February 26 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

February 26 has seen several significant moments in history. On this day in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the island of Elba, marking the start of his dramatic return to power in France. In 1885, the Berlin Conference concluded, formalizing European colonization in Africa. The United States established the Grand Canyon National Park on February 26, 1919, preserving one of its greatest natural landmarks. Tragically, in 1993, the World Trade Center in New York was bombed, killing six people and injuring over a thousand. This date also marks the birthdays of several influential figures, including French writer Victor Hugo, American music legend Johnny Cash, and neo-soul artist Erykah Badu, each leaving a lasting mark on culture and history.

Famous People Born on February 26

1802 – Victor Hugo, French novelist, poet, and dramatist (Les Misérables, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame).

1829 – Levi Strauss, German-American businessman, founder of Levi’s jeans.

1846 – Buffalo Bill Cody, American soldier, bison hunter, and showman.

1916 – Jackie Gleason, American actor and comedian (The Honeymooners).

1932 – Johnny Cash, American country singer and songwriter known as the “Man in Black.”

1953 – Michael Bolton, American singer and songwriter.

1954 – Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish politician and current President of Turkey.

1971 – Erykah Badu, American singer, songwriter, and record producer.

1974 – Sébastien Loeb, French professional rally driver.

1984 – Beren Saat, Turkish actress known for her television and film roles.

1986 – Teresa Palmer, Australian actress and model (Warm Bodies, Lights Out).

Famous Events that Happened on February 26

747 BC: The epoch of the Nabonassar era begins at noon, used by historians as a fixed point in Near-Eastern chronology.

320: Chandragupta I is officially crowned as the first emperor of the Gupta Dynasty in India.

364: Valentinian I is proclaimed Roman Emperor.

1266: The Battle of Benevento takes place; Charles of Anjou defeats the army of Manfred, King of Sicily, who is killed in battle.

1606: Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon becomes the first European recorded to land on Australia during his 1605–06 voyage.

1616: Galileo Galilei is formally warned by the Roman Catholic Church not to teach or defend the heliocentric theory.

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from exile on the island of Elba, beginning his Hundred Days return to power in France.

1876: The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876 is signed, opening Korean ports to Japanese trade and ending Korea’s tributary status under China.

1909: The first successful public demonstration of Kinemacolor, an early color motion-picture process, is held in London.

1919: The United States Congress passes the act establishing Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

1935: Adolf Hitler orders the reformation of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

1935: British scientist Robert Watson-Watt demonstrates a system that leads to the invention of radar.

1993: A truck bomb explodes beneath the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing six people and injuring more than a thousand.

Famous People Who Died on February 26

2023: Gordon Pinsent, Canadian actor and writer

2022: Farooq Qaiser, Pakistani artist and puppeteer (creator of Uncle Sargam)

2019: Clark Terry, American jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist

2017: Joseph Wapner, American TV personality and judge ("The People's Court")

2012: Marie Colvin, American journalist

2008: Buddy Miles, American rock drummer ("The Band of Gypsys")

1994: Bill Hicks, American stand-up comedian

1988: Roy Eldridge, American jazz trumpeter

1985: Tjalling Koopmans, Dutch-American mathematician and Nobel laureate

1973: Edward R. Murrow, American broadcast journalist

1942: Georgy Zhukov, Soviet general

1932: William Wrigley Jr., American chewing gum magnate

1808: Honoré Mirabeau, French revolutionary leader

February 26 holds a distinct place in history as a date that has witnessed remarkable events, the birth of influential figures, and the passing of legends. From moments of political transformation to breakthroughs in science, art, and culture, this date reflects humanity’s diverse journey through time. It stands as a reminder of how each day contributes uniquely to the shaping of our shared history.

Beyond the milestones and memories, February 26 also invites reflection on progress and legacy. The people born or lost on this day have each played a part in inspiring future generations through their achievements and contributions. Whether in innovation, leadership, or creativity, February 26 continues to mark a balance between remembrance and renewal.