February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 315 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about February 19th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about February 19th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- International Tug-of-War Day
- National Chocolate Mint Day
- World Pangolin Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – February 19
2008: Fidel Castro steps down as Cuba’s president
Castro was 81 years old at the time and had been in power for 49 years.
1986: The “Mir” Space Station is launched
The Soviet vehicle was the world’s first modular space station and remained in orbit for 15 years.
1985: Iberia Airlines Flight 610 crashes
All 148 people on board died in the accident that was blamed on pilot error.
1945: U.S. troops land on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima
The photo showing 4 marines erecting a U.S. flag on the island has become one of the best-known images of World War II.
1878: Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
It was the first machine able to reproduce recorded sound.
1821: Michael Faraday invented the first electric motor in 1821. One of the greatest scientists of the 19th century
The 4th-century CE 99.7% pure Iron pillar in Delhi reflecting the metal-related shilpa in ancient India. Weight: 6,000 KG. Built by King Chandragupta II
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, February 19
1963: Seal, English singer-songwriter
1957: Falco, Austrian singer-songwriter
1953: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentinian politician, 55th President of Argentina
1865: Sven Hedin, Swedish geographer, explorer
1473: Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish mathematician, astronomer
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, February 19
2001: Stanley Kramer, American director
2000: Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Austrian/New Zealand painter, architect, designed the Kuchlbauer Tower, Waldspirale
1997: Deng Xiaoping, Chinese politician, diplomat
1952: Knut Hamsun, Norwegian writer, Nobel Prize laureate
1916: Ernst Mach, Austrian physicist