February 10 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

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February 10th has been marked by significant events in history, including the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which ended the Seven Years’ War, and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, forming the foundation of New Zealand as a nation. The day also witnessed milestones in science, such as John Glenn’s first successful American orbital flight in 1962. Notable personalities born on this day include Russian novelist Boris Pasternak, American actress Laura Dern, and activist-writer Alice Walker, while figures like writer Maxim Gorky, actress Jean Harlow, and chess champion Alexander Alekhine passed away on this date, making February 10th a day of historical, cultural, and scientific significance.

Famous People Born on February 10th

  • 1763 Charles XIV John of Sweden : King of Sweden and Norway
  • 1890 Boris Pasternak : Russian poet and novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Doctor Zhivago
  • 1904 Fannie Charles Dillon : American composer and music educator
  • 1930 Robert Wagner : American actor famous for Hart to Hart
  • 1933 José María Aznar : Former Prime Minister of Spain
  • 1944 Alice Walker : American novelist and activist, author of The Color Purple
  • 1946 Gregory Hines : Legendary American dancer, actor, and choreographer
  • 1950 Ron Paul : American physician and politician
  • 1967 Laura Dern : American actress known for Jurassic Park and Big Little Lies
  • 1975 Kelly Rowland : American singer and songwriter, member of Destiny’s Child
  • 1981 Ashley Greene : American actress known for Twilight series
  • 1985 Kevin Love : American professional basketball player
  • Famous Events on February 10th

  • 1763 : Treaty of Paris signed, ending the Seven Years’ War between Britain, France, and Spain
  • 1840 : The Treaty of Waitangi signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, establishing New Zealand as a nation
  • 1962 : John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7
  • 1892 : James Naismith publishes the first rules of basketball
  • 1996 : IBM’s Deep Blue chess computer defeats world champion Garry Kasparov in a game
  • 2003 : The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster investigation begins after STS-107 mission ends tragically
  • 2010 : Winter Olympics opening ceremony held in Vancouver, Canada
  • Famous People Who Died on February 10th

  • 1936 Maxim Gorky : Renowned Russian and Soviet writer and political thinker
  • 1937 Jean Harlow : Iconic American film actress of the 1930s
  • 1946 Alexander Alekhine : Chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion from Russia/France
  • 1975 Dimitri Shostakovich : Celebrated Russian composer and pianist
  • 1992 Lillian Gish : Legendary American actress of silent films
  • 2007 Boris Yefimov : Prominent Soviet political cartoonist
  • 2012 Whitney Houston : Award-winning American singer and actress
  • February 10th is a day marked by historical treaties, groundbreaking achievements, and remarkable cultural contributions. From the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 to John Glenn’s historic orbital flight in 1962, the day reflects pivotal moments in history. It is also the birthday of influential figures like Boris Pasternak, Laura Dern, and Alice Walker, while remembering the legacies of those who passed, including Maxim Gorky, Jean Harlow, and Alexander Alekhine. Overall, February 10th stands as a reminder of the lasting impact of historical events and the people who have shaped literature, arts, politics, and science.