Unveiling of ENIAC
On February 15, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was unveiled to the public. It’s considered the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.
American History
Oregon Becomes 33rd State
On February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state in the Union.
Founding of ASCAP
On February 13, 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City. The organization works to protect musical copyrights in various media.
Birth of William Allen White
William Allen White was born on February 10, 1868, in Emporia, Kansas. A newspaper editor, politician and author, he was considered “the most loved and most distinguished member” of the Kansas press.
Department of Agriculture
On February 9, 1889, the US Department of Agriculture attained cabinet-level status. The change was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
France Signs Treaty of Alliance with America
On February 6, 1778, Delegates of King Louis XVI of France and the Second Continental Congress signed a Treaty of Alliance, promising military support to each other. French aid and manpower contributed to America’s ultimate victory in the Revolution.
Birth of Mark Hopkins
Mark Hopkins was born on February 4, 1802, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He was the youngest college president in the US and produced many influential writings on religion, education, morality, and more.
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.
The Great Race of Mercy
On February 2, 1925, a sled dog team took the Iditarod Trail to deliver a much-needed diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, following a deadly outbreak.