33 fun facts for February, 6

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
February 6th is a day of rich history and global significance, with the birthdays of famous figures like Ronald Reagan and Charles Dickens, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand, and the first demonstration of the modern microchip prototype by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce. It also commemorates events like the establishment of the first commercial cheese factory in the United States, and the founding of Swedish furniture giant IKEA.
33 Fun facts
  1. On February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, was born in Tampico, Illinois. Reagan was known for his conservative policies, his quips, and his acting career before entering politics.
  2. New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day on February 6. This national holiday marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established a relationship between the British Crown and the Māori people.
  3. February 6 is International Frozen Yogurt Day, a celebration of the delicious frozen treat. It has become a popular alternative to ice cream due to its lower fat content and various flavors.
  4. In 1935, board game Monopoly was originally released by Parker Brothers on February 6. The game has sold over 275 million copies worldwide and was created by Charles Darrow during the Great Depression.
  5. On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts becomes the sixth state to join the United States. Massachusetts is well known for its rich history, education, and sports teams.
  6. In 1959, Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments filed the first patent for an integrated circuit on February 6. This invention later leads to the development of microchips, which are essential components of modern electronics.
  7. On February 6, 1899, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Spanish-American War. The treaty saw Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, which increased its global influence.
  8. February 6 is considered National Lame Duck Day in the United States. This day acknowledges the period between an election and the inauguration of a new president, when the outgoing president is often called a "lame duck."
  9. Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica. Marley’s music continues to inspire people worldwide with its messages of love, peace, and unity.
  10. In 1971, Alan Shepard played golf on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission on February 6. He hit two golf balls, making him the first person to play golf on the lunar surface.
  11. February 6 marks National Wear Red Day in the United States. This day raises awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the country.
  12. The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on February 6, 1967. This amendment clarified presidential succession, as well as established procedures for replacing a vice president in case of resignation or death.
  13. On February 6, 1952, King George VI of the United Kingdom died, making his daughter, then-Princess Elizabeth, the new queen. Queen Elizabeth II has since become the longest-reigning British monarch in history.
  14. In 1933, an amendment to the United States Constitution was proposed on February 6. This amendment, known as the 20th Amendment, set the dates for presidential and congressional terms to begin and end.
  15. February 6, 2000 marked the 100th episode of popular television show "The Simpsons." The series went on to become the longest-running American sitcom and animated TV show, still airing today.
  16. On February 6, 1820, the USS Hornet was captured by a Chilean patriot navy ship; this marked the last ship surrender of the U.S. Navy to a foreign naval force.
  17. Famous English novelist and poet Charles Dickens was born on February 6, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. His works like “A Christmas Carol” and “Oliver Twist” have become staples of Western literature.
  18. In 1815, on this day, the first commercial cheese factory in the United States was established in Rome, New York. This marked a significant step in the American cheese industry.
  19. The National Baseball Hall of Fame elected its first members on February 6, 1936; these members included legendary baseball players Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Honus Wagner.
  20. On February 6, 1943, the iconic painting "American Gothic" by Grant Wood was exhibited for the first time at the Art Institute of Chicago. The painting has since become a symbol of the Midwest.
  21. During his presidency, John F. Kennedy imposed the Cuba trade embargo on February 6, 1962. This embargo restricted trade between the two nations, and remains in effect to this day.
  22. Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid,” was first published on February 6, 1837. This beloved story has been adapted into various forms of media, including the popular 1989 Disney film.
  23. On February 6, 1983, Aerosmith released their iconic “Rock in a Hard Place” album. It was the band's seventh studio album, and featured hit songs like "Jig Is Up" and "Bolivian Ragamuffin."
  24. Famous American singer-songwriter Natalie Cole, daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, was born on February 6, 1950. She went on to have a successful music career, winning multiple Grammy Awards.
  25. On February 6, 1931, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman discovered the "Raman Effect," a phenomenon of inelastic scattering of light, for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
  26. The American Football League and the National Football League announced their merger on February 6, 1969. This historic merger led to the creation of the modern NFL.
  27. In 1958, an airplane carrying the Manchester United soccer team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes," crashed on February 6. The Munich Air Disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players.
  28. Swedish furniture company IKEA was founded on February 6, 1943, by Ingvar Kamprad. The company has grown into a global retail giant, revolutionizing the way people shop for furniture.
  29. On February 6, 2016, the "Friends" cast reunited for a tribute to director James Burrows, marking the first time since the series ended that all six main cast members were together publicly.
  30. February 6 is National Chopsticks Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the ancient eating utensil that originated in China more than 3,000 years ago.
  31. The Chicago Auto Show, the largest car show in North America, was held for the first time on February 6, 1901. The event has since become an annual tradition, showcasing the latest car models and automotive technology.
  32. On February 6, 1918, the British government passed the Representation of the People Act, giving women over the age of 30 who met certain qualifications the right to vote.
  33. In 1958, the first microchip prototype was demonstrated by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce on February 6. Their invention would go on to become the backbone of modern electronics.