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February 11: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

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Facts & Historic Events That Happened on February 11

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February 11th is officially Make a Friend Day and Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day.

Today marks day 42 of the year, we still have a long way to go though, with 324 days left in 2024. But let’s look on the bright side, we’re only a few days away from Valentine’s Day!

This day was a particularly political day in years gone by, but there were also many discoveries and inventions. If you were born on this day you’ll love these facts and events.

Did you know that on this day in 1993, Janet Reno was appointed as US Attorney General by President Clinton? She was the first female to be appointed to that position.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about February 11th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on February 11 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2024

Argentina canonized its first female saint, Saint María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa.

María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, who lived during the 18th century, was a devout Jesuit who helped the poor and helped keep the Church’s presence alive during a time of religious suppression.

2023

The Armenian-Turkish land border opened for the first time in 35 years.

The border was opened briefly to allow a convoy of vehicles carrying aid to disaster-struck areas of Turkey affected by the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake. The last time the border opened was in 1988 when Turkey sent aid to Armenia after another devastating earthquake.

2022

Koalas were listed as endangered for the first time in Australian history.

While once prolific across Australia’s vast eucalyptus forests, koalas have lost large amounts of habitat due to excessive land clearing, deforestation, bushfires, and drought. The endangered listing was announced for the Australian Capital Territory and the states of Queensland and New South Wales.

2016

Researchers announced that gravitational waves had been discovered.

OTD in 2016: Researchers announced that gravitational waves had been discovered.

The discovery was made by researchers involved with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The collision of two black holes detected on September 14, 2015, led to this discovery.

1998

A charity auction in Los Angeles saw the lyrics to “Candle in the Wind” sell to the highest bidder at a staggering $442,500.

1993

Janet Reno became the first female to be appointed US Attorney General by President Clinton.

OTD in 1993: Janet Reno became the first female to be appointed US Attorney General by President Clinton.

1990

Nelson Mandela was released from prison after being incarcerated for 27 years in South Africa.

1978

China lifted the country’s ban on literature by Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Dickens.

1977

A 44 lb lobster was captured off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Guinness World Records say the lobster is the heaviest marine crustacean ever found.

1975

Margaret Thatcher became the leader of the British Conservative Party.

She also became the first woman to lead a majority party in the UK.

1942

The comic book “Archie” was first published.

OTD in 1942: The comic book "Archie" was first published.

The comic came after Archie himself first appeared in a “Pep Comics” in December 1941.

1938

The BBC broadcast the world’s first science fiction television program, an adaptation of the play R.U.R.

Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti (R.U.R., or Rossum’s Universal Robots) was written by Czech playwright Karel Čapek in 1920 and introduced the word “robot” to the English language.

1878

The Boston Bicycle Club was formed, becoming the first cycling club in the United States.

1809

A steamboat patent was granted to the American engineer and inventor Robert Fulton.

1543

The Holy Emperor Charles V and King Henry VIII of England became allies against France.

660 BC

Japan was founded by its legendary first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.

OTD in 660BC: Japan was founded by its legendary first emperor

When we say legendary, we mean it literally – it’s quite possible that Emperor Jimmu never existed! This date is the traditional Japanese date based on early Japanese legends.

Famous Births

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Jennifer Aniston? See what other famous people were born on this day.

1969

Jennifer Aniston

American

Actress

Jennifer Aniston

Age:

55 years old

Born In:

California, USA

1992

Taylor Lautner

American

Actor

Taylor Lautner

Age:

32 years old

Born In:

Michigan, USA

1847

Thomas A. Edison

American

Inventor

Thomas A. Edison

Died On:

Oct 18, 1931 (Age 84)

Born In:

Ohio, USA

1926

Leslie Nielsen

Canadian

Actor

Leslie Nielsen

Died On:

Nov 28, 2010 (Age 84)

Born In:

Saskatchewan, Canada

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, February 11th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1963

2012

Whitney Houston

American

Singer

Whitney Houston

1963

2012

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was an American singer born on August 9, 1963. She died on this day in 2012, at age 48 in Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Died On:

Feb 11, 2012 (Age 48)

Died In:

California, USA

1932

1963

Sylvia Plath

American

Poet

Sylvia Plath

1932

1963

Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath was an American poet born on October 27, 1932. She died on this day in 1963, at age 30 in Primrose Hill, London, England, UK.

Died On:

Feb 11, 1963 (Age 30)

Died In:

England, UK

Quotes

Below are the most famous quotes people have said or written on Feb 11th throughout history.

1990

As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

South African President

Special Holidays

If you’re looking to try something new today, here are some special holidays that might just give you an idea.

February 11: National Make a Friend Day
United States

National Make a Friend Day

Having friends plays an essential role in living a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s Make a Friend Day today, so why not join a new group and make some new connections… you never know; maybe you’ll even find the one.

February 11: National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
United States

National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

Whether you take today literally or figuratively, that’s up to you, but Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day is about promoting a positive attitude. So, whatever you do today, try and look over the bright side of things – even if you do spill the last of your milk before making coffee!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

Mount Rushmore cost less than one million dollars to construct. It took 14 years to build – from 1927 to 1941 and took 400 workers.

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on this day shares the zodiac sign of Aquarius.

Aquarius is represented by the water-bearer and is the eleventh sign in the zodiac. Anyone who was born between January 20 and February 18 falls into this astrological sign.

All those born in the month of February have the Amethyst birthstone. Amethyst signifies peace, serenity, and royalty. Wearing this birthstone during this month can help strengthen relationships and provide courage when it’s needed.

If you were born on February 11, you would likely have been conceived on or around May 21 of the previous year.

A baby conceived on this day will likely be due around November 4, 2024.

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