On 28 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
1 birthday · 1 death anniversary · 11 world events on 28 February
Birthdays
-
Arthur Symons
28 February 1865 – 22 January 1945 (~80)
Born 28 February 1865 — would have been 161 in 2026
Death anniversaries
-
F. S. Flint
19 December 1885 – 28 February 1960 (~75)
Died 28 February 1960 — 66 years ago on this date
World events on this day
-
Upton Sinclair Publishes 'The Jungle'
American novelist and muckraker Upton Sinclair published *The Jungle*, a novel exposing the horrific conditions in the Chicago meatpacking industry. While Sinclair intended to promote socialism, his graphic descriptions of diseased meat, contaminated food, and toxic additives shocked the public and led directly to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. The novel remains a landmark of investigative literature and social reform.
-
Fielding publishes Tom Jones
In 1749, Henry Fielding published The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. The novel offered a panoramic comic view of English society. Its narrator, structure and moral comedy made it one of the great achievements of eighteenth-century fiction.
-
Publication of Locke's Two Treatises of Government
The publication of John Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' in 1689 was a landmark event in political philosophy. In this work, Locke advocated for natural rights and the social contract theory, challenging the divine right of kings and laying the groundwork for modern democracy. Locke's ideas significantly influenced Enlightenment thought and the development of liberal political theory, shaping the foundations of contemporary governance.
-
Fielding publishes Joseph Andrews
In 1742, Henry Fielding published Joseph Andrews. The novel began partly as a comic response to Richardson's Pamela but developed into a broad social narrative. It mixed parody, moral comedy, classical learning and road adventure.
-
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Chartered
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, chartered in 1827, became the first common-carrier railroad in the United States, marking a significant milestone in transportation history. Its construction aimed to provide faster inland transport, competing with canals and transforming the movement of goods. The railroad's development played a crucial role in the economic expansion of the United States, facilitating trade and migration.
-
Nylon Introduced by DuPont
In 1935, DuPont introduced nylon, the first commercially successful synthetic fiber, marking a significant advancement in materials science. Initially popular for stockings, nylon quickly became essential in various consumer goods and wartime production. This innovation not only transformed the textile industry but also influenced fashion and manufacturing, showcasing the potential of synthetic materials.
-
Nylon Invented by Wallace Carothers
In 1935, DuPont chemist Wallace Carothers invented nylon, the first synthetic fiber, initially developed for use in women's stockings. This invention marked a significant breakthrough in textile technology, offering a durable and elastic alternative to natural fibers. Nylon's versatility and strength led to its widespread adoption in various applications, transforming the fashion and manufacturing industries.
-
Final Years and Legacy
F. S. Flint passed away on February 28, 1960, in London, England. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in early twentieth-century English literature. Despite his passing, his work continues to influence contemporary poets.
-
Treaty of Jaén
On February 28, 1246, the Treaty of Jaén was signed between King Ferdinand III of Castile and Muhammad I of Granada, the first Nasrid emir. The treaty established a peace between the two kingdoms, defined their border, and made Granada a tributary state of Castile. This agreement allowed the Nasrid dynasty to survive and flourish for the next two and a half centuries, while Castile was free to focus its military efforts on other fronts.
-
Birth of Sister Lavinia Norcross Dickinson
Emily Dickinson's younger sister, Lavinia Norcross Dickinson, was born on February 28, 1833, in Amherst, Massachusetts. Known as 'Vinnie,' she would become Emily's lifelong companion and confidante, sharing the Homestead with her until Emily's death.
-
Pearl Bryan Murder
In 1896, the murder of pregnant Pearl Bryan near Cincinnati shocked the nation and highlighted issues of crime and justice. Her brutal killing by Scott Jackson and Alonzo Walling, who were later executed, drew significant media attention and public outrage. The case underscored societal concerns regarding women's safety and the legal system's response to violent crime. Pearl Bryan's murder became a notable example of the era's sensationalist journalism and its impact on public perception of crime.