February 2nd
1536
The city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza.
1653
New Amsterdam - now New York City - was incorporated.
1709
Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, was rescued after four years alone on an island off the coast of Chile.
1848
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican War, was signed. In the treaty, Mexico ceded to the United States a huge portion of what is today the American West and Southwest, including California and New Mexico.
1876
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was formed.
1887
The first gathering at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsatawney, Pa. to wait for the groundhog's shadow occurred.
1922
James Joyce's Ulysses was published.
1943
Nazi troops surrendered in the World War II Battle of Stalingrad.
1950
"What's My Line" debuted on CBS television.
1979
Punk rock musician Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols died of a drug overdose at age 21.
1980
The Abscam scandal was revealed.
1990
South African President F. W. de Klerk lifted a ban on the African National Congress and promised to free Nelson Mandela.
1996
Dancer, actor and choreographer Gene Kelly died at age 83.
Birthdays
72 Tom Smothers Comedian
67 Graham Nash Rock singer, musician (Crosby, Stills and Nash)
62 Farrah Fawcett Actress ("Charlie's Angels")
61 Al McKay Musician and songwriter (Earth, Wind & Fire)
60 Ross Valory Rock musician (Journey)
55 Christie Brinkley Model
54 Michael Talbott Actor ("Miami Vice")
44
heavyd Cigar Asylum Inmate
43 Robert DeLeo Rock musician (Stone Temple Pilots)
41
Thaplumbr Cigar Asylum Inmate
38 Ben Mize Rock musician (Counting Crows)
34 Todd Bertuzzi Hockey player
32 Shakira Singer
20
smokeyandthebandit05 Cigar Asylum Inmate
58 James Joyce 2/2/1882 - 1/13/1941 Irish novelist
88 George Stanley Halas 2/2/1895 - 10/31/1983 American founder/owner of Chicago Bears
76 Howard Johnson 2/2/1897 - 6/20/1972 American hotelier
73 James Dickey 2/2/1923 - 1/19/1997 American author