What Happened on February 21 in History?
February 21 marks several major milestones in global diplomacy, civil rights, and technological history. It is most notably the day Malcolm X was assassinated and the date of President Richard Nixon’s historic arrival in China.
Major Historical Events
Assassination of Malcolm X (1965): The influential civil rights leader was shot and killed at age 39 while addressing the Organization of Afro-American Unity at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan.
Nixon’s Visit to China (1972): Richard Nixon became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China, a week-long trip that began the normalization of relations between the two nations.
Battle of Verdun Begins (1916): One of the longest and deadliest battles of World War I commenced with a massive German artillery bombardment against French positions.
Publication of The Communist Manifesto (1848): Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published their seminal political pamphlet in London.
Washington Monument Dedicated (1885): After decades of construction delays, the 555-foot marble obelisk was dedicated in Washington, D.C.
First Telephone Directory (1878): The world's first phone book, a single piece of cardboard with 50 names, was issued in New Haven, Connecticut.
NASCAR Incorporated (1948): The National Association for Stock Car Racing was officially incorporated, led by Bill France Sr.
Science & Technology
World's First Railway Journey (1804): Richard Trevithick's steam locomotive made the first successful trip on a tramway in Wales.
Polaroid "Instant Camera" (1947): Edwin Land demonstrated the first instant camera to the Optical Society of America in New York City.
Sewing Machine Patent (1842): John Greenough was granted the first U.S. patent for a sewing machine.
Culture & Media
The New Yorker Debut (1925): The first issue of the iconic magazine was published under founding editor Harold Ross.
First Daytona 500 (1959): Lee Petty won the inaugural race of what would become NASCAR's most prestigious event.
Peace Symbol Designed (1958): Gerald Holtom completed the design of the CND symbol, which became a global icon for peace.
Famous Birthdays & Deaths
Births: Musician Nina Simone (1933), actor Kelsey Grammer (1955), filmmaker Jordan Peele (1979), and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (1979).
Deaths: Evangelist Billy Graham (2018), insulin co-discoverer Frederick Banting (1941), and Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1677).
Holidays & Observances
International Mother Language Day: A worldwide annual observance to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, commemorating the 1952 Bengali Language Movement protests in Dhaka.
