February 28 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

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February 28 marks several significant moments in history, including the 1953 discovery of the DNA double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick, a breakthrough that revolutionized biology and medicine. It is also remembered for the 1986 assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, a shocking political event that remained unsolved for decades. On this day in 1993, the Waco siege began in Texas, leading to a tragic standoff between U.S. federal agents and the Branch Davidians. Notable figures born on February 28 include French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, Nobel Prize-winning chemist and peace activist Linus Pauling, and Brian Jones, a founding member of The Rolling Stones.

Famous People Born on February 28

  • 1901: Linus Pauling American chemist and peace activist, Nobel laureate.
  • 1929: Frank Gehry Canadian-American architect known for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
  • 1948: Bernadette Peters American actress and Broadway singer.
  • 1953: Paul Krugman American economist, Nobel Prize winner.
  • 1955: Gilbert Gottfried American comedian and actor.
  • 1957: John Turturro American actor and filmmaker.
  • 1976: Ali Larter American actress and model, known for Heroes and Final Destination.
  • 1977: Jason Aldean American country music singer.
  • 1999: Luka Dončić Slovenian professional basketball player (NBA).
  • Famous Events on February 28

  • 202 BC: Liu Bang is enthroned as Emperor of China, beginning four centuries of rule by the Han dynasty.
  • 870: The Fourth Council of Constantinople closes, an important event in Christian church history.
  • 1525: Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec king, is executed on the order of Hernán Cortés.
  • 1638: The Scottish National Covenant is signed in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • 1835: Finnish linguist Elias Lönnrot signs and dates the first version of the Kalevala, a foundational work of Finnish literature.
  • 1922: The United Kingdom ends its protectorate over Egypt through a Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
  • 1947: The February 28 Incident (also called the 228 Incident) erupts in Taiwan — an anti-government uprising that is brutally suppressed, with estimated casualties ranging in the tens of thousands.
  • 1953: Scientists James Watson and Francis Crick announce the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA at Cambridge University.
  • 1975: A train at London’s Moorgate station crashes into the tunnel end, killing 43 people — the deadliest peacetime accident in the London Underground to date.
  • 1983: The final episode of the TV series M*A*S*H airs in the U.S. and becomes one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history.
  • 1986: Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme is assassinated while walking home from a movie with his wife in Stockholm; the murder remains officially unsolved.
  • 1991: The first Gulf War ends as Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein accepts a cease-fire agreement.
  • 1993: The Waco siege begins near Waco, Texas when U.S. federal agents attempt to arrest the leader of the Branch Davidians; a fire and 51-day standoff follow.
  • 2013: Pope Benedict XVI becomes the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, stepping down as leader of the Catholic Church.
  • Famous People Who Died on February 28

  • 1925 Friedrich Ebert: First President of Germany (Weimar Republic).
  • 1951 Henry Taylor: British Olympic swimmer.
  • 1963 Rajendra Prasad: First President of India.
  • 2011 Jane Russell: American actress and Hollywood star.
  • 2016 George Kennedy: American actor and Oscar winner.
  • 2019 André Prévin: German-American composer, conductor, and pianist.
  • 2024 Michael "Virgil" Jones: American professional wrestler (ring name Virgil).
  • 2025 David Johansen: American musician (New York Dolls frontman) and actor.
  • February 28 stands as a date woven with milestones in history, remarkable achievements, and the legacies of influential figures. From groundbreaking discoveries such as the revelation of DNA’s double-helix structure to pivotal political and cultural moments around the world, this day has continually marked turning points that shaped nations and advanced human understanding. It is also remembered for its mix of triumphs and tragedies, events that remind us of humanity’s constant journey through progress, resilience, and change.

    As the last full day of February in common years, February 28 carries a sense of transition, a moment between endings and new beginnings. It invites reflection on how each year, generation, and individual contributes to the broader story of history. Whether through scientific innovation, artistic expression, or acts of leadership, the people and events tied to this date continue to leave an enduring mark on the world’s timeline.