Fact 1: Debut of the Grand Canyon National Park
On February 26, 1919, the Grand Canyon National Park was officially established. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it receives approximately 5 million visitors annually. This national treasure is about 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
Fact 2: A Landmark Case for Suffrage
February 26, 1922, was the day when Leser v. Garnett was decided by the Supreme Court. The verdict upheld the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits denial or abridgement of the right to vote based on sex. It was a landmark case for women’s suffrage in America.
Fact 3: Leap Day's Impact
In a leap year, February 26 is the 57th day of the year, but in ordinary years, it's the 58th day. A leap year, which has an extra day - February 29, occurs every four years to harmonize the calendar year with the solar year.
Fact 4: The Birth of a Genius
February 26, 1802, marks the birth date of French writer Victor Hugo. Known for his novel Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Hugo is considered one of the greatest French writers of all times.
Fact 5: Twin Tragedy
On this day in 1993, the World Trade Center in New York City was bombed, killing six people and injuring over 1,000. Eight years later, on the same date in 2001, an earthquake in Gujarat, India, killed 20,000 people and left over a million homeless.
Fact 6: A Noteworthy Debut
February 26, 1935, marks the first demonstration of RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) by Sir Robert Watson-Watt. This tool became vital for navigation and weather prediction, and played a significant role during World War II.
Fact 7: Space Exploration Commemoration
On February 26, 1966, Apollo Saturn 201, the first unmanned test flight of the Apollo program, launched successfully. Apollo program was designed to put man on the moon, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
Fact 8: Birth of the Asia Foundation
Known for its extensive work in the development sector, the Asia Foundation was established on this day in 1954. It is a nonprofit organization committed to improving lives across the dynamic and developing Asia.
Fact 9: Presidential Ballot
On February 26, 1919, the act of Congress established Grand Canyon National Park. The bill was signed by 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, making it the 15th site in the country to be designated as a national park.
Fact 10: Notable Birth
On this day in 1829, Levi Strauss, the German-born American businessman who founded the first company to manufacture blue jeans was born.
Fact 11: Ancient Earthquake
On February 26, AD 364, the largest recorded earthquake in the Eastern Mediterranean region struck the late Roman Empire area, hitting modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.
Fact 12: The Heart Month
February, the month which houses February 26, is also known as American Heart Month. It aims to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it.
Fact 13: An Icon's Birth
On this day in 1928, famed musician Fats Domino was born. Known for his hits like "Blueberry Hill" and "Ain't That a Shame", Domino is considered a pioneer of rock and roll.
Fact 14: Historic Tornado
In 1971, a F5 tornado hit Mississippi on February 26, making it the earliest tornado recorded in the United States.
Fact 15: Scientific Breakthrough
On this day in 1930, American scientist and inventor of the bubble chamber, Donald Arthur Glaser, was born. This device is used in particle physics to observe the behavior of electrically charged particles.
Fact 16: A Step toward Equality
The Civil Rights Act of 1869, granting African Americans the right to vote, was passed by the U.S. Congress on February 26.
Fact 17: Hollywood Scandal
On February 26, 1987, the Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss was arrested for running a high-profile prostitution ring.
Fact 18: The Birth of a Musical Legend
Johnny Cash, the American singer-songwriter, was born on February 26, 1932.
Fact 19: Geological Wonder
The Grand Canyon was named a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on this day in 1908, before it was elevated to a national park in 1919.
Fact 20: Unique Astrological Alignment
On February 26, 1979, a total solar eclipse occurred in the United States. The same day also witnessed a rare planetary alignment, where the Sun, the Moon, and all nine planets were aligned on the same side of the Sun.