The presence of a “leap day” is a quirk of our calendar designed to keep us in sync with the stars, but when we look at what happened on this day in history February 29, we find a date that is anything but a mere placeholder. It is a day where barriers were broken on the grandest stages of Hollywood and where the maps of empires were redrawn through annexations and peace treaties.
From the survival instincts of early explorers to the modern pursuit of nationwide free transit, this rare date serves as a unique stage for historic events that only occur once every four years, reminding us that even the most infrequent moments can leave a permanent mark on the world.
Important Events That Happened On February 29 In History
888 – Coronation of Odo of Paris
Odo, the Count of Paris, was officially crowned as the King of West Francia by the Archbishop of Sens at Compiègne. His election by the Frankish nobles followed his heroic defense of Paris against Viking raiders, marking a significant shift away from the Carolingian dynasty. His reign helped stabilize the region during a period of intense Norse incursions and internal political fragmentation across what would become modern France.
1504 – Columbus and the Lunar Eclipse
Stranded in Jamaica and facing a shortage of food, Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of an impending lunar eclipse to convince the indigenous people to provide supplies. He told the local leaders that his god was angry with them and would take away the moon as a sign of his displeasure. When the eclipse occurred exactly as he predicted, the terrified natives quickly resumed trading with the Spanish explorers to appease the heavens.
1644 – Abel Tasman’s Second Voyage
Famed Dutch explorer Abel Tasman began his second major Pacific voyage, departing from Batavia in command of three well-equipped ships. His mission, sponsored by the Dutch East India Company, was to explore the north and west coasts of Australia and determine if the landmass was connected to New Guinea. While he mapped significant stretches of the coastline, he ultimately failed to find a promising passage for trade, leading his sponsors to view the expedition as a commercial disappointment.
1704 – The Raid on Deerfield
During Queen Anne’s War, a combined force of French soldiers and Native American warriors launched a brutal dawn raid on the frontier settlement of Deerfield, Massachusetts. The attackers killed 56 villagers and took more than 100 captives, forcing them on a grueling winter trek toward Canada. The event remains one of the most famous and devastating incidents of the colonial border wars, highlighting the intense violence between European powers and their indigenous allies.
1712 – February 30 in Sweden
In a bizarre chronological anomaly, February 29 was followed by February 30 in Sweden as part of a plan to synchronize their unique calendar back to the Julian system. Sweden had originally tried to phase into the Gregorian calendar by skipping leap days for 40 years, but the plan caused mass confusion during the Great Northern War. To fix the discrepancy, King Charles XII ordered the extra day be added, making 1712 the only year in Swedish history to feature a February 30.
1720 – Abdication of Ulrika Eleonora
Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden officially abdicated her throne in favor of her husband, who would go on to be crowned King Frederick I. Her decision was driven by a desire for a shared monarchy and a need to stabilize the Swedish government following the death of her brother, Charles XII. This transition helped move Sweden toward a more parliamentary form of government, as the nobles used the succession to limit the absolute power of the crown.
1768 – Formation of the Bar Confederation
A group of Polish nobles gathered at the fortress of Bar to form a confederation aimed at defending the independence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The confederates sought to protect the Roman Catholic Church and limit Russian influence over King Stanisław August Poniatowski. The resulting civil war and international conflict ultimately failed to save Poland, leading directly to the first of the three partitions that would eventually erase the country from the map.
1796 – The Jay Treaty Takes Effect
The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain officially came into force, establishing ten years of peaceful trade and diplomatic cooperation. The agreement resolved lingering issues from the Revolutionary War, such as the withdrawal of British troops from western forts and the settlement of wartime debts. While highly controversial at home, the treaty was crucial for the survival of the young American republic, as it avoided a premature and potentially disastrous second war with Britain.
1892 – Incorporation of St. Petersburg
The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, was officially incorporated, marking the formal beginning of one of the state’s most prominent coastal communities. Founded by John C. Williams and Peter Demens, the city’s name was reportedly decided by a coin toss, which the Russian-born Demens won. The arrival of the Orange Belt Railway transformed the area from a small settlement into a major tourist destination and shipping port, eventually becoming known as the “Sunshine City.”
1908 – Foundation of James Madison University
The Virginia General Assembly founded the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in Harrisonburg, which would eventually evolve into James Madison University. The institution was originally created to address the growing need for professionally trained female teachers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Over the following century, the school expanded its curriculum and became coeducational, growing into one of the top-ranked public universities in the United States.
1912 – Fall of the Piedra Movediza
The famous Piedra Movediza, or “Moving Stone,” of Tandil, Argentina, fell from its precarious mountain perch and shattered into several pieces. The massive 300-ton granite boulder had balanced on a very small point for centuries, swaying slightly in the wind without ever toppling over. Its sudden fall ended its status as a world-renowned natural wonder and local landmark, though a replica was eventually installed at the site nearly a century later.
1916 – UK Annexes Tokelau
The United Kingdom officially annexed the Tokelau Islands, incorporating them into the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. The move was intended to consolidate British administrative control over the central Pacific and secure the islands against competing colonial interests. Tokelau remained under British rule for nearly a decade before its administration was transferred to New Zealand, under whose authority it remains a non-self-governing territory to this day.
1916 – South Carolina Raises Minimum Working Age
In a significant step for labor reform, the state of South Carolina raised the minimum working age for factory, mill, and mine workers from 12 to 14 years old. This change reflected a growing national movement in the United States to protect children from the harsh conditions of industrial labor and encourage school attendance. While a victory for reformers, the law still faced challenges in enforcement and was viewed by many as only a starting point for comprehensive child labor protections.
1920 – Czechoslovakia Adopts Constitution
The Czechoslovak National Assembly officially adopted the nation’s first constitution, establishing a democratic republic following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The document was modeled largely after the French and American constitutions, emphasizing civil liberties and a strong parliamentary system. This legal framework was intended to unify the diverse ethnic groups within the new state, providing a stable foundation for the country during the interwar period.
1936 – End of the February 26 Incident
The February 26 Incident, a violent attempted coup by young nationalist officers in the Japanese military, came to a formal end in Tokyo. After several days of tension and assassinations of government leaders, the rebels surrendered after the Emperor personally ordered them to stand down. The failure of the coup resulted in a crackdown on the radical “Imperial Way” faction but ultimately allowed the military to exert even greater control over the civilian government.
1940 – Hattie McDaniel Wins an Oscar
Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award, receiving the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind. Despite her monumental achievement, the ceremony was held at a segregated hotel, and McDaniel was seated at a small table far from her co-stars. Her victory was a landmark moment in cinema history, though it also highlighted the profound racial barriers that existed in the American film industry.
1940 – Finland Seeks Peace in the Winter War
Facing overwhelming pressure from Soviet forces, Finland officially initiated peace negotiations to end the Winter War. Despite several months of heroic resistance that stunned the international community, the Finnish military was running dangerously low on ammunition and manpower. These negotiations eventually led to the Moscow Peace Treaty, in which Finland retained its independence but was forced to cede significant territories to the Soviet Union.
1940 – Ernest Lawrence Receives Nobel Prize
In a unique ceremony held at the University of California, Berkeley, physicist Ernest Lawrence was presented with the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics. Because of the dangers and travel restrictions imposed by the outbreak of World War II, Lawrence could not travel to Sweden to receive the award from the King. Instead, the Swedish consul general in San Francisco delivered the prize to him on his home campus, honoring his invention of the cyclotron.
1944 – Operation Brewer Begins
In a strategic move during World War II, American forces led by General Douglas MacArthur launched Operation Brewer to invade the Admiralty Islands. The operation was designed to seize the islands’ airfields and harbors to isolate the major Japanese base at Rabaul. The rapid success of the invasion provided the Allies with a vital staging area for their continued “island hopping” campaign across the Pacific theater.
1960 – The Agadir Earthquake
A powerful 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the coastal city of Agadir, Morocco, causing catastrophic destruction due to its shallow depth and the city’s vulnerable architecture. The quake lasted only 15 seconds but killed roughly 12,000 people, representing one-third of the city’s population at the time. King Mohammed V ordered the city to be rebuilt on a safer site nearby, turning the tragedy into a massive project of modern urban renewal.
1964 – British Eagle Flight 802/6 Crash
A British Eagle International Airlines flight crashed into the Glungezer mountain in the Austrian Alps during a snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of all 75 people on board. The aircraft was attempting to land at Innsbruck Airport, a location notorious for its difficult mountain terrain and challenging weather conditions. The disaster remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Austrian history and led to a review of flight safety procedures in mountainous regions.
1968 – Aeroflot Flight 15 Crash
An Aeroflot airliner crashed in the Irkutsk Oblast of the Soviet Union after the pilots lost control of the aircraft during its descent. Eighty-three of the 84 people on board were killed in the accident, the cause of which remained officially unknown despite extensive investigations. The crash was part of a troubling series of Soviet aviation accidents that prompted secret internal reviews of pilot training and mechanical reliability within the state-run airline.
1972 – South Korea Begins Vietnam Withdrawal
As part of President Richard Nixon’s “Vietnamization” policy, South Korea began withdrawing 11,000 of its 48,000 troops from South Vietnam. South Korea had been the largest foreign contributor of troops to the conflict after the United States, but the shifting political landscape in Washington necessitated a reduction in their commitment. This withdrawal signaled the beginning of the end of major international military involvement in the defense of South Vietnam.
1980 – Gordie Howe’s 800th Goal
Hockey legend Gordie Howe, playing for the Hartford Whalers at the age of 51, made NHL history by scoring his 800th career goal. This milestone solidified his reputation as “Mr. Hockey” and demonstrated an incredible level of longevity and skill in a physically demanding sport. His record remained unsurpassed for over a decade until it was eventually broken by Wayne Gretzky, who had grown up idolizing the veteran superstar.
1984 – Pierre Trudeau Announces Retirement
In a moment that reshaped Canadian politics, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announced his intention to retire as the leader of the Liberal Party and the head of the government. The announcement followed his famous “walk in the snow” the previous night, during which he decided it was time for a new generation of leadership. Trudeau’s departure ended one of the most influential and transformative premierships in the history of Canada.
1988 – Arrest of Desmond Tutu
South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu was arrested along with 100 other clergymen while leading a non-violent anti-apartheid demonstration in Cape Town. The march was a protest against the government’s banning of several anti-apartheid organizations and the detention of political activists. Tutu’s arrest drew immediate and sharp international condemnation, further isolating the South African government and strengthening the global movement for racial justice.
1988 – Svend Robinson Comes Out
Svend Robinson made history as the first member of the Canadian House of Commons to publicly come out as gay. His announcement was a courageous act during a time when LGBTQ+ rights were not yet widely protected or accepted in mainstream politics. Robinson’s openness helped pave the way for greater representation and served as a catalyst for future legislative changes regarding equality and human rights in Canada.
1992 – Bosnian Independence Referendum Begins
A two-day national referendum on independence began in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continued to disintegrate. While the majority of Bosniaks and Croats supported the move toward sovereignty, the referendum was largely boycotted by the Bosnian Serb population. The high turnout and “yes” vote led to a declaration of independence, which unfortunately served as the immediate trigger for the devastating Bosnian War.
1996 – Faucett Perú Flight 251 Crash
A Faucett Perú Boeing 737 crashed into a mountainside while attempting to land at Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa, killing all 123 people on board. The pilot had reportedly mistakenly reported his altitude, leading the plane to fly significantly lower than was safe for the surrounding terrain. It remains the deadliest aviation disaster in Peruvian history and led to a temporary suspension of the airline’s operations for safety inspections.
1996 – Siege of Sarajevo Ends
The Siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege of a capital city in modern military history, officially came to an end after 1,425 days. The siege had begun in 1992 during the Bosnian War and resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people and widespread destruction of the city’s infrastructure. The lifting of the blockade followed the signing of the Dayton Agreement, allowing the citizens of Sarajevo to begin the long process of reconstruction.
2000 – Battle of Ulus-Kert
During the Second Chechen War, a large force of Chechen fighters attacked a guard post manned by Russian paratroopers near the village of Ulus-Kert. In the fierce engagement that followed, 84 Russian paratroopers were killed, with only six surviving the battle. The event became a significant moment in Russian military lore, often compared to legendary “last stands,” and highlighted the continued intensity of the conflict in the North Caucasus.
2004 – Ousting of Jean-Bertrand Aristide
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was removed from office and flown out of Haiti following a violent coup d’état led by rebel forces. Aristide claimed that he had been kidnapped and forced to resign by U.S. officials, while the United States government maintained that he had requested assistance to flee for his safety. The event plunged Haiti into a period of deep political instability and necessitated the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission.
2004 – Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Dress
At the 76th Academy Awards, actress Angelina Jolie wore a white satin Marc Bouwer dress that quickly became one of the most talked-about fashion moments in the show’s history. The elegant, plunging gown was widely praised for its classic Hollywood glamour and has since appeared on numerous “all-time best” lists for Oscar fashion. The dress helped solidify Jolie’s status as a fashion icon and influenced red carpet trends for years to follow.
2008 – Prince Harry Withdrawn from Afghanistan
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence was forced to withdraw Prince Harry from his active-duty tour in Afghanistan after news of his deployment was leaked to foreign media. Officials feared that the publicity would make the Prince a high-value target and increase the risk to his fellow soldiers. Harry, who had been serving as a forward air controller, expressed deep disappointment at being pulled from the front lines for his own safety.
2008 – Misha Defonseca Admits Fabrication
Author Misha Defonseca admitted that her bestselling memoir, Misha: A Mémoire of the Holocaust Years, was entirely fabricated. In the book, she claimed to have survived the Holocaust by wandering across Europe and living with a pack of wolves. The admission followed a legal dispute and intense scrutiny by historians, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of historical accuracy and the vetting of personal narratives in literature.
2012 – North Korea Nuclear Moratorium
North Korea agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment program and halt all nuclear and long-range missile tests in exchange for massive food aid from the United States. The deal was seen as a rare diplomatic breakthrough following the death of Kim Jong-il and the ascension of his son, Kim Jong-un. However, the agreement was short-lived, as North Korea launched a satellite-carrying rocket just weeks later, leading to the cancellation of the aid.
2016 – Miqdadiyah Funeral Bombing
A suicide bomber targeting a Shi’ite funeral in the Iraqi city of Miqdadiyah killed at least 40 people and wounded dozens more. The Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack, which was designed to inflame sectarian tensions and destabilize the region. The tragedy was followed by a wave of retaliatory violence against local Sunni mosques, highlighting the fragile security situation in Iraq during the fight against extremist groups.
2020 – Attack on Juan Guaidó
During a pro-democracy demonstration in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, pro-government armed groups known as colectivos opened fire on disputed President and National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaidó. While Guaidó was unharmed, five of his supporters were injured in the shooting, which was seen as a blatant attempt to intimidate the political opposition. The attack drew international condemnation and underscored the violent suppression of dissent under the Maduro administration.
2020 – The Doha Agreement
The United States and the Taliban signed the historic Doha Agreement in Qatar, aimed at bringing a permanent peace to Afghanistan. The deal outlined a timetable for the withdrawal of all U.S. and NATO forces in exchange for the Taliban’s commitment to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil. While intended to end the longest war in American history, the agreement faced significant criticism for excluding the Afghan government from the negotiations.
2020 – Appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin
Amid a complex political crisis that saw the collapse of the previous ruling coalition, Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia. His appointment by the King followed days of political maneuvering and the sudden resignation of Mahathir Mohamad. Yassin’s leadership was immediately challenged by the opposition, leading to a period of political uncertainty as the country also faced the beginning of the global pandemic.
2020 – Luxembourg Makes Public Transport Free
Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all forms of public transport—including buses, trains, and trams—completely free for both residents and tourists nationwide. The initiative was designed to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions as part of the country’s environmental strategy. The bold move was hailed internationally as a pioneering example of how governments can promote sustainable urban mobility and social equity.
2024 – The Flour Massacre in Gaza
In a tragic incident during the Gaza war, Israeli forces opened fire on a large crowd of Palestinians who were waiting for food aid from a truck convoy. The event, which became known as the “Flour Massacre,” resulted in the deaths of over 100 people and left 750 others wounded. The massacre sparked a global outcry and intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the starving population.
Take A Look At February 29 Moments:
Famous People Born On February 29
| Name | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Khaled | Algerian raï singer | February 29, 1960 – Present |
| Tony Robbins | American motivational speaker | February 29, 1960 – Present |
| Gioachino Rossini | Italian composer | February 29, 1792 – November 13, 1868 |
| Herman Hollerith | Pioneer of computing machines | February 29, 1860 – November 17, 1929 |
| Morarji Desai | Prime Minister of India | February 29, 1896 – April 10, 1995 |
| Balthus | French modern painter | February 29, 1908 – February 18, 2001 |
| Rukmini Devi Arundale | Indian classical dancer | February 29, 1904 – February 24, 1986 |
| Jimmy Dorsey | American jazz musician | February 29, 1904 – June 12, 1957 |
| Seymour Papert | Computer scientist & educator | February 29, 1928 – July 31, 2016 |
| Augusta Savage | American sculptor | February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962 |
| John Philip Holland | Father of modern submarine | February 29, 1840 – August 12, 1914 |
| William Wellman | American film director | February 29, 1896 – December 9, 1975 |
| William H. Carney | American Civil War hero | February 29, 1840 – December 9, 1908 |
| Adolf Wölfli | Swiss outsider artist | February 29, 1864 – November 6, 1930 |
| John Byrom | English poet & inventor | February 29, 1692 – September 26, 1763 |
| Carlos Humberto Romero | President of El Salvador | February 29, 1924 – February 27, 2017 |
| Raisa Smetanina | Olympic cross-country skier | February 29, 1952 – Present |
| Emmeline B. Wells | American feminist leader | February 29, 1828 – April 25, 1921 |
| Thomas Tooke | British economist | February 29, 1774 – February 26, 1858 |
| Fyodor Abramov | Russian novelist | February 29, 1920 – May 14, 1983 |
| Saul Williams | American rapper & poet | February 29, 1972 – Present |
| Aileen Wuornos | American serial killer | February 29, 1956 – October 9, 2002 |
| Richard Ramirez | American serial killer | February 29, 1960 – June 7, 2013 |
| Vladimir Kryuchkov | Soviet political figure | February 29, 1924 – November 23, 2007 |
| Ann Lee | Founder of Shaker movement | February 29, 1736 – September 8, 1784 |
| Pope Paul III | Pope of Counter-Reformation | February 29, 1468 – November 10, 1549 |
| Louis I of Bavaria | King of Bavaria | August 25, 1786 – February 29, 1868 |
| Brian Mulroney | Prime Minister of Canada | March 20, 1939 – February 29, 2024 |
| Pehr Evind Svinhufvud | President of Finland | December 15, 1861 – February 29, 1944 |
| Yigal Allon | Israeli political leader | October 10, 1918 – February 29, 1980 |
Famous People Died On February 29
| Name | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Mulroney | Prime Minister of Canada | March 20, 1939 – February 29, 2024 |
| Louis I of Bavaria | King of Bavaria | August 25, 1786 – February 29, 1868 |
| Davy Jones | Singer (The Monkees) | December 30, 1945 – February 29, 2012 |
| Paolo Taviani | Italian film director | November 8, 1931 – February 29, 2024 |
| Armando Diaz | Italian WWI general | December 5, 1861 – February 29, 1928 |
| Ina Donna Coolbrith | American poet | March 10, 1841 – February 29, 1928 |
| John Whitgift | Archbishop of Canterbury | c.1530 – February 29, 1604 |
| Adolphe Appia | Swiss stage designer | September 1, 1862 – February 29, 1928 |
| Hōnen | Japanese Buddhist leader | May 13, 1133 – February 29, 1212 |
| E. F. Benson | British novelist | July 24, 1867 – February 29, 1940 |
| Robert S. Abbott | Newspaper publisher | November 28, 1868 – February 29, 1940 |
| Walter Yust | Encyclopaedia editor | May 16, 1894 – February 29, 1960 |
| Guo Taiqi | Chinese diplomat | December 1888 – February 29, 1952 |
| Tore Ørjasæter | Norwegian poet | March 3, 1886 – February 29, 1968 |
| Pat Garrett | American lawman | June 5, 1850 – February 29, 1908 |
| Louis-François Lejeune | French general & artist | February 3, 1775 – February 29, 1848 |
| Johann Andreas Stein | German instrument maker | May 6, 1728 – February 29, 1792 |
| Margaret Morris | British dancer | April 17, 1891 – February 29, 1980 |
| St. Oswald of York | English saint | c.925 – February 29, 992 |
| Pope Hilary | Pope (461–468) | – February 29, 468 |
| Elpidio Quirino | President of Philippines | November 16, 1890 – February 29, 1956 |
| Melvin Purvis | American FBI agent | October 24, 1903 – February 29, 1960 |
| Frank Albertson | American actor | February 2, 1909 – February 29, 1964 |
| Arthur Mills Lea | Australian scientist | August 10, 1868 – February 29, 1932 |
| Giuseppe Vitali | Italian mathematician | August 26, 1875 – February 29, 1932 |
| Frederic Chapple | Australian educator | 1845 – February 29, 1924 |
| Ernie Courtney | American baseball player | August 30, 1875 – February 29, 1920 |
| John Nanson | Australian politician | 1863 – February 29, 1916 |
| John Hope | First Governor-General of Australia | June 25, 1860 – February 29, 1908 |
| Alf Gover | English cricketer | February 29, 1908 – 2001 |
Observances & Institutional Dates
- Rare Disease Day (Leap Year): A day dedicated to raising awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease.
- Bachelor’s Day (UK & Ireland): A traditional custom on leap days where women are encouraged to propose marriage to men.
- Leap Day: The quadrennial addition of a 29th day to the month of February to keep the calendar year synchronized with the solar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Columbus use an eclipse?
- On February 29, 1504, he used an almanac to predict a lunar eclipse and trick the native Jamaicans into giving him supplies.
- Who was the first Black actor to win an Oscar?
- Hattie McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress on this day in 1940 for her role in Gone with the Wind.
- Why did Sweden have a February 30?
- In 1712, they added two leap days to return to the Julian calendar after a failed attempt to switch to the Gregorian system.
- What is Rare Disease Day?
- It is an international event held on the last day of February; in leap years like this, it falls on the 29th.
