February 28 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events that span centuries and continents. From royal executions to groundbreaking cultural moments, this date holds stories of triumph, tragedy, and mystery. Significant births and deaths, alongside pivotal wars and unexpected phenomena, paint a vivid picture of human history. What specific moments shaped this day? Uncover the layers of time that define February 28’s legacy.
History
Major Historical Events
1587 – The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots: On this day, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in England after being found guilty of plotting to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I.
Her execution marked a significant moment in the tumultuous relationship between England and Scotland, intensifying religious and political tensions across Europe.
1855 – The Devil’s Footprints Mystery: In Devon, England, a series of mysterious hoof-like marks appeared in the snow over a distance of about 40 to 100 miles overnight.
Dubbed the “Devil’s Footprints,” this phenomenon baffled locals and remains an unsolved curiosity, with theories ranging from a hoax to supernatural explanations.
1915 – Release of “The Birth of a Nation”: D.W. Griffith’s controversial silent film premiered in Los Angeles, California.
While groundbreaking in cinematic techniques, the film’s portrayal of African Americans and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan sparked outrage and protests, highlighting deep racial divides in the United States at the time.
1960 – Hollywood Walk of Fame Established: The first eight stars were dedicated on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, initiating the iconic Walk of Fame.
This public monument honors influential figures in the entertainment industry, starting with pioneers like Joanne Woodward, whose star was among the first laid.
1983 – The Final Episode of “M*A*S*H” Airs: The beloved television series “M*A*S*H,” set during the Korean War, concluded with a record-breaking finale watched by over 105 million viewers in the United States.
Titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” it remains one of the most-watched TV finales in history, marking the end of an era in television storytelling.
Famous Birthdays
1828 – Jules Verne: The French novelist, often called the “Father of Science Fiction,” was born in Nantes, France.
Known for classics like “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” Verne’s imaginative works inspired generations of writers and explorers.
1931 – James Dean: The iconic American actor was born in Marion, Indiana.
With starring roles in films like “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden,” Dean became a cultural symbol of youthful rebellion before his tragic death in a car accident at age 24.
1941 – Nick Nolte: The American actor, known for his rugged roles in films such as “48 Hrs.” and “The Prince of Tides,” was born in Omaha, Nebraska.
Nolte’s career spans decades, earning him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
1974 – Seth Green: Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this American actor and comedian gained fame for roles in the “Austin Powers” series and as the voice of Chris Griffin on the animated show “Family Guy.”
Green has also made significant contributions as a producer and writer.
Notable Deaths
1587 – Mary, Queen of Scots: As mentioned earlier, Mary was executed on this day at the age of 44 after nearly 19 years of imprisonment in England.
Her death was a pivotal event in European history, influencing the political landscape of the time.
1725 – Peter the Great: The Russian Tsar, who transformed Russia into a major European power through modernization and military reforms, died on this day in Saint Petersburg at the age of 52.
His reign laid the foundation for Russia’s imperial expansion.
1957 – John von Neumann: The Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist passed away in Washington, D.C., at the age of 53.
A pioneer in computer science and game theory, von Neumann’s contributions shaped modern technology and economic strategies.
Today in Music History
1969 – The Beatles Record “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”: The Beatles began recording this track for their album “Abbey Road” at Trident Studios in London.
The song, primarily written by John Lennon, became notable for its repetitive structure and extended instrumental outro.
1973 – Max Yasgur Dies: Max Yasgur, the dairy farmer who leased his land for the 1969 Woodstock Festival, passed away on this day at the age of 53.
His farm in Bethel, New York, became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the era.
1990 – Del Shannon’s Death: The American rock and roll singer, known for his 1961 hit “Runaway,” died on this day in Santa Clarita, California, at the age of 55.
Shannon’s music influenced countless artists in the rock genre.
Today in Sports History
1968 – Winter Olympics Open in Grenoble: The 10th Winter Olympic Games officially opened in Grenoble, France, marking the first time the event was broadcast in color on television.
Athletes from 37 nations competed in various winter sports over the following weeks.
1986 – Spud Webb Wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest: At just 5 feet 7 inches tall, Spud Webb of the Atlanta Hawks stunned audiences by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in Dallas, Texas.
His victory remains one of the most memorable underdog stories in basketball history.
Today in Military and Naval History
1862 – Battle of Roanoke Island: During the American Civil War, Union forces under General Ambrose Burnside captured Roanoke Island, North Carolina, from Confederate control.
This victory marked a significant step in the Union’s campaign to control the Atlantic coast.
1904 – Russo-Japanese War Begins: The conflict between Russia and Japan officially started with a surprise attack by Japanese forces on the Russian naval base at Port Arthur in Manchuria.
This war reshaped power dynamics in East Asia.
1943 – Battle of Guadalcanal Ends: The six-month campaign in the Solomon Islands concluded with a decisive Allied victory over Japanese forces.
This turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II boosted Allied morale and shifted momentum.
Today in Tech and Science History
1887 – Passage of the Dawes Act: While not directly tech-related, the Dawes Act, signed into law on this day, indirectly influenced land use and agricultural technology in the United States by dividing Native American tribal lands into individual allotments, impacting farming practices.
1924 – First Execution by Gas Chamber in the U.S.: In Nevada, the first execution using a gas chamber took place, marking a grim milestone in the history of capital punishment technology.
Gee Jon, convicted of murder, was the first person subjected to this method.
1969 – First Test Flight of the Boeing 747: The iconic jumbo jet, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” completed its maiden test flight in Everett, Washington.
This aircraft revolutionized air travel by making long-haul flights more accessible and efficient.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1834 – Dmitri Mendeleev’s Birth: The Russian chemist, born on this day in Tobolsk, Siberia, created the Periodic Table of Elements, a cornerstone of scientific culture.
His work bridged science and education, influencing countless fields.
1915 – Premiere of “The Birth of a Nation”: As noted earlier, this film debuted on this day, sparking debates about art, racism, and censorship.
Its cultural impact, both positive and negative, continues to be studied in film history.
1952 – Elizabeth II Proclaimed Queen: Although her father, King George VI, died on February 6, Elizabeth II was officially proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom on this day in 1952, marking a significant cultural moment in British history.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1855 – The Devil’s Footprints: As mentioned earlier, the bizarre hoof-like prints in Devon, England, puzzled residents and sparked wild theories about the devil or strange creatures roaming the countryside.
Some even suggested a kangaroo escaped from a private menagerie.
1960 – Hollywood Walk of Fame Mishap: During the initial dedication of the Walk of Fame, one of the first stars was misspelled, though accounts differ on whose name was affected.
This small blunder added a humorous footnote to the otherwise glamorous launch.
Today in History for Kids
1587 – A Queen’s Sad End: Mary, Queen of Scots, lost her life on this day long ago in a castle in England.
She was in trouble for wanting to be queen instead of someone else, and her story teaches us about how tough it was to be a ruler back then.
1828 – A Storyteller is Born: Jules Verne, who wrote amazing adventure stories like traveling under the sea or to the moon, was born on this day.
Kids can imagine their own wild adventures inspired by his books!
1969 – A Giant Plane Takes Off: The Boeing 747, a huge airplane that can carry lots of people, flew for the first time on this day.
It’s like a flying school bus in the sky, making trips around the world easier.
1983 – A Funny Show Says Goodbye: A TV show called “M*A*S*H” about doctors and nurses during a war had its last episode on this day.
So many people watched it to say goodbye to their favorite characters!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1587 – A Royal Execution: Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed after being accused of a plot against her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
It took three strikes of the axe to complete the execution, a grim detail often overlooked.
1904 – A Surprise Attack: The Russo-Japanese War kicked off with Japan’s unexpected torpedo attack on Russian ships at Port Arthur, catching the world off guard and setting the stage for a major conflict.
1960 – Starry Beginnings: The Hollywood Walk of Fame started with just eight stars, a far cry from the thousands that line the streets today, honoring everyone from actors to fictional characters.
1983 – TV History Made: The “M*A*S*H” finale drew a staggering 105.9 million viewers, a record that held for decades until surpassed by Super Bowl broadcasts in the 21st century.
1969 – Woodstock’s Unsung Hero: Max Yasgur, who died on this day in 1973, made history by hosting Woodstock on his farm, despite opposition from neighbors, proving one person’s decision can shape cultural history.