February 15

On February 15, 1764, French fur traders under Spanish rule founded the settlement that would become St. Louis. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, it served as a strategic trading post between French, Spanish, and Native American communities. The city’s advantageous position facilitated commerce in furs, lead, and agricultural products. Over time, St. Louis grew into a key gateway for westward expansion in North America. Its multicultural origins and riverfront location shaped its emergence as a major American metropolis.

On February 15, 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology opened its doors in Hoboken, New Jersey, founded by the Stevens family. It was one of the earliest American institutions to emphasize practical engineering and technical education. The school offered the nation's first Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering, reflecting the growing demand for engineers during the Industrial Revolution. Its curriculum combined theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory work, setting a precedent for engineering education in the United States. Over time, Stevens became known for its research contributions in fields such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and materials science. The institute's emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship continues to influence its mission today.

On February 15, 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes approved legislation granting women the right to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. The bill was championed by pioneering attorney Belva Lockwood, who sought equal access to the nation's highest court. Prior to this law, female lawyers could be admitted to lower federal courts but were barred from the Supreme Court bar. Shortly after the law's passage, Lockwood became the first woman to present an oral argument before the Court. This milestone paved the way for greater gender equality in the legal profession and emboldened advocates for women's rights. The decision represented a broader shift in American society toward expanding professional opportunities for women.

In the winter of 1925, the remote town of Nome faced a deadly diphtheria outbreak with limited antitoxin supplies. Snowbound and cut off from supply lines, a relay of dog sled teams braved treacherous conditions over hundreds of miles to deliver the serum. This second delivery on February 15 provided life-saving doses to inoculate the population and avert a humanitarian disaster. Mushers like Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo became emblematic of courage and endurance in the Alaskan frontier. The serum run remains celebrated as a testament to community solidarity and the remarkable bond between mushers and their sled dogs.

On February 15, 2003, an estimated eight to thirty million people participated in coordinated protests across over 600 cities worldwide, rallying against the prospect of a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. From Rome to London and Sydney to New York, activists of all ages and backgrounds flooded streets with banners calling for peace. The demonstrations marked the largest global anti-war mobilization in history, reflecting unprecedented international solidarity. Despite these massive protests, military operations began less than a month later. The events underscored deep global divisions over the use of force and the role of international institutions.