This Day in History on February 1 - History and Headlines

A Brief History of the Largest Global Horse Racing Events

By Abdul Alhazred on June 24, 2019 Animals/Pets, February 1, Sports

A Brief History On February 1, 1941, the inaugural horse racing meet at Golden Gate Fields was held in Berkeley, California, United States. Although thoroughbred racing has remained a beloved sport throughout the centuries, what you may not know is just how old it really is. With origins dating all the way back to 4500 BC, it was a favorite pastime among the nomadic tribesmen of central Asia – which brings us to our roundup of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events. Saddle up! Digging Deeper The Dubai World Cup Founded in 1996, the Dubai World Cup may be the least…

February 1, 1964: What Was the First Beatles #1 Hit in the US?

By Major Dan on February 1, 2019 February 1, Music

A Brief History On February 1, 1964, the British sensational band, The Beatles, hit the top of the American charts for the first time with their smash hit, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The iconic rock song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and would be the first of many such #1 hits by this song writing and singing pair. In fact, the Beatles would go on to post a record 20 #1 hits in the US. The Beatles would go on to probably the greatest career for any band in musical history, let alone Rock and…

February 1, 1796: Why Was “Upper Canada” the Southernmost Part of Canada?

By Major Dan on February 1, 2018 February 1, Humor, Places

A Brief History On February 1, 1796, the British government changed the capital of Upper Canada from Newark to York. Oddly named to the casual observer, the province of Upper Canada is actually the furthest South of all parts of Canada, and no, it does not have a high elevation, either. Digging Deeper Occupying the central area of British Canada (Canada became independent in 1867, and the French claimed a large portion called New France until after the Seven Years War), Upper Canada was a province that today is the southern part of Ontario, from the 1000 Islands region North…

February 1, 2009: World’s First LGBT Head of Government

By Major Dan on February 1, 2017 February 1, Politics

A Brief History On February 1, 2009, a milestone in LGBT rights occurred when the Icelandic Althing (their version of a Parliament) elected Johanna Siguroardottir Prime Minister, age 66, an openly lesbian woman, the first head of government in the world to be openly LGBT. Digging Deeper The ascension of Johanna in 2009 placed her in the Forbes List of 100 Most Powerful Women in the world. Serving only one term as Prime Minister, Johanna retired from politics in 2012. After graduating from college, Johanna worked as a flight attendant and office worker, then became active in labor union work,…

February 1, 1960: The First of the Greensboro Sit-Ins

By Major Dan on February 1, 2015 February 1, Politics, Society

A Brief History On February 1, 1960, 4 African-American college freshman from North Carolina Agricultural and Mining University, who later became known as the “Greensboro Four,” made some minor purchases at a Greensboro, NC, Woolworth store and then sat at the “whites only” segregated lunch counter where the white proprietor refused them service and ordered them to vacate the premises. Digging Deeper Intentionally challenging racial segregation, the 4 young black men stayed at the counter until the store closed. The next day, the scene was repeated, except this time with 20 or more African-American college students, among them females from…