Dedication of the Washington Monument
On February 21, 1885, the Washington Monument was dedicated, 37 years after its cornerstone was laid.
Famous Americans
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Birth of Wendell Willkie
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.
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Grant Claims Victory at Fort Donelson
On February 16, 1862, Ulysses S. Grant scored an important and morale-boosting victory at the Battle of Fort Donelson. Grant captured more soldiers in that one battle than all American generals combined up to that time.
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Birth of Josh White
Joshua Daniel White was born on February 11, 1914, in Greenville, South Carolina. A trailblazing musician, White broke barriers with many notable firsts…
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Birth of James A. Michener
James Albert Michener is believed to have been born on February 3, 1907, in New York City. He was a bestselling author of more than 40 books, selling an estimated 75 million copies worldwide.
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Birth of Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury (now Franklin), New Hampshire on January 18, 1782. A successful lawyer and statesman, he negotiated an important treaty with Canada and served as Secretary of State under three presidents.
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Birth of Ethel Merman
Ethel Agnes Zimmermann was born on January 16, 1908, in Astoria, Queens, New York. Known as the “Queen of Broadway,” her dazzling career lasted more than 50 years.
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Birth of Alice Paul
Alice Paul was born on January 11, 1885, in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Paul was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, staging protests and parades to gain support for the right to vote.
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Birth of José Ferrer
José Vicente Ferrer de Otero y Cintrón was born on January 8, 1912, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He won the first-ever Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and was the first Hispanic actor to win an Oscar.
