February 12th
1733
Led by philanthropist James Edward Oglethorpe, the first English colonists arrived in Georgia, at the site of Savannah.
1870
The Utah Territory granted women the right to vote (revoked in 1887).
1878
Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher’s mask.
1879
The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.
1909
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.
1973
The first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam war took place.
1999
The Senate voted to acquit President Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
2000
Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, died at age 77.
2000
Hall of Fame football coach Tom Landry died at age 75.
Birthdays
83 Joe Garagiola Sportscaster
75 Bill Russell Basketball Hall of Famer
70 Ray Manzarek Rock musician (The Doors)
54 Arsenio Hall Actor
46 John Michael Higgins Actor
42 Ed Lover Rap personality
41 Josh Brolin Actor
41 Chynna Phillips Singer (Wilson Philips)
39 Jim Creeggan Rock musician (Barenaked Ladies)
30 Jesse Spencer Actor ("House")
29 Sarah Lancaster Actress ("Chuck," "Everwood")
29 Christina Ricci Actress
73 Charles Darwin 2/12/1809 - 4/19/1882 English naturalist who documented evolution
56 Abraham Lincoln 2/12/1809 - 4/15/1865 16th President of the United States