February 14

What happened on February 14 in history

4 events fall on February 14, from 1779 to 1989. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on February 14

  1. 1779

    Captain Cook is killed in Hawaii

    A dispute over a stolen boat ends in violence at Kealakekua Bay.

    Play the Exploration & revolution round

  2. 1876

    The telephone patent is filed

    Alexander Graham Bell files hours before a rival caveat by Elisha Gray.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1929

    The St Valentine's Day Massacre

    Seven men are shot dead in a Chicago garage during the city's gang wars.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1989

    The fatwa against Salman Rushdie

    Ayatollah Khomeini calls for the death of the author of The Satanic Verses.

    Play the 20th century round