35 fun facts for February, 1

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< January, 31
February, 2 >>
Summary
February 1 is a day of significant historical events and celebrations, including the disintegration of Space Shuttle Columbia, the Greensboro Sit-ins, National Freedom Day in the US, and the first Miss Nigeria's crowning. Other notable occurrences include the discoveries in science, literature, and entertainment like the launch of Apollo 14, the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the Beatles' first US No. 1 hit.
35 Fun facts
  1. On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentering Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. The disaster was caused by a piece of foam insulation breaking off during launch and damaging the protective heat shield.
  2. National Freedom Day is celebrated in the United States on February 1, in remembrance of Abraham Lincoln's signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the US.
  3. In 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York City, with Chief Justice John Jay presiding. The court would later move to Philadelphia and then finally to Washington, D.C.
  4. February 1, 1960 marked the beginning of the Greensboro Sit-ins, where four African American college students staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This sparked a series of sit-ins across the country, ultimately leading to the desegregation of many public establishments.
  5. On February 1, 1957, the first electric portable typewriter was introduced by the Smith-Corona Corporation. It revolutionized the way people typed and furthered the development of portable typing devices.
  6. The first Miss Nigeria, Grace Atinuke Oyelude, was crowned on February 1, 1958. She won a trip to the UK and the equivalent of $280 in scholarship funds.
  7. February 1, 1896 marks the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II by French archaeologists Victor Loret and Gaston Maspero. Regarded as one of the greatest pharaohs in history, Ramses II ruled Egypt for 66 years.
  8. On February 1, 1971, NASA launched Apollo 14, the eighth manned mission and third to the Moon. The mission was commanded by Alan Shepard and reached the lunar surface on February 5.
  9. February 1 is National Hijab Day, an annual event celebrating the rights of women to wear hijabs or head coverings without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
  10. In 1924, the Matches Act came into effect on February 1 in the UK. The legislation aimed to improve public safety by regulating matches production and sale, requiring manufacturers to use only non-toxic red phosphorus.
  11. The first issue of Reader's Digest was published on February 1, 1922. The influential magazine would go on to become one of the most widely distributed periodicals in the world.
  12. Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation as head of the Russian Communist Party on February 1, 1990, signaling the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union.
  13. On February 1, 1884, the first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary was published. The groundbreaking reference work took 44 years to complete and now stands as the definitive source for the English language's history.
  14. February 1 is National Serpent Day, which was created to raise awareness about the important role snakes play in the wild as predators and prey for other creatures.
  15. In 1851, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of the groundbreaking novel 'Frankenstein', passed away on February 1.
  16. On February 1, 1954, the first color television sets offering a choice of up to 15 different channels went on sale to the public in the United States.
  17. February 1, 1978 marked the birth of groundbreaking digital artist Cory Arcangel. He is best known for his work on reprogramming old video games and machines to create new forms of digital art.
  18. February 1 is Spunky Old Broads Day, a day that celebrates women who embrace life regardless of age, and who are vibrant, spirited, and passionate.
  19. On February 1, 1964, the Beatles scored their first US No. 1 hit with "I Want to Hold Your Hand," marking the beginning of the British Invasion.
  20. The Chinese Fire Monkey Year began on February 1, 2016. The Fire Monkey Year represents a year of creativity, bold decisions, and prosperity.
  21. The first YMCA opened in London on February 1, 1852, offering recreational activities for young men and creating a strong emphasis on physical fitness.
  22. Maryland became the first state to prohibit alcohol on February 1, 1831, leading the way for other states in the US to do the same.
  23. In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. led civil rights protesters from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, beginning their historic march for voting rights on February 1.
  24. February 1, 1709 marked the rescue of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk from an uninhabited island, inspiring the story of Robinson Crusoe.
  25. On February 1, 1982, TV show "Late Night with David Letterman" premiered on NBC, ultimately becoming a groundbreaking talk show that aired for 33 years.
  26. The first daytime soap opera, "These Are My Children," aired on February 1, 1949, starting a long-running trend of daytime television entertainment.
  27. On February 1, 1991, the first Starbucks opened its doors in Seattle, Washington. The company has since grown into a global coffee chain offering a wide array of beverages and snacks.
  28. Bob 'the Bullet' Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist and NFL football player, was born on February 1, 1942.
  29. February 1 is National Baked Alaska Day, a day to celebrate the retro dessert that combines ice cream, cake, and meringue that is cooked in a hot oven.
  30. Pakistani-American actor Faran Tahir, best known for his roles in "Iron Man" and "Star Trek," was born on February 1, 1963.
  31. In 2002, Daniel Pearl, an American journalist, was confirmed dead after being kidnapped by extremists in Pakistan. Pearl's life and legacy are honored on February 1 through the Daniel Pearl World Music Days.
  32. On February 1, 2013, the Canadian film "Funeral Kings" was released, marking the directorial debut of Kevin and Matthew McManus.
  33. February 1 is recognized as Car Insurance Day, a reminder to review and update one's car insurance policies to ensure proper coverage.
  34. In 2017, on February 1, Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with twins in an Instagram post that became the most-liked picture on the platform at the time.
  35. On February 1, 1840, the first curling club in the United States was established in Pontiac, Michigan, introducing Americans to the Scottish sport.

Browse all the fun facts per month