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February 2026
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February 27: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, February 27, 1594, Henry IV was crowned as King of France at the Cathedral of Chartres?

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Facts & Historic Events That Happened on February 27

February 27th is a special day, as it’s the day we celebrate Pokémon Day and Polar Bear Day.

We’re getting close to the end of February! Today marks the 58th day of the year.

From dog cloning, supermassive explosions in space, and the gaming world changing forever, this day certainly has a lot going for it. Take a look at all the incredible historical events that all fall on this day.

Did you know that on this day, February 27, 1594, Henry IV was crowned as King of France at the Cathedral of Chartres? He was known as “Good King Henry” and remembered as an ideal king.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about February 27th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on February 27 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Scientists observed the biggest explosion in the universe, 390 million light-years away.

The explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster.

The world’s smallest baby was finally released from the hospital months after being born.

OTD in 2019: The world's smallest baby was finally released from the hospital months after being born.

The baby boy was born in Tokyo, Japan, at 24 weeks and weighed just 9.45 oz.

Singer and actress Barbra Streisand announced she had her pet dog cloned twice.

In Sweden, a job interview invitation was accidentally mailed to 61,000 people and caused chaos in their offices.

The acting director said, "Something has gone wrong with the mailing list… it has set off a very messy situation at the city office."

Pokémon was released on the Game Boy for the first time, in the video games Pocket Monsters Red & Green.

OTD in 1996: Pokémon was released on the Game Boy for the first time

The special edition, "Pocket Monsters: Blue," was released in Japan later in 1996. The games were later released as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue in North America & Australia in 1998 and Europe in 1999.

Ebony and Ivory was recorded by Stevie Wonder & Paul McCartney.

The first Dutch abortion clinic began to perform artificially-induced abortions.

The Italian government asked for advice on how to stop the Leaning Tower of Pisa from leaning too far and collapsing.

OTD in 1964: The Italian government asked for advice on how to stop the Leaning Tower of Pisa from leaning too far and collapsing.

The twenty-second amendment to the US Constitution was ratified.

The 22nd Amendment limits the President of the United States to only two terms.

Two scientists from the University of California Radiation Laboratory discovered carbon-14, a new isotope of carbon.

While the existence of carbon-14 had previously been suggested in 1934, it was only in 1940 that Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben proved it. This discovery was pretty extraordinary, as we're able to determine the age of organic materials by looking at the amount of carbon-14 in them - otherwise known as radiocarbon dating.

The Reichstag, Germany’s parliament building, was set on fire by a Dutch communist.

The British Labour Party was founded.

Beethoven Symphony No. 8 premiered in Vienna, Austria.

Henry IV took to the throne as he was crowned the King of France.

OTD in 1594: Henry IV took to the throne as he was crowned the King of France.

Famous Births

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

1932

Elizabeth Taylor

British-American Actress

Died On

Mar 23, 2011 (Age 79)

Born IN

England, UK

1973

Peter Andre

English Singer

Age

53 years old

Born IN

England, UK

1981

Josh Groban

American Singer

Age

45 years old

Born IN

California, USA

1902

John Steinbeck

American Author

Died On

Dec 20, 1968 (Age 66)

Born IN

California, USA

1978

Thomas Pesquet

French Engineer

Age

48 years old

Born IN

Seine-Maritime, France

Birthday & Zodiac

People who were born on this day all share the Pisces star sign.

Confiding with Pisceans is usually a safe bet, but you might find yourself counseling them as they tend to be emotional at times.

If your birthday is in February, your birthstone is the Amethyst. The Amethyst has a beautiful violet hue which ranges from a deep violet color to a lighter lilac shade.

Violets, the primary birth flower of February, embodies the loyalty and humility of individuals born during this month. The secondary birth flower is primroses, which bring a sense of early love and optimism.

For people born on Feb 27, your estimated date of conception falls on June 6 in the previous year.

Babies conceived on this day will likely be born around November 20th, 2026.

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, February 27th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1928 — 2003

Fred Rogers

American TV Host Fred Rogers was born on March 20, 1928. He died on this day in 2003, at age 74 in Pennsylvania, USA.

Quotes

Below are the most famous quotes people have said or written on February 27th throughout history.

1895

“Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on.”

Samuel Butler

(English Novelist)

Special Holidays

If you're looking for something to do today, maybe these special holidays might just help to cure your boredom!

United States

National Pokémon Day

On February 27, 1996, the world was introduced to the fictional creatures of Pokémon! Due to Pokemon's monumental success worldwide, this day became known as Pokémon Day. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and catch 'em all!

World

International Polar Bear Day

Life for polar bears is becoming more challenging year by year, with climate change reducing their habitat from under their feet. Polar Bear Day is about raising awareness of this tragic issue, so why not donate to their cause or see what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

Fact Of The Day

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Days Until

Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!

  • Women's Day

    9 days

  • St Patrick's Day

    18 days

  • Earth Day

    54 days

  • Halloween

    246 days

  • Christmas Day

    301 days

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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