Death of Billy Mitchell
On February 19, 1936, Billy Mitchell died in New York City. He’s often considered the father of the United States Air Force, having dedicated much of his career promoting air power in warfare.
American History
Birth of Louis Comfort Tiffany
Louis Comfort Tiffany was born on February 18, 1848, in New York City, New York.
Opening of the Armory Art Show
On February 17, 1913, the Armory Show opened at the 69th Regimental Armory in New York City, giving many in the public their first exposure to Modern Art.
Founding of the Elks
On February 16, 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) was founded in New York City. One of the oldest fraternal organizations in the US, they provide aid to America’s youth, veterans, the disadvantaged, and handicapped.
Happy Birthday Frederick Douglass
While the exact date of abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s birth is unknown, it’s generally considered to be February 14, 1818. Douglass was an abolitionist and suffragist, one of the leading civil rights leaders of the 19th century.
Lincoln Memorial Issue
On February 12, 1909, the US Post Office issued a set of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. These were America’s first definitive-sized commemoratives.
Birth of Josiah W. Gibbs
Scientist Josiah Willard Gibbs was born on February 11, 1839, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was a Yale professor, inventor, and formulated the laws of thermodynamics.
Creation of the U.S. Weather Bureau
On February 9, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant created the US Weather Bureau. Still in operation today as the National Weather Service, it provides weather forecasts and warnings for hazardous weather.
Birth of William T. Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman was born on February 8, 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio. His tough “scorched earth” policy was a severe blow to morale in the Confederacy during the Civil War.