1732 – George Washington was born. Some may believe that his birthday was earlier this week, but that is only because the Uniform Holidays Act of 1968 designates that his birthday be celebrated on the third Monday of February. Prior to 1971, Washington’s birthday and the holiday, Presidents Day, were always held on February 22nd.
1819 – The United States bought Florida from Spain for five million dollars.
1889 – The bill allowing North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Washington to become states was passed into law.
1915 – Germany began unrestricted submarine warfare against all merchant ships in the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
1923 – Chevy produced its one millionth car.
1924 – President Calvin Coolidge delivered the first radio broadcast from the White House.
1932 – The Drunken Murderer, Ted Kennedy was born.
1952 – Bill Frist was born.
1962 – The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin was born.
1973 – China agreed to establish diplomatic liaison offices with the United States.
1975 – Drew Barrymore was born.
1980 – The Miracle On Ice. The US defeated the USSR during the Olympic playoffs for men’s hockey. The USSR was highly favored.
1987 – Andy Warhol died.
1994 – Aldrich Ames and his wife were charged with spying for the Soviet Union. Ames was born in River Falls, Wisconsin. He compromised 100 separate operations and 10 operatives, who were executed by the Soviet Union. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.