February 29, a date that emerges only every four years, holds a unique place in history with events spanning centuries. From Christopher Columbus leveraging a lunar eclipse in 1504 to significant cultural milestones in the 20th century, this rare day brims with stories of human endeavor. What other remarkable moments have unfolded on this elusive date? Uncover the layers of history that await on this extraordinary calendar anomaly.
History
Major Historical Events
1468 – Pope Paul III is Born: On this day in 1468, Alessandro Farnese, who would later become Pope Paul III, was born in Canino, Italy.
His papacy, which began in 1534, was marked by significant reforms within the Catholic Church and the initiation of the Counter-Reformation, including the convening of the Council of Trent.
1504 – Christopher Columbus Uses a Lunar Eclipse: During his fourth voyage, on February 29, 1504, Christopher Columbus, stranded in Jamaica, used his knowledge of a predicted lunar eclipse to impress and intimidate the local Arawak people into providing food and supplies for his crew, claiming he could control the heavens.
1940 – Hattie McDaniel Wins an Oscar: On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award, receiving the Best Supporting Actress honor for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind” at the 12th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
1960 – Agadir Earthquake in Morocco: A devastating earthquake struck Agadir, Morocco, on February 29, 1960, killing approximately 12,000 people and destroying much of the city.
It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in the country’s history, prompting significant rebuilding efforts.
Famous Birthdays
1792 – Gioachino Rossini: The renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, best known for operas such as “The Barber of Seville” and “William Tell,” was born on February 29, 1792, in Pesaro, Italy.
His works remain celebrated for their lively melodies and dramatic flair.
1904 – Jimmy Dorsey: American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and big band leader Jimmy Dorsey was born on February 29, 1904, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.
He, along with his brother Tommy, led one of the most popular swing bands of the era.
1960 – Khaled: The Algerian singer-songwriter Khaled, often called the “King of Raï,” was born on February 29, 1960, in Oran, Algeria.
His music blends traditional North African sounds with modern pop, gaining international fame with hits like “Didi.”
1976 – Ja Rule: American rapper and actor Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, better known as Ja Rule, was born on February 29, 1976, in Queens, New York.
He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with chart-topping hits like “Always on Time.”
1980 – Taylor Twellman: Former American soccer player Taylor Twellman, who became one of Major League Soccer’s top scorers with the New England Revolution, was born on February 29, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Notable Deaths
1928 – Adolphe Appia: Swiss architect and theatrical designer Adolphe Appia, a pioneer in modern stage design and lighting, passed away on February 29, 1928, in Nyon, Switzerland.
His innovative ideas transformed the visual presentation of theater.
1960 – Melvin Purvis: American law enforcement official Melvin Purvis, known for leading the manhunt that resulted in the death of John Dillinger, died on February 29, 1960, in Florence, South Carolina.
His career with the FBI was marked by high-profile cases during the 1930s.
1980 – Yousuf Karsh: Renowned Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, famous for his iconic portraits of figures like Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein, passed away on February 29, 1980, in Ottawa, Canada.
His work captured the essence of the 20th century’s most influential personalities.
Today in Music History
1968 – Johnny Cash Records Live at Folsom Prison: On February 29, 1968, Johnny Cash recorded additional tracks for his iconic album “At Folsom Prison,” though the primary recording occurred earlier.
This album became a landmark in country music, showcasing Cash’s raw energy and connection with his audience.
1980 – Patti Smith Group Releases “Because the Night”: The Patti Smith Group saw continued success with their hit “Because the Night,” co-written with Bruce Springsteen, which had charted earlier but was celebrated in performances around February 29, 1980, cementing its place as a punk rock classic.
1996 – Alanis Morissette Wins Big at Juno Awards: On February 29, 1996, Canadian singer Alanis Morissette dominated the Juno Awards, winning multiple honors for her groundbreaking album “Jagged Little Pill,” which redefined alternative rock in the 1990s.
Today in Sports History
1964 – Frank Rugani Sets Basketball Record: On February 29, 1964, Frank Rugani of Lansdale Catholic High School in Pennsylvania scored 50 points in a single game, setting a notable record for high school basketball at the time and showcasing extraordinary individual talent.
1980 – Gordie Howe Scores 800th Goal: Hockey legend Gordie Howe reached a historic milestone on February 29, 1980, by scoring his 800th career NHL goal while playing for the Hartford Whalers, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.
2012 – LeBron James Scores 31 Points on Leap Day: On February 29, 2012, NBA superstar LeBron James delivered an impressive performance, scoring 31 points for the Miami Heat in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, highlighting his dominance during the season.
2020 – Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Rematch: On February 29, 2020, though the actual fight occurred a week earlier, discussions and analyses of Tyson Fury’s victory over Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title dominated sports headlines, marking a significant moment in boxing history.
Today in Military and Naval History
1504 – Columbus’s Strategic Use of Astronomy: As mentioned earlier, on February 29, 1504, Christopher Columbus cleverly used a lunar eclipse to his advantage during a military-like standoff with indigenous Jamaicans, securing provisions for his crew through psychological tactics.
1944 – World War II Pacific Campaign Intensifies: On February 29, 1944, American forces launched the Admiralty Islands campaign in the Pacific Theater of World War II, a critical step in isolating Japanese strongholds as part of the Allies’ island-hopping strategy.
1968 – Vietnam War Reports Released: On February 29, 1968, significant military reports and updates regarding the Tet Offensive in Vietnam were disseminated, shaping public and governmental perspectives on the ongoing conflict during a leap year.
Today in Tech and Science History
1940 – First FM Radio Broadcasts Expand: On February 29, 1940, FM radio technology saw further adoption with experimental broadcasts in the United States, paving the way for clearer audio transmission and revolutionizing the broadcasting industry.
1960 – Weather Satellite Data Analysis: Following the launch of early weather satellites, on February 29, 1960, scientists analyzed critical data that advanced meteorological predictions, marking an important step in space-based observation technology.
1988 – Superconductivity Breakthrough Discussed: On February 29, 1988, scientific communities buzzed with discussions about recent advancements in high-temperature superconductivity, a field that promised to transform energy transmission and technology applications.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1920 – Dada Movement Gains Traction: On February 29, 1920, the avant-garde Dada movement continued to influence European art circles with exhibitions and manifestos challenging traditional norms, reshaping cultural expressions post-World War I.
1940 – Hattie McDaniel’s Cultural Milestone: As noted earlier, Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar win on February 29, 1940, broke racial barriers in Hollywood, becoming a defining moment in cultural history and inspiring future generations of artists.
1968 – Kerouac’s Influence Persists: On February 29, 1968, the lasting impact of Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation literature was evident in cultural discussions, with his works like “On the Road” continuing to inspire countercultural movements.
1980 – Pop Art Exhibits Flourish: By February 29, 1980, the legacy of Pop Art, through artists like Andy Warhol, remained prominent with exhibitions and retrospectives celebrating the movement’s influence on modern culture.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1504 – Columbus’s Eclipse Trick: As previously mentioned, on February 29, 1504, Columbus’s use of a lunar eclipse to convince Jamaican locals he controlled the moon stands as a quirky yet clever moment in exploration history.
1960 – Leap Year Oddities Reported: On February 29, 1960, various newspapers highlighted unusual leap year traditions, including women proposing to men, a custom rooted in old European folklore that added a humorous twist to the day.
1980 – Leap Year Babies Celebrate: On February 29, 1980, “leaplings”—those born on this rare date—celebrated their unique birthdays, with some turning only 5 despite being 20 years old, a fun quirk of the calendar.
Today in History for Kids
1504 – Columbus’s Moon Magic: On February 29, 1504, explorer Christopher Columbus did something amazing in Jamaica.
He knew the moon would disappear during an eclipse and told the local people he could make it happen, convincing them to help him with food!
1940 – A Movie Star Makes History: On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win a big movie award called an Oscar for her part in “Gone with the Wind.”
She showed everyone that talent matters most!
1960 – A Big Earthquake in Morocco: On February 29, 1960, a huge earthquake shook a city called Agadir in Morocco.
It was very sad because many people were hurt, but it taught us how to build stronger houses.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
Leap Year Origins: February 29 only happens every four years because of a leap year, a system created by Julius Caesar in 46 BC to keep the calendar in line with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, making this date extra special.
1940 – Oscar Night Segregation: While Hattie McDaniel won her Oscar on February 29, 1940, she was forced to sit at a segregated table during the ceremony, a stark reminder of the racial inequalities of the time despite her achievement.
1960 – Agadir’s Rebirth: After the tragic earthquake on February 29, 1960, in Agadir, Morocco, the city was rebuilt with modern designs, becoming a symbol of resilience and a popular tourist destination today.
1980 – Leap Year Proposals: A fun tradition tied to February 29, 1980, and other leap years is the idea that women can propose marriage to men, a custom traced back to a legend involving St. Bridget in 5th-century Ireland.
2020 – Rare Leap Day Events: On February 29, 2020, many people around the world celebrated the rarity of the date with special events, parties, and even weddings, embracing the uniqueness of a day that only comes once every four years.