What Happened on February 14?

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events

births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 14

Explore the most important historical events that happened on February 14, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

British Army

Year: 1900

The British Army begins the Battle of the Tugela Heights in an effort to lift the Siege of Ladysmith.

United States Department of Commerce and Labor

Year: 1903

The United States Department of Commerce and Labor is established (later split into the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor).

War of the Pacific

Year: 1879

The War of the Pacific breaks out when the Chilean Army occupies the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta.

Alexander Graham Bell

Year: 1876

Alexander Graham Bell applies for a patent for the telephone, as does Elisha Gray.

Texas

Year: 1855

Texas is linked by telegraph to the rest of the United States, with the completion of a connection between New Orleans and Marshall, Texas.

Oregon

Year: 1859

Oregon is admitted as the 33rd U.S. state.

United States Navy

Year: 1912

The U.S. Navy commissions its first class of diesel-powered submarines.

Arizona

Year: 1912

Arizona is admitted as the 48th and the last contiguous U.S. state.

BIRTHS ON FEBRUARY 14

Discover famous people and historical figures born on February 14, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Vic Morrow

Year of birth: 1929

Vic Morrow, American actor and director (died 1982)

Brian Kelly (actor)

Year of birth: 1931

Brian Kelly, American actor and director (died 2005)

William Allain

Year of birth: 1928

William Allain, American lawyer and politician, 58th Governor of Mississippi (died 2013)

Vicente T. Blaz

Year of birth: 1928

Vicente T. Blaz, American general and politician (died 2014)

Lois Maxwell

Year of birth: 1927

Lois Maxwell, Canadian-Australian model and actress (died 2007)

Harriet Andersson

Year of birth: 1932

Harriet Andersson, Swedish actress

Florence Henderson

Year of birth: 1934

Florence Henderson, American actress and singer (died 2016)

John MacGregor, Baron MacGregor of Pulham Market

Year of birth: 1937

John MacGregor, Baron MacGregor of Pulham Market, English politician, Secretary of State for Transport

DEATHS ON FEBRUARY 14

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on February 14, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Carl Correns

Year of death: 1933

Carl Correns, German botanist and geneticist (born 1864)

Thomas Mackenzie

Year of death: 1930

Thomas Mackenzie, Scottish-New Zealand cartographer and politician, 18th Prime Minister of New Zealand (born 1853)

Erkki Melartin

Year of death: 1937

Erkki Melartin, Finnish composer (born 1875)

Adnan Saidi

Year of death: 1942

Adnan Saidi, Malayan lieutenant (born 1915)

David Hilbert

Year of death: 1943

David Hilbert, Russian-German mathematician, physicist, and philosopher (born 1862)

Thomas Burke (sprinter)

Year of death: 1929

Thomas Burke, American sprinter, coach, and lawyer (born 1875)

Amalie Andersen (actress)

Year of death: 1924

Amalie Andersen, Norwegian actress (born 1861)

Eugène Charles Catalan

Year of death: 1894

Eugène Charles Catalan, Belgian-French mathematician and academic (born 1814)

HOLIDAYS ON FEBRUARY 14

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on February 14 around the world.

List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union

Statehood Day (Oregon, United States)

Presentation of Jesus

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Parents' Worship Day

Parents' Worship Day (parts of India)

List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union

Statehood Day (Arizona, United States)

February 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Christian feast day: February 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Manchán of Mohill

Christian feast day: Manchan

Saint Valentine

Christian feast day: Valentine (see also Valentine's Day)

Cyril and Methodius

Christian feast day: Cyril and Methodius, patron saints of Europe (Roman Catholic Church)

February