- 1732: George Washington, the first President of the United States, is born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday in the US, often combined with Abraham Lincoln's birthday on "Presidents' Day".
- 1943: White Rose resistance members Sophie Scholl, Hans Scholl, and Christoph Probst are executed in Nazi Germany for their anti-Nazi activities. Their bravery and sacrifice become a symbol of resistance against oppression.
- 1980: The "Miracle on Ice" occurs as the US hockey team upsets the heavily favored Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. This unexpected victory inspires millions and becomes a defining moment in sports history.
- 1997: Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal from an adult cell, is announced by scientists in Scotland. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in genetics and sparks ethical discussions.
- 2006: Golden dome of the al-Askari Mosque, one of the holiest Shiite shrines in Iraq, is bombed by insurgents, triggering sectarian violence. This tragic event highlights the complexities of the Iraq War and its lasting impact.
In what year was the margarita cocktail invented, and by whom?