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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- February 8, 1968 - The Orangeburg Massacre occurred: In Orangeburg, South Carolina, three black students were killed by state troopers during a civil rights protest.
- February 8, 1971 – NASDAQ stock market was formed: NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) became the world's first electronic stock market.
- February 8, 1974 - The 84th US Congress convened: It was one of the most productive in American history, enacting numerous key pieces of legislation.
- February 8, 1978 – The first all-female Antarctic expedition began: Seventy women traveled to the Palmer Peninsula, a groundbreaking event for women in science.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- February 8, 2013 – A meteor exploded over Russia: The Chelyabinsk meteor blast injured over 1,200 people and caused widespread property damage.
- February 8, 2014 – Cartoonist Charlie Hebdo was attacked in France: Twelve people were killed in a terrorist attack on the satirical publication.
- 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.
- 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.
- February 8, 2018 - SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon Heavy rocket: This revolutionary launch is considered a significant milestone for the private spaceflight industry.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.