What Happened on February 8 in History?
February 8 has been a day of major historical shifts, ranging from royal executions to the birth of modern financial systems and cultural landmarks.
Major Historical Events
Mary, Queen of Scots Executed (1587): After 19 years of imprisonment, Mary Stuart was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle for her alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
The Orangeburg Massacre (1968): In South Carolina, highway patrol officers opened fire on a crowd of Black students protesting racial segregation at a bowling alley, killing three and wounding 28 others.
Russo-Japanese War Begins (1904): Japan launched a surprise naval attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur (modern-day Dalian, China), marking the start of the Russo-Japanese War.
NASDAQ Debuts (1971): The world’s first electronic stock market index began trading with 50 companies.
Boy Scouts of America Incorporated (1910): Inspired by the British movement, William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts in Washington, D.C.
Science & Technology
Chartering of William & Mary (1693): King William III and Queen Mary II granted a charter for the College of William & Mary in Virginia, the second-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
Standard Time Proposed (1879): Sandford Fleming first proposed the adoption of Universal Standard Time at a meeting in Toronto.
Skylab 4 Mission Ends (1974): The last crew to visit the Skylab space station returned to Earth after 84 days in space.
Culture & Entertainment
Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960): Construction began on the iconic Walk of Fame, which today features over 2,700 stars along Hollywood Boulevard.
The Birth of a Nation Premieres (1915): D.W. Griffith’s controversial and racially charged landmark film premiered in Los Angeles.
First NFL Draft (1936): The first-ever NFL draft was held in Philadelphia; the first pick was Jay Berwanger, who famously never played in the league.
Notable Birthdays
Jules Verne (1828): Pioneering French science fiction author of Around the World in Eighty Days.
John Williams (1932): Legendary film composer known for Star Wars, Jaws, and Indiana Jones.
James Dean (1931): Cultural icon and star of Rebel Without a Cause.
William Tecumseh Sherman (1820): Renowned American Civil War general.
Dmitri Mendeleev (1834): Russian chemist who created the Periodic Table of Elements.
National Kite Flying Day is also celebrated annually on this date.
