From Massacres to Miracles: February 14th has it all.

February 14th is known around the world as a day to celebrate love and affection. It is commonly referred to as Valentine’s Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring St. Valentine and the many acts of love and kindness he is said to have performed. However, beyond its romantic connotations, February 14th has also been a day that has seen its fair share of significant events throughout history. From battles to birthdays and everything in between, here are 20 interesting things that have happened on February 14th throughout history.

1. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1478 – In Florence, Italy, the political conflict between the rival families of the Guelphs and Ghibellines took a violent turn on February 14th, 1478. Members of the Guelphs, dressed as priests, entered the palace of the rival Ghibelline family and killed several members, including the head of the family. The massacre became known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and remains one of the most infamous events in Florence’s history.
2. The Birth of William Shakespeare – One of the greatest playwrights and poets of all time, William Shakespeare, was born on February 15th, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets continue to be widely performed and studied today, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the English language.
3. The Battle of Vincennes – During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Vincennes took place on February 14th, 1779. American forces, led by George Rogers Clark, successfully captured Fort Sackville from the British, helping to secure the American claim to the western frontier.
4. The First Presidential Photographic Portrait – On February 14th, 1849, President James K. Polk became the first president to be photographed while in office. The photograph, taken by Matthew Brady, is an early example of the power of photography to capture and preserve history.
5. Oregon Becomes the 33rd State – On February 14th, 1859, Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. Known for its diverse landscapes, including the Cascade Mountains, Pacific coastline, and high desert regions, Oregon has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
6. The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre – On February 14th, 1929, seven members of the North Side Gang were killed in a brutal attack that became known as the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. The attack was orchestrated by Al Capone and was part of a larger gang war that terrorized the city of Chicago during the Prohibition Era.
7. The First Emmy Awards – On February 14th, 1949, the first Emmy Awards were presented. The Emmys, named after the engineer and television pioneer, Emil Berliner, recognize excellence in television programming and continue to be one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
8. Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House Restoration – On February 14th, 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began a tour of the White House and began the process of redecorating it to make it more historically accurate. Kennedy’s efforts to preserve and restore the White House helped to establish it as a symbol of American history and culture.
9. The Introduction of the Canadian Maple Leaf Flag – On February 15th, 1965, Canada introduced its new maple leaf flag. The flag, which features a red field and a stylized 11-point maple leaf in the center, has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of the country.
10. Snow in the Sahara Desert – On February 14th, 1979, snow fell in the Sahara Desert for the first time in recorded history. This rare event was a result of an unusual combination of meteorological conditions and was a shock to many who had never seen snow in the Sahara before.
11. The Launch of the First Space Shuttle – On February 14th, 1981, the first Space Shuttle, Columbia, was launched. The Space Shuttle program was a major milestone in human space exploration and marked a new era in space travel. Over the course of its 30-year history, the Space Shuttle program made numerous contributions to the field of science and technology.
12. The Fatwa Against Salman Rushdie – On February 14th, 1989, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against author Salman Rushdie for his book “The Satanic Verses.” The fatwa, which called for Rushdie’s death, sparked widespread controversy and drew attention to the issue of freedom of speech and expression.
13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Closes Above 4,000 – On February 14th, 1995, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 4,000 for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in the history of the stock market and was seen as a sign of economic stability and growth.
14. The Release of Titanic – On February 14th, 1998, the epic film Titanic, directed by James Cameron, was released in theaters. The film became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and winning numerous awards. It remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time and is widely regarded as a classic of modern cinema.
15. The Sentencing of John Walker Lindh – On February 14th, 2002, John Walker Lindh, the so-called “American Taliban,” was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Lindh had been captured while fighting with the Taliban in Afghanistan and his case sparked a national debate about the role of American citizens in foreign conflicts.
16. The Launch of Facebook – On February 4th, 2004, Facebook was launched. The social networking site, created by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates, quickly gained popularity and has since become one of the largest websites in the world. Today, Facebook has over 2.8 billion active users and continues to play a major role in shaping the way people communicate and connect online.
17. The Release of the First iPhone – On June 29th, 2007, Apple Inc. released the first iPhone. The iPhone revolutionized the smartphone market and has since become one of the most recognizable and successful products in the world. The iPhone has been credited with changing the way people use technology and has had a major impact on the tech industry.
18. The Hudson River Landing – On February 14th, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, saving all passengers and crew. Sullenberger’s quick thinking and skilled flying in the face of adversity earned him widespread praise and made him a national hero.
19. The North Korean Rocket Launch – On February 14th, 2016, North Korea launched a long-range rocket, claiming to have put a satellite into orbit. The launch was widely criticized by the international community, who saw it as a provocative act and a violation of United Nations resolutions.
20. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting – On February 14th, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. The shooting sparked nationwide discussions about gun control and school safety and led to a wave of activism by students and survivors.
21. These 20 events, while vastly different from one another, serve as a reminder of the diverse and impactful things that can happen on a single day. Whether it be a celebration of love, a scientific breakthrough, a tragedy, or a moment of triumph, February 14th has been a witness to many significant events throughout history.

It is interesting to note how some events, such as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting, serve as a reminder of the darker side of human nature. At the same time, other events like the launch of Facebook and the iPhone, show the innovative and creative spirit of humankind.

One common thread throughout the events listed is the power of human determination and resilience. Whether it be Captain Sullenberger’s quick thinking during a crisis, or the students and survivors of the Parkland shooting who have become advocates for change, these events serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, let us remember not only the love and affection we share with our loved ones but also the significant events that have shaped our world and made us who we are today.