February 29 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

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February 29, known as Leap Day, appears only once every four years to keep the calendar aligned with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE and refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, it carries a unique place in history. Notable events on this rare date include Christopher Columbus predicting a lunar eclipse in 1504 and Hattie McDaniel becoming the first African American to win an Oscar in 1940. Famous leap-day births include composer Gioachino Rossini, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, and rapper Ja Rule. Those born on this day, called “leaplings,” usually celebrate on February 28 or March 1 in non-leap years.

Famous people born on February 29

  • Gioachino Rossini (1792): Italian composer known for The Barber of Seville and William Tell.
  • Jimmy Dorsey (1904): American big-band leader and saxophonist.
  • Dinah Shore (1916): American singer, actress and television personality.
  • Aileen Wuornos (1956): American serial killer.
  • Richard Ramirez (1960): American serial killer known as “The Night Stalker”.
  • Tony Robbins (1960): American motivational speaker and author.
  • Pedro Sánchez (1972): Spanish politician and Prime Minister of Spain.
  • Antonio Sabàto Jr. (1972): Italian-American actor and model.
  • Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins) (1976): American rapper and actor.
  • Mark Foster (1984): American singer-songwriter, lead singer of Foster the People.
  • Famous Events on February 29

  • 888: Odo, Count of Paris, is crowned King of West Francia at Compiègne.
  • 1504: Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse to convince Jamaican natives to provide food supplies.
  • 1644: Abel Tasman begins his second Pacific voyage from Batavia commanding three ships.
  • 1692: Arrest warrants are issued for Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne, marking the start of the Salem witch trials.
  • 1768: Polish nobles form the Bar Confederation.
  • 1796: The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain takes effect, ensuring ten years of peaceful trade.
  • 1892: The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, is incorporated.
  • 1916: During a naval battle in the North Sea, both HMS Alcantara and the German raider SMS Grief sink after close-range combat.
  • 1940: Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind.
  • 1984: Pierre Trudeau resigns as Prime Minister of Canada.
  • 2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King wins 11 Oscars, tying the record for most Academy Awards.
  • 2012: The Leap Day tornado outbreak strikes the U.S., killing 15 people and causing major destruction.
  • Notable People Who Died on February 29

  • Pat Garrett (1850–1908): American Old West lawman credited with killing Billy the Kid.
  • Melvin Purvis (1903–1960): U.S. FBI agent known for leading manhunts for criminals such as Pretty Boy Floyd and John Dillinger.
  • Davy Jones (1945–2012): British musician and actor, frontman of the group The Monkees.
  • E. F. Benson (1867–1940): British novelist and playwright, author of the Mapp and Lucia novels.
  • Brian Mulroney (1939–2024): Former Prime Minister of Canada.
  • February 29, often called Leap Day, is one of the most fascinating quirks of our calendar. Appearing only once every four years, it helps to synchronize our timekeeping with the Earth's orbit around the Sun. Without it, our calendar would slowly drift out of alignment, eventually causing the seasons to shift over time. This extra day reminds us of the delicate balance between human-made systems and the natural rhythms of our planet.

    The leap year itself, occurring in years divisible by four except for those divisible by 100 unless also divisible by 400, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE with the Julian calendar and later refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 with the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world still uses today. This correction ensures that the average calendar year remains close to the astronomical year of 365.2422 days, maintaining accuracy over centuries.

    Leap Day has also inspired unique traditions and superstitions around the world. In Ireland and parts of Britain, it was once customary for women to propose marriage on February 29, a playful reversal of social norms. For those born on this rare day, known as leaplings, birthdays come only once every four years, making them part of a truly special club. February 29 stands as a reminder that time, while measured with precision, still holds space for mystery, rarity, and celebration.