North Korea launched a satellite into orbit, sparking international condemnation
The Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 satellite launch was seen as a cover for testing long-range ballistic missile technology. The UN Security Council responded with...
February 8 in History
Significant events that happened on this day.
Historical Events
2016
1996
The Communications Decency Act was signed into law, attempting to regulate internet pornography
President Clinton signed this controversial law as part of the Telecommunications Act, making it illegal to transmit 'indecent' material to minors onl...
1986
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 1,600 for the first time
The DJIA hit 1,600.96, continuing a bull market that would eventually peak in 1987 before the famous Black Monday crash. For perspective, the Dow woul...
1983
The $5 billion Shergar, champion racehorse, was kidnapped in Ireland and never seen again
Armed men stormed a stud farm and stole Shergar, winner of the 1981 Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths. Despite being one of the most valuable horses...
1974
Astronauts returned to Earth after 84 days aboard Skylab, setting a new space endurance record
The Skylab 4 crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after spending nearly three months in space. During their mission, they observed Comet Kohoutek,...
1971
Trading began on the Nasdaq stock market for the first time
MajorThe world's first electronic stock market opened with 2,500 securities. Unlike traditional exchanges with physical trading floors, Nasdaq revolutioniz...
1960
The Hollywood Walk of Fame received its first star
Director Stanley Kramer was awarded the very first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6501 Hollywood Boulevard. The iconic sidewalk would eventuall...
1955
John Grisham, best-selling legal thriller author, was born in Arkansas
The former lawyer would become one of the world's most successful authors, selling over 300 million books worldwide. His first novel, A Time to Kill,...
1924
The first execution by gas chamber in the United States took place in Nevada
Gee Jon, a Chinese gang member, was executed at Nevada State Prison, making him the first person to die in a gas chamber. Nevada had adopted this meth...
1922
President Warren G. Harding had a radio installed in the White House
Harding became the first president to have a radio in the White House, marking the beginning of a new era in presidential communication. The device wa...
1910
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated
William D. Boyce officially incorporated the organization after being helped by an unknown Scout in London who refused a tip. That act of kindness ins...
1904
The Russo-Japanese War began when Japan launched a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur
MajorWithout a formal declaration of war, Japanese destroyers torpedoed Russian ships in a nighttime assault. This conflict would make Japan the first Asia...
1828
Jules Verne, the 'Father of Science Fiction,' was born in Nantes, France
MajorVerne would go on to write extraordinarily prescient novels like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and From the Earth to the Moon. His works predi...
1587
Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded after 19 years of imprisonment
MajorQueen Elizabeth I's cousin and rival was executed at Fotheringhay Castle after being implicated in plots to assassinate Elizabeth. It took three blows...