February 13 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

February 13 has witnessed many significant events throughout history and is marked by the births and deaths of notable personalities. On this day, important historical events have shaped nations and cultures, ranging from political milestones to scientific achievements. Many famous individuals were born on February 13, including influential artists, leaders, and innovators, whose contributions continue to inspire. The day also remembers remarkable figures who passed away, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Overall, February 13 serves as a reflection of human achievements and historical moments.

Famous People Born on February 13

1682 – Cotton Mather: American Puritan minister and author.

1849 – Lord Randolph Churchill: British statesman and father of Winston Churchill.

1873 – Feodor Chaliapin: Russian opera singer.

1892 – Grant Wood: American painter known for American Gothic.

1903 – Georges Simenon: Belgian novelist, creator of Inspector Maigret.

1919 – Tennessee Ernie Ford: American singer and television host.

1923 – Chuck Yeager: American test pilot, first to break the sound barrier.

1933 – Kim Novak: American actress known for Vertigo.

1944 – Stockard Channing: American actress known for Grease and The West Wing.

1950 – Peter Gabriel: English musician and former Genesis lead singer.

1956 – Peter Hook: English musician, co-founder of Joy Division and New Order.

1960 – Pierluigi Collina: Italian football referee.

1974 – Robbie Williams: British pop singer and former Take That member.

1981 – Mena Suvari: American actress known for American Beauty and American Pie.

1988 – Andreas Seppi: Italian professional tennis player.

1996 – Sofia Vassilieva: American actress known for My Sister’s Keeper.

Famous Events on February 13

1542: Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, was executed for adultery.

1633: Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome to face the Inquisition for supporting the heliocentric theory.

1689: William and Mary were proclaimed co-rulers of England, beginning the Glorious Revolution.

1861: Abraham Lincoln declared he would not compromise on the issue of slavery.

1914: The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City.

1945: Allied forces began the devastating bombing of Dresden, Germany during World War II.

1960: France tested its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert, becoming the world’s fourth nuclear power.

1984: Konstantin Chernenko succeeded Yuri Andropov as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

1991: Two laser-guided “smart bombs” destroyed a bunker in Baghdad during the Gulf War.

2000: The last original Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz was published.

2004: The Harvard student network “The Facebook” was officially launched to the public.

2019: NASA’s Opportunity rover mission on Mars was declared complete after 15 years.

Famous People Who Died on February 13

1542: Catherine Howard, fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England.

1660: Charles X Gustav, King of Sweden.

1787: Roger Joseph Boscovich, Croatian physicist and astronomer.

1883: Richard Wagner, German composer known for his operas.

1945: Else Lasker-Schüler, German-Jewish poet and playwright.

1950: Rafael Sabatini, Italian-English author of adventure novels.

1960: Dorothy Maud Wrinch, English mathematician and biochemist.

1975: Julian Huxley, English biologist and first UNESCO Director-General.

1980: David Janssen, American actor known for The Fugitive.

1983: Eubie Blake, American ragtime pianist and composer.

1993: Lillian Gish, American silent film actress.

2002: Waylon Jennings, American country singer and songwriter.

2010: Dick Francis, British crime writer and former jockey.

2016: Antonin Scalia, U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

2019: Gordon Banks, English football legend and World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

February 13 stands out in history as a day filled with remarkable events, influential births, and the passing of great individuals who shaped the world through their contributions to art, science, politics, and culture. From groundbreaking discoveries to memorable moments in music and history, this date reminds us of humanity’s constant journey of progress and creativity. Each year, February 13 continues to be remembered as a reflection of achievements, inspiration, and the enduring legacy of those who made their mark on the world.