Historical Events on February 2
- 1848: The Treaty of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – also known as the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits and Settlement between the United States of America and the Mexican Republic – is signed on this day during the Mexican American War.
- 1850: Brigham Young issues a war decree against the Timpanogos Tribe in Provo, Utah at the Battle of Fort Utah.
- 1887: The first ever Groundhog Day is observed on this day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A tradition that’s continued till this day as the whole country watches whether their due for six more weeks or winter or not.
- 1922: James Joyce published Ulysses, a novel which stirred controversy when it was first received by the public.
- 1935: The first polygraph tests are administered to two murder suspects by Leonarde Keeler. This would be the first time that polygraph evidence was allowed in a United States’ court.
- 1943: The last German troops in Stalingrad surrender and the Soviets accept their surrender. This officially ends the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II.
- 2000: The 1st digital cinema projection to be used in Europe is unveiled in Paris, France.
- 2005: Canada first introduces the Civil Marriage Act. This legislation which legalized same-sex marriage would officially be enacted into law on July 20th of the same year.
Famous Birthdays on February 2
- Irish novelist, poet and short story writer, James Joyce is born in 1882.
- American author and screenwriter, Johnston McCulley is born in 1883.
- American author and poet, William Rose Benet is born in 1886.
- American actor and screenwriter, Charles Correll is born in 1890.
- American painter Robert Philipp is born in 1895.
- American businessman and founder of Howard Johnson’s, Howard Deering Johnson is born in 1897.
- American actress and producer, Farrah Fawcett is born in 1947.
- American chef, author and TV personality, Ina Garten is born in 1948.
- American actor Brent Spiner is born in 1949.
- American model, actress and businesswoman, Christie Brinkley is born in 1954.
- American actress Kim Zimmer is born in 1955.