Top 5 Historical Events on February 18
February 18th is a date marked by significant literary publications, astronomical discoveries, chilling confessions in criminal history, tragic events in sports, and pivotal moments in American history. Here are key occurrences on February 18:
1. Pluto Discovered (1930):
At the Lowell Observatory in Arizona on February 18, 1930, an astronomer by the name of Clyde Tombaugh made a revolutionary discovery. Pluto was discovered, bringing a new member of the Solar System’s planet family at the time. Tombaugh’s discovery marked the end of a quest that started with Percival Lowell’s theory that there was a ninth planet—dubbed “Planet X”—beyond Neptune. Tombaugh discovered Pluto, which was once hailed as the eighth planet in the Solar System, by comparing photographic plates taken weeks apart in order to look for any moving objects. This discovery increased our understanding of the celestial bodies that orbit our sun, making it an important scientific accomplishment.
Pluto, the ninth planet in the Solar System, captivated the public’s attention and advanced our knowledge of the universe for more than 70 years. Being smaller and more distant than any known planet at the time, it was a singular object. But as science and technology developed, and more was learned about the farthest reaches of our solar system, it became evident that Pluto was not the only object in its far orbit. There have been discussions on the parameters that characterize a planet when similar-sized and even larger objects were found in the Kuiper Belt, an area of space brimming with frozen bodies.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) made a momentous decision in 2006 that completely changed the configuration of our solar system. Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” based on their criteria, which include an object’s capacity to remove other debris from its orbit. Although this choice has generated controversy, it reflects how scientific classification changes and how much we still do not know about the universe.
2. Green River Serial Killer Pleads Guilty to 49th Murder (2011):
On February 18, 2011, Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, entered a guilty plea to his 49th murder, adding a terrifying chapter to the dark history of American criminality. His guilty plea not only established him as one of the country’s most prolific serial killers, but it also provided some closure to the horrific atrocities that had plagued the Seattle region for decades. The main tactic used by Ridgway was to target women, many of whom were sex workers and other marginalized groups in society. His crimes, most of which happened in the 1980s and 1990s, left the Pacific Northwest community in a state of terror and sadness.
Ridgway’s ability to evade capture for years added to the mystery and horror surrounding his crimes. The moniker “Green River Killer” originated from his early murders, where he disposed of the bodies of his victims along or near the banks of the Green River in Washington State. It wasn’t until advances in DNA technology emerged that law enforcement was able to conclusively link Ridgway to multiple murders, leading to his arrest in 2001. Subsequent investigations revealed the grim extent of his killing spree, with Ridgway confessing to more murders than any other serial killer in American history up to that point.
The guilty plea in 2011 for his 49th murder underscored the vast scale of Ridgway’s brutality and provided critical momentum for ongoing efforts to resolve remaining cases potentially linked to him. For the families of the victims and the wider Seattle community, Ridgway’s conviction and the subsequent revelations about his crimes brought mixed feelings of relief and enduring grief. The saga of the Green River Killer, spanning over two decades of investigations, trials, and eventual confessions, remains a somber reminder of the capacity for evil in human nature and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the community affected by these tragic losses.
3. Mark Twain Publishes “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885):
On February 18, 1885, a monumental moment in literary history occurred with the publication of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain in the United States. This novel, now celebrated as one of the cornerstones of American literature, was met with immediate acclaim and controversy due to its unflinching exploration of race, morality, and freedom through the eyes of its young protagonist, Huck Finn. Set along the Mississippi River in the antebellum South, Twain’s narrative weaves a complex tapestry of societal critique and human compassion, challenging the racial prejudices and moral hypocrisy of the time.
At the time of “Huckleberry Finn,” Mark Twain—real name Samuel Langhorne Clemens—was already well-known as a writer, but the book brought him even greater recognition because of its remarkable ability to capture the colloquial speech of the area and its profound insight into human nature. The novel’s portrayal of the friendship between Jim, an escaped slave, and Huck, a white lad, was revolutionary. Through their voyage, Twain makes a powerful argument for the importance of a person’s conscience over social conventions by exposing the reader to the evils of slavery and the moral quandaries that ensnare those caught in its clutches.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” has garnered both praise and criticism throughout the years, positioning itself at the forefront of discussions over racism, censorship, and the portrayal of African Americans in literature. Although there has been much debate about whether or not to include it in the school curriculum, it is still a crucial work because of its historical background and its ability to start vital discussions about America’s history and present struggles with race and identity.
Despite the controversy, the novel’s significance cannot be overstated. It not only marks a high point in Mark Twain’s illustrious career but also continues to influence writers and thinkers around the world. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” stands as a testament to Twain’s genius in blending humor, social commentary, and a deep empathy for his characters.
4. Dale Earnhardt Sr. Dies in Daytona 500 Crash (2001):
On February 18, 2001, iconic American stock-car racer Dale Earnhardt Sr. was tragically injured in an incident that claimed his life during the last lap of the Daytona 500, rocking the motorsports world. With seven Winston Cup titles during his remarkable career, Earnhardt—dubbed “The Intimidator” for his aggressive driving style—was a legendary figure in NASCAR. His passing not only created a vacuum in the racing world, but it also served as a sobering reminder of the risks involved with the activity.
Earnhardt had seen both victory and grief at the Daytona International Speedway, the scene of the crash that took his life. His unexpected death stunned the racing community and beyond as a well-liked and respected figure in NASCAR, inspiring a global outpouring of sorrow from supporters, fellow racers, and sports fans. In addition to his daring style of racing, Earnhardt left a lasting legacy by helping to make the sport more well-known and popular.
Following Earnhardt’s passing, NASCAR and the motorsports industry as a whole were forced to review and improve driver safety protocols. This sad incident prompted a major revision of safety procedures, which included making the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device essential, enhancing car design, and installing better barriers at racetracks. Since then, these actions have helped to lower the likelihood of major injuries and fatalities in racing, signaling a change in the way the sport approaches safety.
5. Inauguration of Jefferson Davis (1861):
Jefferson Davis took office as the Confederate States of America’s president on February 18, 1861, in Montgomery, Alabama. This event marked the beginning of one of the most turbulent times in American history. This incident took place just before the American Civil War broke out, a conflict that would engulf the country in a four-year battle for slavery, states’ rights, and the Union’s very existence. During Davis’s presidency, the country was deeply divided, with the Union pushing for a more centralized federal government and the abolition of slavery, while the Confederacy defended state sovereignty and the right to keep the institution of slavery in place.
The Confederacy was chosen to be led by former U.S. Senator and Secretary of War Jefferson Davis during this time of great challenge and transition. With his inauguration, the Confederate states—which had broken away from the Union to protect their way of life, which included an economy mainly dependent on slavery—were formally united. The attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War as the Confederacy, led by Davis, attempted to assert its independence.
The fundamental causes and consequences of the American Civil War were largely determined by Jefferson Davis’s presidency and the Confederacy’s existence. At its core, the war was a struggle between states’ rights and slavery, with Davis and the Confederate leadership arguing that slavery was necessary for their social and economic systems. Their position put them at odds with President Abraham Lincoln’s Union, who considered upholding the Union and ending slavery as of utmost importance.
In the end, Jefferson Davis’s presidency came to an end and the Confederacy was defeated in the Civil War. The Union’s victory was a crucial turning point in American history that put the nation on the route to healing and reconstruction. It also resulted in the approval of the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery.
