This Day in History - Page 27

February 22, 2024

On this day in history, February 22, 1980, US Olympic men's hockey team shocks Soviets in 'Miracle on Ice'

The U.S. Olympic men's hockey team shocked the Soviet Union 4-3 on this day in history, Feb. 22, 1980. The victory has been dubbed the Miracle on Ice.

February 21, 2024

On this day in history, February 21, 1916, catastrophic Battle of Verdun begins with German attack on France

World War I's Battle of Verdun began with a German artillery attack on French positions on this day in history, Feb. 21, 1916. It's considered the longest battle in modern warfare.

February 20, 2024

On this day in history, February 20, 1962, John Glenn becomes first American to orbit Earth

John Glenn orbited the Earth, the first American to do so, on this day in history, Feb. 20, 1962. The United States' feverish effort came amid the Cold War space race.

February 19, 2024

On this day in history, February 19, 1912, Cracker Jack's 'prize in every box' debuts

Cracker Jack started its “prize in every box" promotion on this day in history, Feb. 19, 1912, by including a small toy in each box of its popular caramel-coated popcorn.

February 18, 2024

On this day in history, February 18, 1931, award-winning American author Toni Morrison is born in Ohio

On this day in history, Feb. 18, 1931, American author and Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison was born in Lorain, Ohio. Her book "Beloved" became a major bestseller.

February 17, 2024

On this day in history, February 17, 1801, Jefferson is elected president as party politics divide new nation

Thomas Jefferson was elected president on this day in history, Feb. 17, 1801. He first had to defeat President John Adams, then overcome Aaron Burr in Congress.

February 16, 2024

On this day in history, February 16, 1968, first 911 call is made, emergency system fueled by shocking murder

The first call using the standard 911 emergency number system was made on this day in history, Feb. 16, 1968. It came years after a murder proved the need for the system.

February 15, 2024

On this day in history, February 15, 1903, the first Teddy bear goes on sale

The first "Teddy bear" was put on sale on this day in history, Feb. 15, 1903. Created by Morris and Rose Michtom, the bear toy, inspired by the president, was a huge success.

February 14, 2024

On this day in history, February 14, 270 AD, Valentine beaten, beheaded for defying emperor's marriage ban

Third-century Roman priest Valentinus was brutally beaten and beheaded for marrying couples in defiance of an imperial ban on this day in history, Feb. 14, 270 A.D.

February 13, 2024

On this day in history, February 13, 1861, Army surgeon J.D. Irwin rescues 60 men, first Medal of Honor action

U.S Army surgeon J.D. Irwin led the first Medal of Honor action on this day in history, Feb. 13, 1861. He helped rescue 60 trapped soldiers and a kidnapped boy from Apaches.