Fact 1: Birth of The Beatles
February 24, 1957, is a crucial date for music lovers as George Harrison officially joined The Beatles, solidifying the iconic line-up of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr. The impact the band would have on music and popular culture is immeasurable, and it all started on this date.
Fact 2: The Mexican-American War Ended
The Mexican-American War officially ended on February 24, 1848, with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This event extended the United States' territories into the western continental land, establishing a border that remains unchanged till date.
Fact 3: Steve Jobs born on Leap Day
In an interesting twist of fate, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., was actually conceived around February 24 during a leap year. This quick calculation points to the possibility of Jobs potentially being a leap day baby if his birth year hadn't been a common year.
Fact 4: The Dow Jones hits an all-time low
On February 24, 1987, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 508 points (or about 22.6%), marking one of the most significant one-day drops in U.S. stock market history.
Fact 5: Estonia Regains Independence
On February 24, 1918, Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia during the Russian Civil War, marking a critical moment in the nation's history.
Fact 6: The Battle of Los Angeles
On the wartime date of February 24, 1942, the event known as "The Battle of Los Angeles" took place. After a supposed enemy aircraft was spotted over the city, anti-aircraft artillery was fired, and blackouts were ordered citywide.
Fact 7: National Tortilla Chip Day
Foodies will be delighted to know that February 24 is also National Tortilla Chip Day. It's an excellent opportunity to munch on this popular snack and perhaps try your hand at a homemade version.
Fact 8: Bob Dylan’s Famous Alias
On February 24, 1966, Bob Dylan, the legendary musician, recorded "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" under the pseudonym "Blind Boy Grunt."
Fact 9: 24-Karat Magic
In a quirky numerical fact, the 24th day of the second month (which numerically reads as 24/2) is a natural nod to the purity of gold, traditionally measured in 24 karats.
Fact 10: Championship Level Horse Born
On February 24, 1969, legendary racehorse, Shergar, was born. Notably, Shergar won the 202nd Epsom Derby by ten lengths – the longest winning margin in the race's history.
Fact 11: The Birth of Sierra Sam
On February 24, 1949, Sierra Sam - the first crash-test dummy - was created. He was used to test aviation ejector seats, contributing significantly to flight safety.
Fact 12: Famous Birthdays on February 24
Actor Billy Zane, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs all share February 24 as their birthday.
Fact 13: Acquisition of WhatsApp
On February 24, 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion, turning it into one of the world's most widely used messaging apps.
Fact 14: A leap day for Women's right in Ireland
The Irish tradition allows women to propose marriage on leap years, and February 24 specifically marks a day in many parts of Ireland where women can take the initiative.
Fact 15: Flight to the Moon and Back
On February 24, 1968, during the Apollo 6 mission, an unmanned Saturn V rocket was launched into space on a flight that would cover the distance to the moon and back.
Fact 16: The Laughing Record Is Released
On February 24, 1922, the famous (and peculiar) "The Okeh Laughing Record" was released. It's a bizarre three-minute recording of uncontrolled laughter set to a simple instrumental background.
Fact 17: Ada Lovelace Day
For those who appreciate computer science history, February 24 celebrates Ada Lovelace, the 19th-century mathematician and writer credited with creating the world's first computer program.
Fact 18: The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek
On February 24, 1831, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was proclaimed. This was an agreement between the US and the Choctaw Nation – the first removal treaty carried out under the Indian Removal Act.
Fact 19: The Cutty Sark’s Final Voyage
The iconic British ship, the Cutty Sark, took its final voyage on February 24, 1870. This tea clipper has since been preserved and is on display in Greenwich, London.
Fact 20: Capri Sun Was Launched in the United States
On February 24, 1981, Capri Sun, the popular juice drink, was launched in the United States. This thirst-quencher has been a favorite in school lunch boxes ever since.