Historical Events on February 14

St. Valentine Executed

Here are some historical events that occurred on February 14:

270 - St. Valentine, a Christian martyr, is said to have been executed on this day, which later led to the celebration of Valentine's Day.

1779 - James Cook, the British explorer, is killed by Native Hawaiians on the island of Hawaii.

1849 - In New York City, James Knox Polk becomes the first serving President of the United States to have his photograph taken.

1929 - The "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" occurs in Chicago, Illinois, when seven members of the Bugs Moran gang are gunned down by Al Capone's gang.

1945 - During World War II, the bombing of Dresden, Germany by Allied forces begins. The city is heavily devastated and tens of thousands of civilians are killed.

1961 - Discovery of the chemical element Lawrencium is announced.

1989 - The last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan, ending a nine-year military intervention.

2005 - Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is assassinated in Beirut, leading to mass protests and political turmoil in Lebanon.

2018 - A gunman opens fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring several others in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

These are just a few notable events that have happened on February 14 throughout history.