32 fun facts for February, 26

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
February 26th is a day marked by significant historical events, technological advancements, and international celebrations. From the establishment of the Grand Canyon National Park to the birth of country music legend Johnny Cash, February 26th offers a diverse array of interesting facts and celebrations.
32 Fun facts
  1. February 26th, 1919: The Grand Canyon National Park was established in Arizona, United States. This natural wonder is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, attracting millions of tourists every year.
  2. February 26th is National Pistachio Day in the United States. This tasty and nutritious nut is celebrated across the country with various events, such as tasting parties, cooking classes, and promotions at local stores.
  3. On February 26th, 1935, Scottish engineer Robert Watson-Watt demonstrated the first working radar system. His work on radar is considered crucial for the Allies' success during World War II, as it provided advanced warning of enemy aircraft approaching British shores.
  4. On February 26th, 1936, Adolf Hitler inaugurated the first Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Though initially intending to create affordable cars for Germans, the factory went on to produce many iconic vehicle models, including the Beetle.
  5. February 26th, 1949, saw the first episode of "The Lone Ranger" television show airing in the United States. This popular Western-themed program, which followed the adventures of a masked hero, remained a TV staple for over a decade.
  6. On February 26th, 1952, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that the United Kingdom had produced an atomic bomb, joining the United States and Soviet Union as the world's only nuclear powers at the time.
  7. On February 26th, 1966, the Apollo-Saturn 201 space mission was launched, making it the first unmanned suborbital flight of the Apollo program. The rocket reached an altitude of 310 miles before plunging back into the Atlantic Ocean.
  8. February 26th, 1983, sees Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" reach number one in the US charts. The iconic album remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with more than 66 million copies sold worldwide.
  9. On February 26th, 1991, Kuwait was liberated as Iraqi forces were expelled during the Gulf War. A coalition of 35 countries, led by the United States, freed the country from Iraqi control after seven months of occupation.
  10. In 1993, February 26th marked the first attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. A truck bomb was detonated in the underground parking garage, killing six people and injuring over a thousand others.
  11. February 26th, 2005, marked the signing of the Kyoto Protocol by over 190 countries. This international treaty aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally in an effort to combat climate change.
  12. On February 26th, 2011, the Iranian warships, the Alvand and Kharg, sailed through the Suez Canal, marking the first time Iranian vessels had traversed the waterway since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
  13. On February 26th, 2012, Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager, was shot and killed in Florida. This tragic event served as a catalyst for the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which protests against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States.
  14. February 26th, 2014,marked the day Jan Koum, the founder of WhatsApp, signed the $19 billion deal with Facebook. The acquisition of WhatsApp remains one of the largest in tech industry history.
  15. February 26th is International Stand Up to Bullying Day. This awareness day, which occurs on the last Friday in February, encourages individuals to show their support for victims of bullying by wearing a pink shirt.
  16. On February 26th, 1870, New York City's first pneumatic-driven subway line was opened to the public. The subway, powered by a massive fan, only had one station, located at Broadway and Warren Street.
  17. February 26th, 1852, saw British shoe manufacturing company Dr. Martens founded by Dr. Klaus Maertens. The brand's iconic boots have become a symbol of rebellion and counterculture, popular among musicians and fashion enthusiasts alike.
  18. On February 26th, 1930, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cleveland Clinic's new hospital was held, marking the beginning of one of the most prominent medical centers in the United States.
  19. February 26th, 1846, saw the founding of the New York State Agricultural Society. The society played a significant role in promoting the advancement of agriculture and its related industries in the state.
  20. On February 26th, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the island of Elba. This event initiated the beginning of his Hundred Days campaign, which would ultimately lead to his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
  21. February 26th, 1929, saw the first ever Formula 1 race held in Monaco. The thrilling, glamorous event is now one of the most prestigious races in the sport.
  22. On February 26th, 1608, German astronomer Johannes Kepler discovered the third law of planetary motion. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for our modern understanding of the solar system and orbital mechanics.
  23. February 26th, 1885, marked the completion of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. This iconic obelisk honors the United States' first president, George Washington, and stands as the tallest stone structure in the world.
  24. On February 26th, 1979, the Clean Air Act was signed into law in the United States by President Jimmy Carter. The legislation aimed to combat air pollution and protect public health by regulating emissions from industries and transportation.
  25. On February 26th, 1987, the Tower Commission report was released to the public in the United States. This independent investigation exposed the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal involving secret sales of arms to Iran by the Reagan administration.
  26. February 26th, 2000, marked the first meeting of the World Health Organization's Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. This partnership works to protect millions of children worldwide by providing life-saving vaccines and health interventions.
  27. On February 26th, 1932, Johnny Cash, an American singer-songwriter and country music icon, was born. His distinctive voice and songs about love, heartache, and redemption earned him a place in history as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
  28. February 26th, 2013 marked the unveiling of Google's first touchscreen Chromebook, the Pixel. The device ran on Google's web-centric Chrome OS and was the company's attempt to establish a presence in the high-end laptop market dominated by Apple.
  29. On February 26th, 2015, Swedish business magnate Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, announced he would step down as the chairman of the company's board. Kamprad's innovative and affordable flat-pack furniture has revolutionized the industry and the way people furnish their homes.
  30. February 26th, 1964, marked the theatrical release of "A Hard Day's Night," featuring the iconic British rock band The Beatles. The movie is a fictionalized account of a day in the life of the band members and became an important influence on the development of the music video genre.
  31. On February 26th, 1935, the first flight to the South Pole was made by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Guided by a small group of fellow adventurers, Amundsen became the first person to reach the lost continent by air.
  32. On February 26th, 1900, boxing legend Harry "The Pittsburgh Windmill" Greb was born. Greb had a legendary fighting style and capability to take punishment in the ring, earning him the reputation as one of the toughest boxers to ever step into the ring.

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