February 20 - This day in History

February 20: General Interest
1985: Ireland allows sale of contraceptives

In a highly controversial vote on February 20, 1985, the Irish government defies the powerful Catholic Church and approves the sale of contraceptives... read more


American Revolution
1792 : Postal Service Act regulates United States Post Office Department
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/postal-service-act-regulates-united-states-post-office-department


Automotive
1997 : Kramer on "Seinfeld" adopts a highway
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/kramer-on-seinfeld-adopts-a-highway


Civil War
1864 : Rebels defeat Yankees at the Battle of Olustee
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-olustee


Cold War
1976 : SEATO disbands
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/seato-disbands


Crime
1974 : Atlanta Constitution editor is kidnapped
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/atlanta-constitution-editor-is-kidnapped


Disaster
2003 : Rhode Island nightclub burns
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/rhode-island-nightclub-burns


General Interest
1725 : American colonists practice scalping
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-colonists-practice-scalping

1962 : An American orbits earth
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/an-american-orbits-earth

1986 : Chunnel plans announced
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/chunnel-plans-announced


Hollywood
1992 : John Singleton nominated for Best Director Oscar
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-singleton-nominated-for-best-director-oscar


Literary
1950 : Dylan Thomas arrives in New York
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dylan-thomas-arrives-in-new-york


Music
2003 : Fire engulfs nightclub during Great White show
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fire-engulfs-nightclub-during-great-white-show


Old West
1902 : Ansel Adams is born
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ansel-adams-is-born


Presidential
1792 : George Washington signs the Postal Service Act
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/george-washington-signs-the-postal-service-act


Sports
1998 : Tara Lipinski becomes youngest Olympic figure skating gold medalist
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/tara-lipinski-becomes-youngest-olympic-figure-skating-gold-medalist


Vietnam War
1968 : Hearings begin on American policy in Vietnam
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hearings-begin-on-american-policy-in-vietnam


World War I
1919 : Amir of Afghanistan is assassinated
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/amir-of-afghanistan-is-assassinated


World War II
1942 : Pilot O'Hare becomes first American WWII flying ace
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pilot-ohare-becomes-first-american-wwii-flying-ace