On 22 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
3 birthdays · 2 death anniversaries · 9 world events on 22 February
Birthdays
-
William Barnes
22 February 1801 – 7 October 1886 (~85)
Born 22 February 1801 — would have been 225 in 2026
-
James Russell Lowell
22 February 1819 – 12 August 1891 (~72)
Born 22 February 1819 — would have been 207 in 2026
-
Edna St. Vincent Millay
22 February 1892 – 19 October 1950 (~58)
Born 22 February 1892 — would have been 134 in 2026
Death anniversaries
-
Frances E. W. Harper
24 September 1825 – 22 February 1911 (~86)
Died 22 February 1911 — 115 years ago on this date
-
Antonio Machado
26 July 1875 – 22 February 1939 (~64)
Died 22 February 1939 — 87 years ago on this date
World events on this day
-
Death in Exile
Antonio Machado died on February 22, 1939, in Collioure, France, while in exile from Spain. His death marked the end of a life deeply intertwined with the cultural and political struggles of his homeland. He was buried in the local cemetery, where his grave has become a site of pilgrimage for admirers of his work.
-
Appointment as Dean of St Paul's Cathedral
In 1621, John Donne was installed as Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London, England. This prestigious position allowed him to become one of the city's foremost preachers, influencing many with his eloquent sermons and writings. Donne's role at St Paul's marked a significant chapter in his life, intertwining his literary career with his religious duties.
-
Galileo publishes Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems
In 1632, Galileo Galilei published his Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. The book compared Ptolemaic and Copernican cosmology through a lively Italian dialogue. Its literary form made complex astronomy accessible while provoking ecclesiastical alarm.
-
Death of Antonio Machado
On February 22, 1939, the great Spanish poet Antonio Machado died in exile in Collioure, France, just days after crossing the Pyrenees with the flood of Republican refugees fleeing Catalonia. Machado, one of the most beloved poets of the Generation of '98, had been a committed Republican and had witnessed the fall of the Republic with profound sorrow. His death in exile symbolized the fate of the Republican intelligentsia, scattered and broken by the Nationalist victory.
-
TRAPPIST-1 System Discovery
In 2017, the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, which contains multiple Earth-sized planets orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf star, captured the attention of astronomers and the public alike. This finding raised intriguing possibilities about the potential for life beyond our solar system and the diversity of planetary systems. The TRAPPIST-1 system has since become a focal point for exoplanet research and exploration.
-
Woolworth Opens Early Five-and-Dime Store
Frank Winfield Woolworth opened his first five-and-dime store in 1879, pioneering the concept of fixed-price variety stores. This innovative retail model allowed customers to purchase a wide range of goods at affordable prices, democratizing shopping and making consumer goods more accessible. Woolworth's success laid the foundation for the modern retail industry, influencing how goods were marketed and sold.
-
Miracle on Ice
The Miracle on Ice occurred during the 1980 Winter Olympics when the U.S. hockey team, comprised mostly of amateur players, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union. This stunning upset not only captured the attention of the nation but also symbolized a significant moment in the Cold War, representing American resilience and spirit. The victory became a defining moment in Olympic history, inspiring a sense of national pride and unity during a time of geopolitical tension.
-
The Great Earthquake of 2011 in Christchurch
On February 22, 2011 CE, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.3, struck the city of Christchurch in New Zealand, killing 185 people and causing widespread destruction. This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in New Zealand's history and had a profound impact on the country. The disaster led to significant changes in building practices and disaster response in New Zealand.
-
The Affair of the Poisons and Execution of La Voisin
In 1680, Catherine Monvoisin, known as La Voisin, was executed in Paris for her involvement in a series of poisoning scandals that implicated members of the French nobility. This event, known as the Affair of the Poisons, revealed the dark underbelly of court life and the extent of corruption and intrigue in the French aristocracy. The scandal led to a crackdown on witchcraft and sorcery, and it significantly impacted public perception of the monarchy and the judicial system in France.