30 fun facts for February, 8

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< February, 7
February, 9 >>
Summary
February 8th is a day full of historically significant events, ranging from the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the launch of the Landsat 5 satellite by NASA. Additionally, the day celebrates national and international observances, such as National Girl Scout Cookie Day, National Kite Flying Day, and International Epilepsy Day.
30 Fun facts
  1. February 8, 1587 – Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed for treason: She was involved in multiple plots against Queen Elizabeth I, leading to her imprisonment and eventually her execution.
  2. February 8, 1837 - Richard Johnson became the first US Vice President chosen by the Senate: After no candidate received a majority in the Electoral College, the decision was passed to the Senate.
  3. February 8, 1865 – Delaware votes against ratifying the 13th Amendment: Delaware initially rejected the Amendment, which abolished slavery in the US. It was later ratified on February 12, 1901.
  4. February 8, 1910 - The Boy Scouts of America was founded: Inspired by the success of the British Scouting movement, the organization was created to teach young boys leadership and outdoor skills.
  5. February 8, 1915 – The controversial film "Birth of a Nation" premieres in Los Angeles: Depicting a fictionalized version of the Civil War and Reconstruction, this film is considered the first major blockbuster in movie history.
  6. February 8, 1924 – The first execution by gas chamber took place at the Nevada State Prison: The execution of Chinese gang member Gee Jon marked the beginning of a new method of capital punishment.
  7. February 8, 1952 - Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom: Following the death of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth officially became queen at the age of 25.
  8. February 8, 1963 - The Kennedy Administration banned travel by US citizens to Cuba: This travel ban was one of the first measures the US took amid rising tensions with Cuba.
  9. February 8, 1968 - The Orangeburg Massacre occurred: In Orangeburg, South Carolina, three black students were killed by state troopers during a civil rights protest.
  10. February 8, 1971 – NASDAQ stock market was formed: NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) became the world's first electronic stock market.
  11. February 8, 1974 - The 84th US Congress convened: It was one of the most productive in American history, enacting numerous key pieces of legislation.
  12. February 8, 1978 – The first all-female Antarctic expedition began: Seventy women traveled to the Palmer Peninsula, a groundbreaking event for women in science.
  13. February 8, 1984 – NASA launches the Landsat 5 satellite: Designed for remote sensing and Earth observation, Landsat 5 greatly expanded our understanding of the planet's resources.
  14. February 8, 1986 – 5-foot-tall Spud Webb won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Webb stunned the world when the 5'7" player defeated defending champion Dominique Wilkins.
  15. February 8, 1992 – The XVI Winter Olympic Games began in Albertville, France: A total of 64 countries participated in the event that took place over 16 days.
  16. February 8, 1993 - General Motors sued NBC for defamation: In a rare move, GM sued the broadcaster over a news report it claimed was damaging to the car company.
  17. February 8, 1996 - The Telecommunications Act was signed into law by President Clinton: The Act brought about major changes to the US telecom industry and marked the beginning of the internet age.
  18. February 8, 2002 – The 2002 Winter Olympics began in Salt Lake City, Utah: The event was notable for a figure skating scandal and the strong performance of US athletes.
  19. February 8, 2004 – 44th Grammy Awards took place: Eminem, Nora Jones, Alan Jackson, and John Williams were among the big winners at the prestigious music award ceremony.
  20. February 8, 2005 – France officially recognized the Armenian genocide: The vote acknowledged the mass killing of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
  21. February 8, 2009 – A collision between two satellites occurred in Earth's orbit: This unprecedented event raised concerns about the growing problem of space debris.
  22. February 8, 2011 – The 22nd amendment to the Irish Constitution was signed into law: This amendment permitted Irish citizens living abroad to vote in the nation's presidential elections.
  23. February 8, 2013 – A meteor exploded over Russia: The Chelyabinsk meteor blast injured over 1,200 people and caused widespread property damage.
  24. February 8, 2014 – Cartoonist Charlie Hebdo was attacked in France: Twelve people were killed in a terrorist attack on the satirical publication.
  25. February 8, 2016 – President Obama signed a cybersecurity executive order: The order aimed to improve cooperation between the private sector and government in fighting cyber threats.
  26. February 8, 2016 – The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency due to the Zika virus: The rapid spread of the virus led to widespread concern and increased efforts to combat its spread.
  27. February 8, 2018 - SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon Heavy rocket: This revolutionary launch is considered a significant milestone for the private spaceflight industry.
  28. February 8 has been named National Girl Scout Cookie Day in the United States: Girl Scouts across the country celebrate this day by selling their famous cookies.
  29. February 8 is National Kite Flying Day in the United States: Enthusiasts across the country take to the skies with their kites, celebrating the joy and relaxation of this classic pastime.
  30. February 8 is International Epilepsy Day: This global day aims to raise awareness and promote understanding about epilepsy, encouraging individuals affected by the condition to share their stories.

Browse all the fun facts per month