On February 29, history records 34 notable events, 120 famous births and 57 deaths, spanning the years 1504 to 1892.
Events on this day include: Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to convince Native Americans to provide him with supplies. (1504); Abel Tasman's second Pacific voyage began. (1644).
Notable people born on February 29 include Pope Paul III (1468), Albert V, Duke of Bavaria (1528), Domingo Báñez (1528).
Notable figures who died on this day include Pope Hilarius (468), Oswald of Worcester (992), Hōnen (1212).
Events on 29 February 34
See all →Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to convince Native Americans to provide him with supplies.
Queen Anne's War: French forces and Native Americans stage a raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony, killing 56 villagers and taking more than 100 captive.
February 29 is followed by February 30 in Sweden, in a move to abolish the Swedish calendar for a return to the Julian calendar.
Ulrika Eleonora, Queen of Sweden abdicates in favour of her husband, who becomes King Frederick I on 24 March.
The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain comes into force, facilitating ten years of peaceful trade between the two nations.
American Civil War: Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid fails: Plans to free 15,000 Union soldiers being held near Richmond, Virginia are thwarted.
Birthdays on 29 February 120
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Deaths on 29 February 57
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