6 History Lessons + 5 Births & 4 Deaths for February 28, 2025
Today’s History:
- 1844 – A 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded while sailing on the Potomac River, killing several top U.S. government officials, including Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur and Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer.
- 1953 – Scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced their discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA.
- 1983 – The final episode of the television series “MAS*H” aired, attracting nearly 106 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes in U.S. television history.
- 1991 – The first Gulf War ended as President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire, stating that “Kuwait is liberated.”
- 1993 – A gun battle erupted at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents attempted to arrest leader David Koresh on weapons charges; the confrontation resulted in a 51-day standoff.
- 2013 – Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy, becoming the first pope to do so since 1415.
Today’s Birthdays:
- 1948 – Bernadette Peters, American actress and singer recognized for her work on Broadway and in films (77).
- 1953 – Paul Krugman, American economist and Nobel laureate noted for his work on international trade and economics (72).
- 1976 – Ali Larter, American actress known for roles in “Final Destination” and the television series “Heroes” (49).
- 1985 – Jason Aldean, American country music singer and songwriter with hits like “Dirt Road Anthem” (40).
- 1999 – Luka Dončić, Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA (26).
Today’s Deaths:
- 1916 – Henry James, American-born British author of novels like “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw” (age 72).
- 2016 – George Kennedy, American actor known for roles in “Cool Hand Luke” and the “Airport” series (age 91).
- 2019 – André Previn, German-born American pianist, conductor, and composer who won multiple Academy and Grammy Awards (age 89).
- 2020 – Freeman Dyson, British-born American theoretical physicist and mathematician known for his work in quantum electrodynamics (age 96).
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