New Amsterdam becomes a city, later renamed New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on February 2 throughout history.
104
Events
9
Births
6
Deaths
Historical Events on February 2
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican–American War. Mexico loses 55 percent of its territory to the US, including
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican–American War. Mexico loses 55 percent of its territory to the US, including California, Nevada and Utah in exchange for $15 million.
Queen Victoria's funeral takes place in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, about 25 miles (40 km) west of central London.
James Joyce's novel "Ulysses" is first published by Sylvia Beach in Paris (1,000 copies)
Ulysses is a modernist novel by the Irish writer James Joyce. Partially serialised in the American journal The Little Review from March 1918 to December 1920, the entire work was published in Paris…
German 6th Army surrenders after the Battle of Stalingrad in a major turning point in Europe during World War II
The Royal Italian Army (Italian: Regio Esercito) was the land forces of the Kingdom of Italy during World War II. It was active from 1940 until the end of the war in 1945.
General Idi Amin ousts Milton Obote and appoints himself President and Dictator of Uganda
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (30 May 1928 – 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 until his overthrow in 1979.
Barbra Streisand's first #1 hit, "The Way We Were"
The Way We Were is the fifteenth studio album recorded by American singer Barbra Streisand.
"The Nutcracker" ballet choreographed by George Balanchine with Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy opens in New Yor
"The Nutcracker" ballet choreographed by George Balanchine with Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy opens in New York, establishes its popularity in the US
Longest boxing match under modern rules: 77 rounds in Nameoki, Illinois, between Harry Sharpe and Frank Crosby
Longest boxing match under modern rules: 77 rounds in Nameoki, Illinois, between Harry Sharpe and Frank Crosby
King John I of Portugal (29) marries Philippa of Lancaster (26), daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, in Po
King John I of Portugal (29) marries Philippa of Lancaster (26), daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, in Porto, consolidating an Anglo-Portuguese Alliance that endures to the present day
English traveller Robert Shirley marries Iranian noblewoman Teresa Sampsonia at the Safavid royal court
Teresa Sampsonia was a Circassian-English noblewoman of Safavid Iran. She was the wife of the Elizabethan English adventurer Robert Shirley, whom she accompanied on his travels and embassies across...
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in Elmira, NY
Alaric II, King of the Visigoths, promulgates the Lex Romania Visigothorum (or Breviary of Alaric), a collection of Roma
Alaric II, King of the Visigoths, promulgates the Lex Romania Visigothorum (or Breviary of Alaric), a collection of Roman law
Pope John XII crowns German King Otto I the Great Emperor
Pope John XII (Latin: Ioannes XII; c. 930/937 – 14 May 964), born Octavian, was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 16 December 955 to his death in 964.
Guido di Borgogna elected Pope Callistus II
Guido di Borgogna elected Pope Callistus II
Battle of Lincoln: English King Stephen captured by forces loyal to Empress Matilda and commanded by Robert, 1st Earl of
Battle of Lincoln: English King Stephen captured by forces loyal to Empress Matilda and commanded by Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lan
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lancaster force led by Jasper Tudor
Pedro de Mendoza founds Argentine city of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is located on the southwest of the Río de la Plata.
Portuguese under Christovão da Gama capture a Muslim-occupied hillfort in northern Ethiopia in the Battle of Baçente
Portuguese under Christovão da Gama capture a Muslim-occupied hillfort in northern Ethiopia in the Battle of Baçente
Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and former Lord Protector is freed from the Tower of London
Edward VI (12 October 1537 – 6 July 1553) was King of England and Ireland from 28 January 1547 until his death in 1553. He was crowned on 20 February 1547 at the age of nine.
Michelangelo Rossi's opera "Erminia sul Giordano" premieres in Rome
Michelangelo Rossi (Michel Angelo del Violino) (ca. 1601/1602 – 1656) was an important Italian composer, violinist and organist of the Baroque era. Rossi was born in Genoa, where he studied with his...
Zorilla's "El más Impropio Verdugo Para Las" premieres in Madrid
Zorilla's "El más Impropio Verdugo Para Las" premieres in Madrid
Dutch tragedy "Lucifer" by Joost van den Vondel, and regarded as his masterpiece, premieres in Amsterdam - banned three
Dutch tragedy "Lucifer" by Joost van den Vondel, and regarded as his masterpiece, premieres in Amsterdam - banned three days later
Nicholas Rowe's play "The Tragedy of Jane Shore" premieres in London
The Tragedy of Jane Shore is a 1714 historical tragedy by the British writer Nicholas Rowe.
King Frederik Willem I moves Lutherans towards East-Prussia
King Frederik Willem I moves Lutherans towards East-Prussia
Federal St Theater, Boston, becomes 1st in US destroyed by fire
Federal St Theater, Boston, becomes 1st in US destroyed by fire
1st leopard exhibited in US, Boston (admission 25 cents)
1st leopard exhibited in US, Boston (admission 25 cents)
Russian settlers establish Ft Ross trading post, north of San Francisco
Russian settlers establish Ft Ross trading post, north of San Francisco
Madman Jonathan Martin sets York Cathedral on fire, does £60,000 damage
Madman Jonathan Martin sets York Cathedral on fire, does £60,000 damage
US & British settlers in Oregon Country choose government committee
Oregon ( ORR-ih-ghən, -gon) is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
1st Chinese immigrants arrive by boat 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.
1st British public men's toilet opens in Fleet St, London
1st British public men's toilet opens in Fleet St, London
Pope Pius IX encyclical "On persecution of Armenians"
Pope Pius IX encyclical "On persecution of Armenians"
The "Organized Incorporated Territory of Nevada" is created, lasting until October 31st, 1864
The "Organized Incorporated Territory of Nevada" is created, lasting until October 31st, 1864
-Oct 7th) Cruise of CSS Florida
-Oct 7th) Cruise of CSS Florida
American industrialist James Oliver invents removable tempered steel plow blade
American industrialist James Oliver invents removable tempered steel plow blade
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Baseball's National League forms at the Grand Central Hotel, NYC with teams in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Lo
Baseball's National League forms at the Grand Central Hotel, NYC with teams in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia, and St Louis
Greece declares war on Turkey
The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition led by the Russian Empire which included Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
SS Strathleven arrives in London with first shipment of frozen Australian mutton
SS Strathleven arrives in London with first shipment of frozen Australian mutton
First Groundhog Day observed at Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, Murmeltiertag; Canadian French: Journée de la marmotte; Lunenburg, Nova Scotia: Daks Day) is a tradition observed...
Frank Sprague opens the first successful U.S. electric street railway system, the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, in R
Frank Sprague opens the first successful U.S. electric street railway system, the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, in Richmond, Virginia
Bottle cap for beverages is patented by US inventor William Painter and is still used today [1]
Bottle cap for beverages is patented by US inventor William Painter and is still used today [1]
US warship Kearsarge wrecked on Roncador Reef, near Solomon Island
US warship Kearsarge wrecked on Roncador Reef, near Solomon Island
The Australian Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne decides to locate Australia's capital (Canberra) between Sydney an
The Australian Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne decides to locate Australia's capital (Canberra) between Sydney and Melbourne.
Gustave Charpentiers opera "Louise" premieres at the Salle Favart, in Paris France; performed by the Opéra-Comique condu
Gustave Charpentiers opera "Louise" premieres at the Salle Favart, in Paris France; performed by the Opéra-Comique conducted by André Messageri
Female Army Nurse Corps established as a permanent organization
The United States Army Nurse Corps (USANC) was formally established by the U.S. Congress in 1901.
Pope encyclical against separation of church & state
Pope encyclical against separation of church & state
Italian writer Filippo Tommaso Marinetti publishes "Manifest o of Futurism" in Paris, France
Italian writer Filippo Tommaso Marinetti publishes "Manifest o of Futurism" in Paris, France
Frederick R. Law, parachutes from Statue of Liberty (stunt for Pathe)
Frederick R. Law, parachutes from Statue of Liberty (stunt for Pathe)
Monarchist riot in Portugal
Monarchist riot in Portugal
France occupies (German) Memel territory
France occupies (German) Memel territory
Ethyl gasoline 1st marketed, Dayton, Ohio
Ethyl gasoline 1st marketed, Dayton, Ohio
International Ski Federation (FIS) forms
International Ski Federation (FIS) forms
Belgian episcopacy rejects liberalism, communism & socialism
Belgian episcopacy rejects liberalism, communism & socialism
3 men dance Charleston for 22 hours
3 men dance Charleston for 22 hours
Ziegfeld Theater (Loew's Ziegfeld) opens at 6th Ave & 54th St NYC
Ziegfeld Theater (Loew's Ziegfeld) opens at 6th Ave & 54th St NYC
1st siyyum of Talmud celebrated by Daf Yomi students
1st siyyum of Talmud celebrated by Daf Yomi students
Dutch Roman Catholic Bishops warn against fascism and Nazism
Nazism, formally named National Socialism (NS), is the far-right totalitarian ideology associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in Germany.
Leonarde Keeler first uses his polygraph machine on criminals, who are later convicted of assault based on its findings
Leonarde Keeler first uses his polygraph machine on criminals, who are later convicted of assault based on its findings in Portage, Wisconsin
LA Times urges security measures against Japanese-Americans
LA Times urges security measures against Japanese-Americans
4th US marine division conquers Roi, Marshall Islands
The Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign was a series of engagements fought from August 1942 to February 1944, in the Pacific theatre of World War II between the United States and Japan.
Escape attempt at Mauthausen concentration camp
Mauthausen was a Nazi concentration camp on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen (roughly 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Linz) in Upper Austria.
The Proclamation of Hungarian Republic made
The Hungarian People's Republic (HPR) was the Hungarian state from 20 August 1949 until the establishment of the current Republic of Hungary on 23 October 1989.
President Harry Truman urges congress to adopt a civil rights program
Harry S. Truman's tenure as the 33rd president of the United States began on April 12, 1945, upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and ended on January 20, 1953.
1st broadcast of "What's My Line" on CBS-TV
1st broadcast of "What's My Line" on CBS-TV
-35°F (-37°C), Greensburg, Indiana (state record until 1994)
Greensburg is a city in and the county seat of Decatur County, Indiana, United States. The population was 12,312 at the time of the 2020 census.
1st presidential news conference on network TV-Eisenhower on ABC
1st presidential news conference on network TV-Eisenhower on ABC
UN adopts a resolution calling for Israeli troops to leave Egypt
UN adopts a resolution calling for Israeli troops to leave Egypt
Syria joins Egypt in United Arab Republic
The United Arab Republic (UAR; Arabic: الجمهورية العربية المتحدة, romanized: al-Jumhūriyya al-ʿArabiyya al-Muttaḥida) was a sovereign state in the Middle East from 1958 to 1971.
Michale Eufemia sinks 625 balls in pool match without a miss
Michale Eufemia sinks 625 balls in pool match without a miss
Dutch Prince Bernhard opens new RAI building in Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, formerly Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre or simply RAI Amsterdam, is a complex of conference and exhibition halls in the Zuidas business district of...
1st pole vault over 16' (4.88m) (John Uelses-16', Melrose Games)
1st pole vault over 16' (4.88m) (John Uelses-16', Melrose Games)
British pop singer Helen Shapiro begins an English tour, the Beatles are part of undercard
British pop singer Helen Shapiro begins an English tour, the Beatles are part of undercard
Joe Orton's play "Loot" premieres in Brighton
John Kingsley Orton (1 January 1933 – 9 August 1967), known by the pen name of Joe Orton, was an English playwright, author, and diarist.
Pakistan suggests six-point agenda, with Kashmir dispute as number one item, for proposed Indo-Pak ministerial talks aft
Pakistan suggests six-point agenda, with Kashmir dispute as number one item, for proposed Indo-Pak ministerial talks after 1965 war
Bolivia adopts its constitution
Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country located in central South America.
Springer Publishers in West Berlin, bombed
Springer Publishers in West Berlin, bombed
KMST TV channel 46 in Monterey-Salinas, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
KMST TV channel 46 in Monterey-Salinas, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
Angry demonstrators burn the British Embassy in Dublin to the ground in protest at the shooting dead of 13 people on 'bl
Angry demonstrators burn the British Embassy in Dublin to the ground in protest at the shooting dead of 13 people on 'bloody sunday'
Army offensive against rebels in Eritrea
Army offensive against rebels in Eritrea
"Rich Little Show" debuts on NBC-TV
Richard Caruthers Little is a Canadian-American comedian, impressionist and voice actor.
Soviet Salyut 4 Space Station re-enters Earth's atmosphere
Salyut 4 (DOS 4) was a Salyut space station launched on December 26, 1974 into an orbit with an apogee of 355 km, a perigee of 343 km and an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees.
FBI releases details of Abscam, a sting operation that targeted 31 elected & public officials for bribes for political f
FBI releases details of Abscam, a sting operation that targeted 31 elected & public officials for bribes for political favors
Government troops and Muslim fundamentalists battle in Hamah, Syria
Government troops and Muslim fundamentalists battle in Hamah, Syria
CBS' premiere of fact based WW2 drama "The Scarlet and the Black", based on the life of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
CBS' premiere of fact based WW2 drama "The Scarlet and the Black", based on the life of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
Lebanese army fights in Beirut
The South Lebanon Army or South Lebanese Army (SLA; Arabic: جيش لبنان الجنوبي, Jayš Lubnān al-Janūbiyy), also known as the Lahad Army (جيش لحد) or as the De Facto Forces (DFF), was a militia founded...
Dalai Lama meets Pope John Paul II in India
Pope John Paul II was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death in 2005.
KC Royal pitcher Dennis Leonard (3X 20 game winner), retires
KC Royal pitcher Dennis Leonard (3X 20 game winner), retires
0°F (-18°C) or below in 15 US states
0°F (-18°C) or below in 15 US states
South African President F. W. de Klerk promises to free Nelson Mandela and legalizes ANC and 60 other political organiza
South African President F. W. de Klerk promises to free Nelson Mandela and legalizes ANC and 60 other political organizations
Aravinda De Silva scores 267 v NZ at Wellington
Aravinda De Silva scores 267 v NZ at Wellington
Australian Kieren Perkins swims 1,500m freestyle short course world record, 14:32.40 at AIS, Canberra, Australia
Australian Kieren Perkins swims 1,500m freestyle short course world record, 14:32.40 at AIS, Canberra, Australia
Henry Olonga no-balled for throwing in Zimbabwe-Pakistan Test Cricket
Henry Khaaba Olonga is a Zimbabwean former cricketer who played Test and One Day International cricket for Zimbabwe.
Daniel Baldwin hospitalized in NYC for cocaine overdose
Daniel Baldwin hospitalized in NYC for cocaine overdose
Cold snap across Europe kills more than 100 people (over 400 people by 08-02)
Cold snap across Europe kills more than 100 people (over 400 people by 08-02)
18 people are killed and 34 are injured after a bus catches fire after falling down a ravine in Gansu province, China
18 people are killed and 34 are injured after a bus catches fire after falling down a ravine in Gansu province, China
Protests in Ukraine turn violent after parliament passes legislation that outlaws protest
Decommunization in Ukraine started during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and expanded afterwards.
First case of Zika contracted on US mainland (Texas) and second known sexually transmitted case confirmed in Texas
Zika fever, also known as Zika virus disease or simply Zika, is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.
All 955 miners rescued from the Beatrix gold mine in Welkom town, South Africa, after 2 days underground
All 955 miners rescued from the Beatrix gold mine in Welkom town, South Africa, after 2 days underground
Palindrome Day: the date 02022020 reads the same forward and backward including in the US and China (last one like this
Palindrome Day: the date 02022020 reads the same forward and backward including in the US and China (last one like this 11 November 1111)
Alejandro Mayorkas is the first Latino and immigrant to be confirmed as head of the US Department of Homeland Security
Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas is an American attorney and government official who was the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security, serving from 2021 until 2025.
More than one million Afghans have fled the country for Iran since October due to the country's economic crisis, accordi
More than one million Afghans have fled the country for Iran since October due to the country's economic crisis, according to immigration authorities threatening a new migrant crisis [1]
Wildfires begin burning in Chile, east of Viña del Ma, spread to Quilpué and Villa Alemana, killing at least 131 with hu
Wildfires begin burning in Chile, east of Viña del Ma, spread to Quilpué and Villa Alemana, killing at least 131 with hundreds missing. Chile's greatest natural disaster since 2010. [1]
Famous Births on February 2
birth
Talleyrand is born
Talleyrand, French secularized clergyman, statesman, and diplomat, known for french secularized clergyman, statesman, and diplomat, was born on 1754-02-02.
birth
Antonio Segni is born
Antonio Segni is born
birth
Park Geun-hye is born
Park Geun-hye is born
birth
Frank Lloyd is born
Frank Lloyd, American film director, known for british film director, was born on 1886-02-02.
birth
Farrah Fawcett is born
Farrah Fawcett, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1947-02-02. Farrah Fawcett was an American actress.
birth
Ina Garten is born
Ina Garten, American television cook, known for american television cook, was born on 1948-02-02. Ina Rosenberg Garten ( EYE-nə; born February 2, 1948) is an American television cook and author.
birth
Shakira is born
Shakira, Colombian musician, known for colombian singer, was born on 1977-02-02. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer.
birth
George Halas is born
George Halas athlete, known for american football player and coach, was born on 1895-02-02. George Stanley Halas Sr.
birth
Wes Ferrell is born
Wes Ferrell, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1908-02-02. Wesley Cheek Ferrell (February 2, 1908 – December 9, 1976) was an American professional baseball player.
Notable Deaths on February 2
death
Dmitri Mendeleev dies
Dmitri Mendeleev chemist, known for russian chemist, died on 1907-02-02. Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev ( MEN-dəl-AY-əf; 8 February [O.S. 27 January] 1834 – 2 February [O.S.
death
John L. Sullivan dies
John L. Sullivan, American boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1918-02-02. John Lawrence Sullivan (October 15, 1858 – February 2, 1918) was an American professional boxer.
death
Jaap Eden dies
Jaap Eden dies
death
Boris Karloff dies
Boris Karloff, English actor, known for english actor, died on 1969-02-02. William Henry Pratt (23 November 1887 – 2 February 1969), known professionally as Boris Karloff (), was an English actor.
death
Bertrand Russell dies
Bertrand Russell dies
death
Gene Kelly dies
Gene Kelly, American actor, dancer, singer, and producer, known for american actor, dancer, singer, and producer, died on 1996-02-02.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 2, 1653?
- New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
- What happened on February 2, 1848?
- Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican–American War. Mexico loses 55 percent of its territory to the US, including California, Nevada and Utah in exchange for $15 million.
- What happened on February 2, 1901?
- Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, about 25 miles (40 km) west of central London.
- What happened on February 2, 1922?
- Ulysses is a modernist novel by the Irish writer James Joyce. Partially serialised in the American journal The Little Review from March 1918 to December 1920, the entire work was published in Paris…
- What happened on February 2, 1943?
- The Royal Italian Army (Italian: Regio Esercito) was the land forces of the Kingdom of Italy during World War II. It was active from 1940 until the end of the war in 1945.
Complete Timeline — February 2 Through the Ages
Alaric II, King of the Visigoths, promulgates the Lex Romania Visigothorum (or Breviary of Alaric), a collection of Roma
Alaric II, King of the Visigoths, promulgates the Lex Romania Visigothorum (or Breviary of Alaric), a collection of Roman law
Pope John XII crowns German King Otto I the Great Emperor
Pope John XII (Latin: Ioannes XII; c. 930/937 – 14 May 964), born Octavian, was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 16 December 955 to his death in 964.
Guido di Borgogna elected Pope Callistus II
Guido di Borgogna elected Pope Callistus II
Battle of Lincoln: English King Stephen captured by forces loyal to Empress Matilda and commanded by Robert, 1st Earl of
Battle of Lincoln: English King Stephen captured by forces loyal to Empress Matilda and commanded by Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester
King John I of Portugal (29) marries Philippa of Lancaster (26), daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, in Po
King John I of Portugal (29) marries Philippa of Lancaster (26), daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, in Porto, consolidating an Anglo-Portuguese Alliance that endures to the present day
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lan
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lancaster force led by Jasper Tudor
Pedro de Mendoza founds Argentine city of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is located on the southwest of the Río de la Plata.
Portuguese under Christovão da Gama capture a Muslim-occupied hillfort in northern Ethiopia in the Battle of Baçente
Portuguese under Christovão da Gama capture a Muslim-occupied hillfort in northern Ethiopia in the Battle of Baçente
Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and former Lord Protector is freed from the Tower of London
Edward VI (12 October 1537 – 6 July 1553) was King of England and Ireland from 28 January 1547 until his death in 1553. He was crowned on 20 February 1547 at the age of nine.
English traveller Robert Shirley marries Iranian noblewoman Teresa Sampsonia at the Safavid royal court
Teresa Sampsonia was a Circassian-English noblewoman of Safavid Iran. She was the wife of the Elizabethan English adventurer Robert Shirley, whom she accompanied on his travels and embassies across...
Michelangelo Rossi's opera "Erminia sul Giordano" premieres in Rome
Michelangelo Rossi (Michel Angelo del Violino) (ca. 1601/1602 – 1656) was an important Italian composer, violinist and organist of the Baroque era. Rossi was born in Genoa, where he studied with his...
Zorilla's "El más Impropio Verdugo Para Las" premieres in Madrid
Zorilla's "El más Impropio Verdugo Para Las" premieres in Madrid
New Amsterdam becomes a city, later renamed New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
Dutch tragedy "Lucifer" by Joost van den Vondel, and regarded as his masterpiece, premieres in Amsterdam - banned three
Dutch tragedy "Lucifer" by Joost van den Vondel, and regarded as his masterpiece, premieres in Amsterdam - banned three days later
Nicholas Rowe's play "The Tragedy of Jane Shore" premieres in London
The Tragedy of Jane Shore is a 1714 historical tragedy by the British writer Nicholas Rowe.
King Frederik Willem I moves Lutherans towards East-Prussia
King Frederik Willem I moves Lutherans towards East-Prussia
Talleyrand is born
Talleyrand, French secularized clergyman, statesman, and diplomat, known for french secularized clergyman, statesman, and diplomat, was born on 1754-02-02.
Federal St Theater, Boston, becomes 1st in US destroyed by fire
Federal St Theater, Boston, becomes 1st in US destroyed by fire
1st leopard exhibited in US, Boston (admission 25 cents)
1st leopard exhibited in US, Boston (admission 25 cents)
Russian settlers establish Ft Ross trading post, north of San Francisco
Russian settlers establish Ft Ross trading post, north of San Francisco
Madman Jonathan Martin sets York Cathedral on fire, does £60,000 damage
Madman Jonathan Martin sets York Cathedral on fire, does £60,000 damage
US & British settlers in Oregon Country choose government committee
Oregon ( ORR-ih-ghən, -gon) is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican–American War. Mexico loses 55 percent of its territory to the US, including
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican–American War. Mexico loses 55 percent of its territory to the US, including California, Nevada and Utah in exchange for $15 million.
1st Chinese immigrants arrive by boat 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.
1st British public men's toilet opens in Fleet St, London
1st British public men's toilet opens in Fleet St, London
Pope Pius IX encyclical "On persecution of Armenians"
Pope Pius IX encyclical "On persecution of Armenians"
The "Organized Incorporated Territory of Nevada" is created, lasting until October 31st, 1864
The "Organized Incorporated Territory of Nevada" is created, lasting until October 31st, 1864
-Oct 7th) Cruise of CSS Florida
-Oct 7th) Cruise of CSS Florida
American industrialist James Oliver invents removable tempered steel plow blade
American industrialist James Oliver invents removable tempered steel plow blade
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in Elmira, NY
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Baseball's National League forms at the Grand Central Hotel, NYC with teams in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Lo
Baseball's National League forms at the Grand Central Hotel, NYC with teams in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia, and St Louis
Greece declares war on Turkey
The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition led by the Russian Empire which included Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
SS Strathleven arrives in London with first shipment of frozen Australian mutton
SS Strathleven arrives in London with first shipment of frozen Australian mutton
Frank Lloyd is born
Frank Lloyd, American film director, known for british film director, was born on 1886-02-02.
First Groundhog Day observed at Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, Murmeltiertag; Canadian French: Journée de la marmotte; Lunenburg, Nova Scotia: Daks Day) is a tradition observed...
Frank Sprague opens the first successful U.S. electric street railway system, the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, in R
Frank Sprague opens the first successful U.S. electric street railway system, the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, in Richmond, Virginia
Antonio Segni is born
Antonio Segni is born
Longest boxing match under modern rules: 77 rounds in Nameoki, Illinois, between Harry Sharpe and Frank Crosby
Longest boxing match under modern rules: 77 rounds in Nameoki, Illinois, between Harry Sharpe and Frank Crosby
Bottle cap for beverages is patented by US inventor William Painter and is still used today [1]
Bottle cap for beverages is patented by US inventor William Painter and is still used today [1]
US warship Kearsarge wrecked on Roncador Reef, near Solomon Island
US warship Kearsarge wrecked on Roncador Reef, near Solomon Island
George Halas is born
George Halas athlete, known for american football player and coach, was born on 1895-02-02. George Stanley Halas Sr.
The Australian Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne decides to locate Australia's capital (Canberra) between Sydney an
The Australian Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne decides to locate Australia's capital (Canberra) between Sydney and Melbourne.
Gustave Charpentiers opera "Louise" premieres at the Salle Favart, in Paris France; performed by the Opéra-Comique condu
Gustave Charpentiers opera "Louise" premieres at the Salle Favart, in Paris France; performed by the Opéra-Comique conducted by André Messageri
Queen Victoria's funeral takes place in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, about 25 miles (40 km) west of central London.
Female Army Nurse Corps established as a permanent organization
The United States Army Nurse Corps (USANC) was formally established by the U.S. Congress in 1901.
Pope encyclical against separation of church & state
Pope encyclical against separation of church & state
Dmitri Mendeleev dies
Dmitri Mendeleev chemist, known for russian chemist, died on 1907-02-02. Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev ( MEN-dəl-AY-əf; 8 February [O.S. 27 January] 1834 – 2 February [O.S.
Wes Ferrell is born
Wes Ferrell, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1908-02-02. Wesley Cheek Ferrell (February 2, 1908 – December 9, 1976) was an American professional baseball player.
Italian writer Filippo Tommaso Marinetti publishes "Manifest o of Futurism" in Paris, France
Italian writer Filippo Tommaso Marinetti publishes "Manifest o of Futurism" in Paris, France
Frederick R. Law, parachutes from Statue of Liberty (stunt for Pathe)
Frederick R. Law, parachutes from Statue of Liberty (stunt for Pathe)
John L. Sullivan dies
John L. Sullivan, American boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1918-02-02. John Lawrence Sullivan (October 15, 1858 – February 2, 1918) was an American professional boxer.
Monarchist riot in Portugal
Monarchist riot in Portugal
France occupies (German) Memel territory
France occupies (German) Memel territory
James Joyce's novel "Ulysses" is first published by Sylvia Beach in Paris (1,000 copies)
Ulysses is a modernist novel by the Irish writer James Joyce. Partially serialised in the American journal The Little Review from March 1918 to December 1920, the entire work was published in Paris…
Ethyl gasoline 1st marketed, Dayton, Ohio
Ethyl gasoline 1st marketed, Dayton, Ohio
International Ski Federation (FIS) forms
International Ski Federation (FIS) forms
Belgian episcopacy rejects liberalism, communism & socialism
Belgian episcopacy rejects liberalism, communism & socialism
Jaap Eden dies
Jaap Eden dies
3 men dance Charleston for 22 hours
3 men dance Charleston for 22 hours
Ziegfeld Theater (Loew's Ziegfeld) opens at 6th Ave & 54th St NYC
Ziegfeld Theater (Loew's Ziegfeld) opens at 6th Ave & 54th St NYC
1st siyyum of Talmud celebrated by Daf Yomi students
1st siyyum of Talmud celebrated by Daf Yomi students
Dutch Roman Catholic Bishops warn against fascism and Nazism
Nazism, formally named National Socialism (NS), is the far-right totalitarian ideology associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in Germany.
Leonarde Keeler first uses his polygraph machine on criminals, who are later convicted of assault based on its findings
Leonarde Keeler first uses his polygraph machine on criminals, who are later convicted of assault based on its findings in Portage, Wisconsin
LA Times urges security measures against Japanese-Americans
LA Times urges security measures against Japanese-Americans
German 6th Army surrenders after the Battle of Stalingrad in a major turning point in Europe during World War II
The Royal Italian Army (Italian: Regio Esercito) was the land forces of the Kingdom of Italy during World War II. It was active from 1940 until the end of the war in 1945.
4th US marine division conquers Roi, Marshall Islands
The Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign was a series of engagements fought from August 1942 to February 1944, in the Pacific theatre of World War II between the United States and Japan.
Escape attempt at Mauthausen concentration camp
Mauthausen was a Nazi concentration camp on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen (roughly 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Linz) in Upper Austria.
The Proclamation of Hungarian Republic made
The Hungarian People's Republic (HPR) was the Hungarian state from 20 August 1949 until the establishment of the current Republic of Hungary on 23 October 1989.
Farrah Fawcett is born
Farrah Fawcett, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1947-02-02. Farrah Fawcett was an American actress.
President Harry Truman urges congress to adopt a civil rights program
Harry S. Truman's tenure as the 33rd president of the United States began on April 12, 1945, upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and ended on January 20, 1953.
Ina Garten is born
Ina Garten, American television cook, known for american television cook, was born on 1948-02-02. Ina Rosenberg Garten ( EYE-nə; born February 2, 1948) is an American television cook and author.
1st broadcast of "What's My Line" on CBS-TV
1st broadcast of "What's My Line" on CBS-TV
-35°F (-37°C), Greensburg, Indiana (state record until 1994)
Greensburg is a city in and the county seat of Decatur County, Indiana, United States. The population was 12,312 at the time of the 2020 census.
Park Geun-hye is born
Park Geun-hye is born
"The Nutcracker" ballet choreographed by George Balanchine with Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy opens in New Yor
"The Nutcracker" ballet choreographed by George Balanchine with Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy opens in New York, establishes its popularity in the US
1st presidential news conference on network TV-Eisenhower on ABC
1st presidential news conference on network TV-Eisenhower on ABC
UN adopts a resolution calling for Israeli troops to leave Egypt
UN adopts a resolution calling for Israeli troops to leave Egypt
Syria joins Egypt in United Arab Republic
The United Arab Republic (UAR; Arabic: الجمهورية العربية المتحدة, romanized: al-Jumhūriyya al-ʿArabiyya al-Muttaḥida) was a sovereign state in the Middle East from 1958 to 1971.
Michale Eufemia sinks 625 balls in pool match without a miss
Michale Eufemia sinks 625 balls in pool match without a miss
Dutch Prince Bernhard opens new RAI building in Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, formerly Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre or simply RAI Amsterdam, is a complex of conference and exhibition halls in the Zuidas business district of...
1st pole vault over 16' (4.88m) (John Uelses-16', Melrose Games)
1st pole vault over 16' (4.88m) (John Uelses-16', Melrose Games)
British pop singer Helen Shapiro begins an English tour, the Beatles are part of undercard
British pop singer Helen Shapiro begins an English tour, the Beatles are part of undercard
Joe Orton's play "Loot" premieres in Brighton
John Kingsley Orton (1 January 1933 – 9 August 1967), known by the pen name of Joe Orton, was an English playwright, author, and diarist.
Pakistan suggests six-point agenda, with Kashmir dispute as number one item, for proposed Indo-Pak ministerial talks aft
Pakistan suggests six-point agenda, with Kashmir dispute as number one item, for proposed Indo-Pak ministerial talks after 1965 war
Bolivia adopts its constitution
Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country located in central South America.
Springer Publishers in West Berlin, bombed
Springer Publishers in West Berlin, bombed
KMST TV channel 46 in Monterey-Salinas, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
KMST TV channel 46 in Monterey-Salinas, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
Boris Karloff dies
Boris Karloff, English actor, known for english actor, died on 1969-02-02. William Henry Pratt (23 November 1887 – 2 February 1969), known professionally as Boris Karloff (), was an English actor.
Bertrand Russell dies
Bertrand Russell dies
General Idi Amin ousts Milton Obote and appoints himself President and Dictator of Uganda
Idi Amin Dada Oumee (30 May 1928 – 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 until his overthrow in 1979.
Angry demonstrators burn the British Embassy in Dublin to the ground in protest at the shooting dead of 13 people on 'bl
Angry demonstrators burn the British Embassy in Dublin to the ground in protest at the shooting dead of 13 people on 'bloody sunday'
Barbra Streisand's first #1 hit, "The Way We Were"
The Way We Were is the fifteenth studio album recorded by American singer Barbra Streisand.
Army offensive against rebels in Eritrea
Army offensive against rebels in Eritrea
"Rich Little Show" debuts on NBC-TV
Richard Caruthers Little is a Canadian-American comedian, impressionist and voice actor.
Soviet Salyut 4 Space Station re-enters Earth's atmosphere
Salyut 4 (DOS 4) was a Salyut space station launched on December 26, 1974 into an orbit with an apogee of 355 km, a perigee of 343 km and an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees.
Shakira is born
Shakira, Colombian musician, known for colombian singer, was born on 1977-02-02. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer.
FBI releases details of Abscam, a sting operation that targeted 31 elected & public officials for bribes for political f
FBI releases details of Abscam, a sting operation that targeted 31 elected & public officials for bribes for political favors
Government troops and Muslim fundamentalists battle in Hamah, Syria
Government troops and Muslim fundamentalists battle in Hamah, Syria
CBS' premiere of fact based WW2 drama "The Scarlet and the Black", based on the life of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
CBS' premiere of fact based WW2 drama "The Scarlet and the Black", based on the life of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
Lebanese army fights in Beirut
The South Lebanon Army or South Lebanese Army (SLA; Arabic: جيش لبنان الجنوبي, Jayš Lubnān al-Janūbiyy), also known as the Lahad Army (جيش لحد) or as the De Facto Forces (DFF), was a militia founded...
Dalai Lama meets Pope John Paul II in India
Pope John Paul II was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death in 2005.
KC Royal pitcher Dennis Leonard (3X 20 game winner), retires
KC Royal pitcher Dennis Leonard (3X 20 game winner), retires
0°F (-18°C) or below in 15 US states
0°F (-18°C) or below in 15 US states
South African President F. W. de Klerk promises to free Nelson Mandela and legalizes ANC and 60 other political organiza
South African President F. W. de Klerk promises to free Nelson Mandela and legalizes ANC and 60 other political organizations
Aravinda De Silva scores 267 v NZ at Wellington
Aravinda De Silva scores 267 v NZ at Wellington
Australian Kieren Perkins swims 1,500m freestyle short course world record, 14:32.40 at AIS, Canberra, Australia
Australian Kieren Perkins swims 1,500m freestyle short course world record, 14:32.40 at AIS, Canberra, Australia
Henry Olonga no-balled for throwing in Zimbabwe-Pakistan Test Cricket
Henry Khaaba Olonga is a Zimbabwean former cricketer who played Test and One Day International cricket for Zimbabwe.
Gene Kelly dies
Gene Kelly, American actor, dancer, singer, and producer, known for american actor, dancer, singer, and producer, died on 1996-02-02.
Daniel Baldwin hospitalized in NYC for cocaine overdose
Daniel Baldwin hospitalized in NYC for cocaine overdose
Cold snap across Europe kills more than 100 people (over 400 people by 08-02)
Cold snap across Europe kills more than 100 people (over 400 people by 08-02)
18 people are killed and 34 are injured after a bus catches fire after falling down a ravine in Gansu province, China
18 people are killed and 34 are injured after a bus catches fire after falling down a ravine in Gansu province, China
Protests in Ukraine turn violent after parliament passes legislation that outlaws protest
Decommunization in Ukraine started during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and expanded afterwards.
First case of Zika contracted on US mainland (Texas) and second known sexually transmitted case confirmed in Texas
Zika fever, also known as Zika virus disease or simply Zika, is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.
All 955 miners rescued from the Beatrix gold mine in Welkom town, South Africa, after 2 days underground
All 955 miners rescued from the Beatrix gold mine in Welkom town, South Africa, after 2 days underground
Palindrome Day: the date 02022020 reads the same forward and backward including in the US and China (last one like this
Palindrome Day: the date 02022020 reads the same forward and backward including in the US and China (last one like this 11 November 1111)
Alejandro Mayorkas is the first Latino and immigrant to be confirmed as head of the US Department of Homeland Security
Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas is an American attorney and government official who was the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security, serving from 2021 until 2025.
More than one million Afghans have fled the country for Iran since October due to the country's economic crisis, accordi
More than one million Afghans have fled the country for Iran since October due to the country's economic crisis, according to immigration authorities threatening a new migrant crisis [1]
Wildfires begin burning in Chile, east of Viña del Ma, spread to Quilpué and Villa Alemana, killing at least 131 with hu
Wildfires begin burning in Chile, east of Viña del Ma, spread to Quilpué and Villa Alemana, killing at least 131 with hundreds missing. Chile's greatest natural disaster since 2010. [1]