What Happened on February 21?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 21
Explore the most important historical events that happened on February 21, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Bob Fitzsimmons
Year:
1896
An Englishman raised in Australia, Bob Fitzsimmons, fought an Irishman, Peter Maher, in an American promoted event which technically took place in Mexico, winning the 1896 World Heavyweight Championship in boxing.
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Washington Monument
Year:
1885
The newly completed Washington Monument is dedicated.
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Telephone directory
Year:
1878
The first telephone directory is issued in New Haven, Connecticut.
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Oakland Tribune
Year:
1874
The Oakland Daily Tribune publishes its first edition.
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Ioannina
Year:
1913
Ioannina is incorporated into the Greek state after the Balkan Wars.
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World War I
Year:
1916
World War I: In France, the Battle of Verdun begins.
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Reza Shah
Year:
1921
Rezā Shāh takes control of Tehran during a successful coup.
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Kurt Eisner
Year:
1919
German socialist Kurt Eisner is assassinated. His death results in the establishment of the Bavarian Soviet Republic and parliament and government fleeing Munich, Germany.
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BIRTHS ON FEBRUARY 21
Discover famous people and historical figures born on February 21, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Sam Peckinpah
Year of birth:
1925
Sam Peckinpah, American director and screenwriter (died 1984)
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Jack Ramsay
Year of birth:
1925
Jack Ramsay, American basketball player, coach, and sportscaster (died 2014)
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Dorothy Blum
Year of birth:
1924
Dorothy Blum, American computer scientist and cryptanalyst (died 1980)
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Thelma Estrin
Year of birth:
1924
Thelma Estrin, American computer scientist and engineer (died 2014)
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Erma Bombeck
Year of birth:
1927
Erma Bombeck, American journalist and author (died 1996)
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Chespirito
Year of birth:
1929
Chespirito, Mexican actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (died 2014)
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Rue McClanahan
Year of birth:
1934
Rue McClanahan, American actress (died 2010)
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Bob Rafelson
Year of birth:
1933
Bob Rafelson, American film director, producer, and screenwriter (died 2022)
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DEATHS ON FEBRUARY 21
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on February 21, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
George Ellery Hale
Year of death:
1938
George Ellery Hale, American astronomer and academic (born 1868)
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Frederick Banting
Year of death:
1941
Frederick Banting, Canadian physician and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1891)
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Ferenc Szisz
Year of death:
1944
Ferenc Szisz, Hungarian-French racing driver (born 1873)
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Augusto César Sandino
Year of death:
1934
Augusto César Sandino, Nicaraguan rebel leader (born 1895)
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Heike Kamerlingh Onnes
Year of death:
1926
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, Dutch physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1853)
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James Timberlake
Year of death:
1891
James Timberlake, American lieutenant and police officer (born 1846)
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Incas (parakeet)
Year of death:
1918
Incas, last known Carolina parakeet (h. fl. 1885)
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Kurt Eisner
Year of death:
1919
Kurt Eisner, German journalist and politician, Minister-President of Bavaria (born 1867)
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HOLIDAYS ON FEBRUARY 21
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on February 21 around the world.
February 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: February 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Language Movement Day
Language Movement Day (Bangladesh)
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International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)
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Tagum
The first day of the Musikahan Festival, celebrated until February 27. (Tagum City, Philippines)
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Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day (South Africa)
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Randoald of Grandval
Christian feast day: Randoald of Grandval
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Peter Damian
Christian feast day: Peter Damian
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Harald V
Birthday of King Harald V (Norway)
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