On 12 February in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 4 death anniversaries · 10 world events on 12 February
Birthdays
-
Thomas Campion
12 February 1567 – 1 March 1620 (~53)
Born 12 February 1567 — would have been 459 in 2026
-
Joseph Seamon Cotter Sr.
12 February 1861 – 14 March 1949 (~88)
Born 12 February 1861 — would have been 165 in 2026
Death anniversaries
-
William Alexander
c. 1567 – 12 February 1640 (~73)
Died 12 February 1640 — 386 years ago on this date
-
Alice Cary
26 April 1820 – 12 February 1871 (~51)
Died 12 February 1871 — 155 years ago on this date
-
John Townsend Trowbridge
18 September 1827 – 12 February 1916 (~89)
Died 12 February 1916 — 110 years ago on this date
-
James D. Corrothers
2 July 1869 – 12 February 1917 (~48)
Died 12 February 1917 — 109 years ago on this date
World events on this day
-
Charles Darwin Born
On February 12, 1809, Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, to a prominent family. His later theory of evolution by natural selection, detailed in "On the Origin of Species," revolutionized biology and our understanding of life. Darwin's ideas profoundly influenced 19th- and 20th-century literature and poetry grappling with science, faith, humanity's place in nature, and existential questions.
-
James Bulger Murder
The tragic murder of 2-year-old James Bulger in Liverpool on February 12, 1993, shocked the United Kingdom and raised profound questions about child safety and juvenile justice. Two 10-year-old boys abducted and killed Bulger, leading to a highly publicized trial that sparked national outrage and debates over the treatment of young offenders. This case highlighted societal concerns regarding youth violence and the responsibilities of parents and communities in protecting children, leaving a lasting impact on public policy and media discourse.
-
Lewis Waterman Patents the Modern Fountain Pen
In 1884, Lewis Edson Waterman, an American insurance salesman, patented a new and improved fountain pen design. His key innovation was the use of a capillary feed that regulated the flow of ink from the reservoir to the nib, preventing the blotting that plagued earlier models. This design made the fountain pen a reliable and practical writing instrument, leading to its mass production and widespread adoption.
-
Founding of the NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence and discrimination against African Americans, particularly following the race riots in Springfield, Illinois. This organization aimed to combat racial prejudice through legal challenges, advocacy, and public education. The NAACP played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, influencing landmark legislation and court decisions that advanced racial equality in the United States.
-
Death of William Alexander
William Alexander passed away on February 12, 1640, in London, England. His death marked the end of a significant literary career that intertwined poetry with political ambition and cultural exploration.
-
Battle of Fort Donelson
From February 12 to 16, 1862, Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant besieged and captured Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River in Tennessee. The Union victory forced Confederate forces to abandon their positions in Kentucky and northern Tennessee, opening the way for a Union advance into the Deep South. The battle was one of the North's first major victories and earned Grant the nickname 'Unconditional Surrender.'
-
Christian Dior's 'New Look' Revives the Corset in Post-War Paris
On February 12, 1947, Christian Dior unveiled his debut collection at his salon on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, presenting what the press immediately dubbed the 'New Look': nipped waists, padded hips, and long, full skirts that explicitly revived the pre-war hourglass silhouette and, with it, the boned corset-like 'waspie' foundation garment. The collection was simultaneously celebrated as a return to feminine elegance and condemned by feminist critics and women who had enjoyed wartime freedom of dress as a retrograde step. The controversy raged across Europe and North America throughout 1947.
-
Extinction of the Carolina Parakeet
The extinction of the Carolina Parakeet in 1918 marked the loss of North America's only native parrot species, primarily due to habitat loss from agriculture and hunting. This event underscored the impact of human activity on biodiversity and the environment. The extinction of the Carolina Parakeet serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect endangered species.
-
Mechanical pencil patented
The first practical mechanical pencil designs appeared in the early nineteenth century; a notable British patent was granted in 1822 for a refillable lead-holder. Unlike a wooden pencil, these instruments could be refilled and adjusted, suiting the needs of draughtsmen and writers who required consistent fine lines. The pencil's convenience made it the everyday writing instrument of choice for poets revising manuscripts.
-
The Battle of the Herrings
The Battle of the Herrings, fought in 1429, was an English victory over the French during the Hundred Years' War. It was named after the barrels of herring that were being transported to the English army. The battle was a minor engagement but is remembered for its unusual name.