This Day In History

On February 21, 1916, one of the longest battles on the Western Front began at Verdun. The nearly 10-month battle ended in a French victory, but at a high cost of lives on both sides. 

On February 20, 1931, Congress approved the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge project, setting in motion construction of a permanent crossing that would reshape travel across San Francisco Bay. That decision launched one of the most complex bridge systems ever attempted in the United States and created a transportation link that millions would rely on every year.

On February 19, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass began, marking the first major clash between American and German forces in North Africa. The fight quickly tested the strength, training, and leadership of US troops as they faced experienced Axis armored units in the rugged mountains of Tunisia.

On February 18, 1885, American readers finally got their hands on a novel that captured the raw voice and restless spirit of life along the river. The long-awaited US release of Huckleberry Finn introduced a bold storytelling style that reflected real speech, real conflict, and a complicated nation still wrestling with its past.

On September 8, 1954, eight nations signed the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, or Manila Pact, creating the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). The treaty’s main purpose was to create a collective defense system, so that if one member was attacked, the others would come to its aid.

Social worker Jane Addams was born on September 6, 1860, in Cedarville, Illinois. She was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and is often considered the founder of the profession of social work in America. 

Puppeteer James Maury Henson was born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi. He’s best known as the creator of the Muppets as well as several beloved residents of Sesame Street.

On July 8, 1993, the first Summer World University Games to be hosted in the US opened in Buffalo, NY.  The World University Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics. 

On February 22, 1864, some of the first Sanitary Fair stamps were issued. These stamps raised millions of dollars in funds and supplies for the Civil War.

Our first president, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia Colony. Since America’s first postage stamps were issued in 1847, he’s appeared on more than 300 US stamps – more than any other individual!

On February 22, 1921, experimental overnight transcontinental airmail flights between San Francisco and New York were launched. Despite a rocky start, the flights were a resounding success, earning support and funding for expanded service.

On February 22, 1980, the US men’s hockey team scored an unexpected victory over a more experienced Soviet team at the Winter Olympics. The victory was one of the most memorable moments of those games and in all of sports history.