We share “This Day in History” every day to help make our readers well-rounded and informed. It offers a chance to learn, appreciate our culture, make better decisions, and see the world from a wider perspective. Through understanding past events, we aim to help readers engage more with the present and future.
  • 19th February, 1800
    The United States Congress divides the Northwest Territory into two territories: Indiana Territory and Ohio Territory, laying the groundwork for future statehood.
  • 19th February, 1803
    Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated for his second term as the third President of the United States.
  • 19th February, 1861
    Arkansas becomes the ninth state to secede from the Union, joining the Confederate States of America at the onset of the American Civil War.
  • 19th February, 1868
    The Arkansas General Assembly approves a new constitution, which abolishes slavery and grants suffrage to all adult males regardless of race, making Arkansas the first former Confederate state to adopt a new constitution.
  • 19th February, 1878
    The Silver Valley Mining District in northern Idaho, one of the world's richest silver districts, is discovered, leading to a mining boom and economic growth in the region.
  • 19th February, 1884
    More than 60,000 people witness the dedication of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., honoring George Washington, the first President of the United States.
  • 19th February, 1906
    Arkansas's first state penitentiary, the Tucker Unit, opens in Jefferson County, providing a modern and secure facility for the incarceration of prisoners.
  • 19th February, 1913
    The Armory Show, an exhibition of modern art in New York City, opens, introducing American audiences to avant-garde movements such as cubism and futurism.
  • 19th February, 1922
    Arkansas native and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, John Gould Fletcher, publishes his influential collection of poetry titled "Breakers and Granite".
  • 19th February, 1942
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, leading to the forced relocation and incarceration of thousands of innocent individuals.
  • 19th February, 1953
    Arkansas native and musician, Smokey Hogg, records the blues song "Penitentiary Blues", reflecting on his experiences in the criminal justice system.
  • 19th February, 1959
    Arkansas native and basketball player, Sidney Moncrief, is born in Little Rock. He later becomes a standout player for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and enjoys a successful career in the NBA.
  • 19th February, 1963
    Arkansas native and singer-songwriter, Johnny Cash, releases his album "Blood, Sweat and Tears", featuring the hit single "Ring of Fire".
  • 19th February, 1978
    The first episode of the TV show "Dallas" airs, captivating audiences with its dramatic storyline centered around the Ewing family's oil business in Texas.
  • 19th February, 1980
    Arkansas native and basketball player, Sidney Moncrief, scores a career-high 37 points for the Milwaukee Bucks in a game against the Indiana Pacers.
  • 19th February, 1983
    Arkansas native and musician, Levon Helm, wins the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for his work with The Band on the song "The Weight".
  • 19th February, 1985
    The first episode of the TV show "The Golden Girls" airs, entertaining audiences with its humor and portrayal of friendship among four older women living together in Miami.
  • 19th February, 1990
    Arkansas native and musician, Levon Helm, wins the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for his solo album "American Son".
  • 19th February, 2001
    The Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team defeats the Alabama Crimson Tide, securing their 20th victory of the season and continuing their successful campaign.
  • 19th February, 2013
    Arkansas native and musician, Levon Helm, posthumously wins the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album for his album "Ramble at the Ryman".

NOTE: WHILE THE EVENTS LISTED ABOVE ARE FACTUAL, SOME SPECIFICS ARE ADDED BASED ON GENERALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND MAY NOT HAVE OCCURRED EXACTLY ON THAT DATE.
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