto in 1930, marking the first detection of what would...
Toni Morrison is born
Toni Morrison, American novelist and editor, known for american novelist and editor, was born on 1931-02-18. Chloe Anthony Wofford "Toni" Morrison was an American novelist and editor.
Japan proclaims and names Manchukuo in Manchuria, China, as an independent state
Manchukuo, officially known as the State of Manchuria prior to 1934 and the Empire of Manchuria thereafter, was a puppet state of the Empire of Japan in Northeast China that existed from 1932 until...
Yoko Ono is born
Yoko Ono, Japanese musician, known for japanese artist and activist, was born on 1934-02-18. Yoko Ono is a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker.
NHL record 32 points scored, NY Americans (28) & Mont Maroons (24)
NHL record 32 points scored, NY Americans (28) & Mont Maroons (24)
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce in 1941
Golden Gate International Exposition opens on Treasure Island
The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was a World's Fair held at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, U.S.
Japanese troop land on Bali
Japanese troop land on Bali
1st edition of Dutch resistance newspaper "Trouw"
1st edition of Dutch resistance newspaper "Trouw"
15-year-old Joe Nuxhall signs a contract to play baseball with the Cincinnati Reds just one day after playing in a high
15-year-old Joe Nuxhall signs a contract to play baseball with the Cincinnati Reds just one day after playing in a high school basketball game; debuts later that year
24 die in a train crash in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania
24 die in a train crash in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania
3 City College of NY basketball players admit to accepting bribes
3 City College of NY basketball players admit to accepting bribes
4th Emmy Awards: First time awards are presented on a nationwide basis; "The Red Skelton Show," Sid Caesar, and Imogene
4th Emmy Awards: First time awards are presented on a nationwide basis; "The Red Skelton Show," Sid Caesar, and Imogene Coca win
KOLN TV channel 10 in Lincoln, NB (CBS) begins broadcasting
KOLN TV channel 10 in Lincoln, NB (CBS) begins broadcasting
The first Church of Scientology is established in Los Angeles, California
The Church of Scientology was started in 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard to promote and practice his Scientology theories and techniques.
Baghdad Pact signed, making Turkey & Iraq a defense alliance
Baghdad Pact signed, making Turkey & Iraq a defense alliance
John Travolta is born
John Travolta, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1955-02-18. John Joseph Travolta is an American actor.
Kenyan freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi executed by hanging by the British colonial government
Dedan Kĩmathi Waciũri was the leader of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army during the Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960) against the British colonial rule in Kenya in the 1950s.
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
4th Daytona 500: Race winner Fireball Roberts dominates the event, leading 144 of the 200 laps
4th Daytona 500: Race winner Fireball Roberts dominates the event, leading 144 of the 200 laps
Muriel Resnik's "Any Wednesday" premieres in NYC
Muriel Resnik's "Any Wednesday" premieres in NYC
27 copper miners die in avalanche, Granduc Mountain, British Columbia
27 copper miners die in avalanche, Granduc Mountain, British Columbia
Dr. Dre is born
Dr. Dre musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1966-02-18. Andre Romell Young, known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor.
Softball pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out 6 straight major leaguers
Softball pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out 6 straight major leaguers
Robert Oppenheimer dies
Robert Oppenheimer theoretical physicist, known for american theoretical physicist, died on 1967-02-18. J.
After winning men's luge singles Olympic gold medal in Innsbruck (1964), Thomas Köhler of Germany teams with Klaus Bonsa
After winning men's luge singles Olympic gold medal in Innsbruck (1964), Thomas Köhler of Germany teams with Klaus Bonsack to take out the doubles in Grenoble
Doug Walters scores 2nd innings century after 242 in 1st
Doug Walters scores 2nd innings century after 242 in 1st
Chicago 7 defendants found innocent of inciting to riot
Chicago 7 defendants found innocent of inciting to riot
California Supreme Court abolishes death penalty
Capital punishment is a legal penalty in the U.S. state of California. However, the penalty has not been carried out in that state since 2006, due to a standing federal court order issued that year...
NASA launches Italian satellite San Marcos C-2 (235/843 km)
NASA launches Italian satellite San Marcos C-2 (235/843 km)
Italy broadens abortion law
Italy broadens abortion law
American rock band KISS play their first concert in their hometown venue of Madison Square Garden in New York City
American rock band KISS play their first concert in their hometown venue of Madison Square Garden in New York City
1st Iron Man Triathlon (swim, bike ride, and run marathon) held, beginning and ending at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu Har
1st Iron Man Triathlon (swim, bike ride, and run marathon) held, beginning and ending at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu Harbor of Oʻahu, Hawaii
-52°F (-47°C), Old Forge, New York (state record)
-52°F (-47°C), Old Forge, New York (state record)
Twenty-year-old Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky becomes the first player in NHL history to score five career hat tricks be
Twenty-year-old Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky becomes the first player in NHL history to score five career hat tricks before age 21, scoring five goals and two assists in a 9-2 Oilers home win against St. Louis
Jeff Erlanger (10), a spinal tumor survivor and quadriplegic, appears on children's television program "Mister Rogers' N
Jeff Erlanger (10), a spinal tumor survivor and quadriplegic, appears on children's television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", discusses his disability and demonstrates his electric wheelchair
Indiana Pacers lose, 121-94 in Milwaukee; begin a 28 NBA game losing streak on the road
Indiana Pacers lose, 121-94 in Milwaukee; begin a 28 NBA game losing streak on the road
East German figure skater Katarina Witt wins first of 2 consecutive women's singles gold medals at the Sarajevo Winter O
East German figure skater Katarina Witt wins first of 2 consecutive women's singles gold medals at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics; also wins gold in Calgary (1988)
American amateur astronomer Peter Collins discovers Nova Cygni 1992, observed from Boulder, Colorado
V1974 Cygni or Nova Cygni 1992 was a nova, visible to the naked eye, in the constellation Cygnus. It was discovered visually with 10×50 binoculars on February 19, 1992, by Peter Collins, an amateur...
38th Daytona 500: Dale Jarrett wins his 2nd Great American race ahead of Dale Earnhardt and Ken Schrader
38th Daytona 500: Dale Jarrett wins his 2nd Great American race ahead of Dale Earnhardt and Ken Schrader
Stjepan Mesić becomes the second President of Croatia
Stjepan "Stipe" Mesić (pronounced [stjêpan stǐːpe měːsit͡ɕ]; born 24 December 1934) is a Croatian lawyer and politician who served as the president of Croatia from 2000 to 2010.
43rd Daytona 500: Michael Waltrip wins tragic race; last lap crash claims life of Dale Earnhardt, prompting sport to imp
43rd Daytona 500: Michael Waltrip wins tragic race; last lap crash claims life of Dale Earnhardt, prompting sport to implement new safety procedures
Comet C/2002 V1 (NEAT) makes perihelion, seen by SOHO.
A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.
A runaway freight train carrying sulfur, petrol, and fertilizer catches fire and explodes near Neyshabur in Iran, killin
A runaway freight train carrying sulfur, petrol, and fertilizer catches fire and explodes near Neyshabur in Iran, killing 295 people, including 182 rescue workers
49th Daytona 500: Kevin Harvick wins by 0.02s over Mark Martin in the closest finish since the first race at Daytona in
49th Daytona 500: Kevin Harvick wins by 0.02s over Mark Martin in the closest finish since the first race at Daytona in 1959
$50 million worth of diamonds is stolen in an armed robbery at Brussels Airport, Belgium
On 18 February 2013, eight masked gunmen in two cars with police markings stole approximately €38,000,000 (US$50,000,000, £33,000,000) worth of diamonds from a Swiss-bound Fokker 100 operated by...
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the c
Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the capital, Kiev, culminating after five days in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych
American snowboarder David Wise wins first of 2 consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medals in Sochi; wins again in Pyeongc
American snowboarder David Wise wins first of 2 consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medals in Sochi; wins again in Pyeongchang (2018)
60th Daytona 500: Austin Dillon wins after multi-car wreck sends race into overtime (207 laps) ahead of rookie Darrell W
60th Daytona 500: Austin Dillon wins after multi-car wreck sends race into overtime (207 laps) ahead of rookie Darrell Wallace Jr
Facebook blocks users in Australia from accessing news sites in response to proposed new laws for tech companies to pay
Facebook blocks users in Australia from accessing news sites in response to proposed new laws for tech companies to pay to show news content
Massacre leaves 49 dead after tribal fighting in Papa New Guinea's Enga Province [1]
Massacre leaves 49 dead after tribal fighting in Papa New Guinea's Enga Province [1]
The royal tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II (reigning from about 1493 to 1479 BC) is discovered west of the Valley of
The royal tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II (reigning from about 1493 to 1479 BC) is discovered west of the Valley of the Kings, the first tomb of a pharaoh found since Tutankhamun in 1922 [1]