First US Inventors’ Day
On February 11, 1983, America celebrated its first Inventors’ Day. The date was selected to coincide with Thomas Edison’s birthday, but it’s a day that recognizes the contributions of all American inventors.
This Day in History
National Geodetic Survey
On February 10, 1807, President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation to establish the United States Survey of the Coast. This later became the US Coast and Geodetic Survey and eventually the National Geodetic Survey.
Birth of William Henry Harrison
America’s ninth president, William Henry Harrison was born on February 9, 1773, in Charles City County, Virginia. After delivering the longest inaugural address in history in the freezing cold, he died of pneumonia a month later, serving the shorted term of any president.
College of William and Mary
On February 8, 1693, a royal charter officially established the College of William and Mary. Today it’s the second-oldest college in America (behind Harvard).
Happy Birthday Sinclair Lewis
Harry Sinclair Lewis was born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The first American to ever receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, he’s remembered as the conscience of his generation.
Massachusetts Becomes 6th State
On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts ratified the US Constitution, making it the 6th state to join the Union. As part of the ratification process, the state insisted that certain measures concerning individual rights be added to the document, later leading to the creation of the Bill of Rights.
Operation Cornflakes
On February 5, 1945, the US began a secret operation to overthrow Hitler with postage stamps.
John Marshall – Longest-Serving Chief Justice
John Marshall began his 34-year career as chief justice of the Supreme Court on February 4, 1801. During that time, Marshall participated in more than 1,000 decisions and authored more than 500 opinions.
First Paper Money Issued in America
On February 3, 1690, the Massachusetts Bay Colony issued the first paper money in America. Known as a “bill of credit,” it was a popular experiment that was quickly put into use in the other colonies.