This Day In History

On February 17, 1801, the young United States faced a constitutional crisis that tested whether its new government could transfer power peacefully. That day, after weeks of deadlock, the House of Representatives finally chose a president, proving that the nation’s system—though imperfect—could still function under pressure.

On February 16, 1909, stamps printed on an experimental bluish paper were issued. These stamps were part of an effort to prevent paper shrinkage.

Susan B. Anthony was born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts. Born into a Quaker family that believed deeply in equality and moral responsibility, she would grow into one of the most persistent and recognizable leaders of the fight for women’s voting rights in the United States.

Winfield Scott Hancock was born on February 14, 1824, in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, and would grow into one of the Union Army’s most respected battlefield commanders. Known later as “Hancock the Superb,” he built his reputation not through legend, but through steady leadership in some of the Civil War’s hardest fights.

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy took the oath of office on a cold Washington day, while the nation witnessed something entirely new at a presidential inauguration. Standing beside the youthful new president was Robert Frost, America’s most famous living poet, marking the first time poetry became part of the inaugural ceremony.

On December 20, 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales, a collection that would later become famous around the world as Grimm’s Fairy Tales. What began as a scholarly project to preserve German folklore soon grew into one of the most influential books in literary history.

On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a small book that would become one of the most famous holiday stories ever written. Released just days before Christmas, the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors captured the spirit of the season—and the conscience of Victorian England. Though Dickens was already a well-known author, few could have predicted that this short Christmas book would become his most enduring work, shaping how Christmas itself is celebrated and remembered.

One of the greatest books in American literature, Moby-Dick, was first published in the United States on November 14, 1851. Its author, Herman Melville, drew deeply from his own adventurous life at sea to craft what would become one of the most profound and symbolic novels ever written.

On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto after nearly a year of searching. It would be another 85 years before the US sent its first space probe there – inspired by a postage stamp!

Louis Comfort Tiffany was born on February 18, 1848, in New York City, New York.

On February 18, 1939, the Golden Gate International Exposition opened in San Francisco, California. Initially planned to honor the completion of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, it was expanded to honor all the countries and continents surrounding the Pacific.

Willkie was born Lewis Wendell Willkie on February 18, 1892, in Elwood, Indiana. He switched political parties to run against Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election, but later worked with Roosevelt to promote US interests during World War II.