Over the millennia, Valentine’s Day has seen more than its fair share of pivotal events, including brutal executions, bombing campaigns and military engagements. From the death of Richard II in 1400 to the firebombing of Dresden in 1945, here are 10 historic events that occurred on Valentine’s Day. 1. Saint Valentine is executed (c. 270 AD) Valentine’s Day isn’t all about love and romance. February 14 is a day, like any other, in which key historical events took place that impacted our world. In modern times, we put an emphasis on showing our significant others how dear to our hearts they are. In the past, this day was full of violence, notable achievements, and historic firsts. 1. Captain James Cook is killed: 1779. Among Britain’s most accomplished explorers, James Cook charted lands from Newfoundland to New Zealand to Alaska. In 1778, on his third voyage to the As the Internet. became more widely used, digital Valentines gained popularity and e-card Valentines began to be sent in addition to or in lieu of sending paper Valentine’s Day cards to lovers, friends and other loved ones. About this Timeline’s Curator: John Alanis is a well known author of 10 books on Dating and Men’s issues. As a historian, I believe it is important we recognize this duality and reflect on how these events have shaped the Valentine‘s Day we know today. The Martyrdom of Saint Valentine The very origins of this holiday are rooted in the story of Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest who was brutally executed on February 14th for the "crime When did Valentine’s Day cards become commercially produced? Valentine’s Day cards started to be mass-produced in the 19th century. Esther A. Howland, an American, is often credited with creating the first commercial Valentine’s Day cards in the 1840s. Why are roses associated with this day? Valentine’s Day also has pagan roots alongside its connection to St. Valentine. It may have originated in Lupercalia, a festival of fertility celebrated on February 15 in ancient Rome 1835 – 60,000 Valentine’s Day cards are sent in the UK. Even though sending letters and cards through the post was expensive in the UK at this time, 60,000 Valentine’s Day cards were sent. The custom of sending cards had become so popular that they were now produced in factories and decorated with fabric and lace. Today I look back on historical events that occurred on February 14, the date of St. Valentine’s Day. First Recognition of the “Stars-and- Stripes” by a Foreign Government, 14 February 1778 On 14 February 1778, the Continental Navy sloop Ranger , commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, received the salute of a French squadron under La Motte Read some Valentine’s Day musings posted through the Library’s Blogs: Love at the Library: Fun Family Activities for Valentine’s Day from Minerva’s Kaleidoscope; A Valentine from Ted Kooser, the Library’s 13th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry; Celebrating Valentine’s Day: Law, Love, and Life in the Movies from In Custodia Legis It’s almost Valentine’s Day! And whether you celebrate the day of lurve or you make sure you show someone you love them every day, you might not be aware of all of the other famous events that have happened on February the 14th. I love finding out when important and interesting things happened in the past; I find it so fascinating, and this Infographic that Cashlady have created is full of February 14 — it's a day that we usually associate with Valentine's Day. But this modern holiday marks a lot more than your budding (or nonexistent) relationship. Around the world, February 14th Learn which important and interesting historical events happened on today in history. Hundreds of events, facts and photos from history, film, music and sport Historical events for the 14th of February. See what famous, interesting and notable events happened throughout history on February 14. 1929 Saint Valentine's Day For people gathered at Stardust Nightclub in Dublin for a Valentine’s Day disco party, February 14, 1981, was a tragic day. Of the 841 patrons attending the party, 48 people died and 200 were Valentine’s Day in History: Six Important Events That Happened on February 14th Feb 14, 2014 Valentine’s Day is a day of flowers, chocolates, and other special gifts for the ones we love. Giving is the spirit of Valentine's Day. Whether in the form of a box of chocolates, a romantic poem, or any other sign of affection. However, throughout history, many have given up their lives on February 14th instead. Here are some of the bloodiest events that have taken place on Valentine's Day. 1835: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded. Translation: Mormons were invented. 1899: Congress approves the use of voting machines in federal elections. That went well for 100 years. 1929: The Saint Valentine’s Day massacre claims the lives of seven people, six of them rivals of Al Capone. Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14th is officially Ferris Wheel Day and Organ Donor Day. Welcome to the 45 th day of the year! We’re gradually getting through the year, but we still have another 320 days left in 2025. Welcome to the fourteenth day of the month and year. It’s only one month away from Valentine’s Day, so that’s either comforting to know, or really not! January 14 has been an important day throughout history. There are so many cool facts and historic events to learn about, and that’s exactly what we’re going to cover today!
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