What Happened on February 28?

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EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 28

Explore the most important historical events that happened on February 28, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

1948 Accra riots

Year: 1948

The 1948 Accra riots erupted following a march by ex-servicemen of the Gold Coast Regiment towards the seat of the colonial government at Christiansborg Castle where they were fired upon by Superintendant Colin Imray leading to the killing of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey and the arrest of the Big Six in the Gold Coast.

February 28 incident

Year: 1947

February 28 incident: In Taiwan, civil disorder is put down with the death of an estimated 18,000 - 28,000 civilians.

Floyd County, Kentucky

Year: 1958

A school bus in Floyd County, Kentucky hits a wrecker truck and plunges down an embankment into the rain-swollen Levisa Fork river. The driver and 26 children die in one of the worst school bus accidents in U.S. history.

Discoverer 1

Year: 1959

Discoverer 1, an American spy satellite that is the first object intended to achieve a polar orbit, is launched but fails to achieve orbit.

Northrop T-38 Talon

Year: 1966

A NASA T-38 Talon crashes into the McDonnell Aircraft factory while attempting a poor-visibility landing at Lambert Field, St. Louis, killing astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett.

1925 Charlevoix–Kamouraska earthquake

Year: 1925

The Charlevoix-Kamouraska earthquake strikes northeastern North America.

USS Princeton (1843)

Year: 1844

A gun explodes on board the steam warship USS Princeton during a pleasure cruise down the Potomac River, killing six, including Secretary of State Abel Upshur. President John Tyler, who was also on board, was not injured from the blast.

Fourth Council of Constantinople (Catholic Church)

Year: 870

The Fourth Council of Constantinople closes.

BIRTHS ON FEBRUARY 28

Discover famous people and historical figures born on February 28, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Storm Thorgerson

Year of birth: 1944

Storm Thorgerson, English graphic designer (died 2013)

Barbara Acklin

Year of birth: 1943

Barbara Acklin, American singer-songwriter (died 1998)

Frank Bonner

Year of birth: 1942

Frank Bonner, American actor and television director (died 2021)

Sepp Maier

Year of birth: 1944

Sepp Maier, German footballer and manager

Edward Greenspan

Year of birth: 1944

Edward Greenspan, Canadian lawyer and author (died 2014)

Syreeta Wright

Year of birth: 1946

Syreeta Wright, American singer-songwriter (died 2004)

Bubba Smith

Year of birth: 1945

Bubba Smith, American football player and actor (died 2011)

Kelly Bishop

Year of birth: 1944

Kelly Bishop, American actress

DEATHS ON FEBRUARY 28

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on February 28, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Zara Cully

Year of death: 1978

Zara Cully, American actress (born 1892)

Edmund Lincoln Anderson was an American actor and comedian. To a generation of early radio and television comedy audiences, he was known as "Rochester".