Today in US history, on February 22: From George Washington’s birth and territorial expansion to historic battles, technological milestones that shaped the nation

February 22 has marked pivotal moments in American history, spanning the birth of a founding president, landmark diplomatic agreements, decisive wartime victories, technological breakthroughs, and one of the most iconic upsets in sports. Across centuries, events on this day have shaped the nation’s political landscape and cultural memory.

1732 - George Washington’s birthday

Born on February 22, 1732, in Virginia, George Washington became the first President of the United States and a key figure in the nation’s founding. His birthday was declared a federal holiday in 1879 and is now observed as Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February. Each year on February 22, the US Senate marks the occasion by reading Washington’s Farewell Address.


1819 - Acquisition of Florida

The US and Spain signed the Adams-Onís Treaty, in which Spain ceded Florida to the United States and defined the boundary between the US and New Spain.

1847 - Battle of Buena Vista

In 1847, amid the Mexican-American War, US troops under General Zachary Taylor defeated a substantially larger Mexican army commanded by General Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista.

1980 - US stuns Soviet hockey powerhouse

During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the US Olympic hockey team shocked the world by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union in what became one of the most celebrated upsets in sports history.

1978 - First GPS satellite

The US Air Force launched Navstar 1, the world’s first operational Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, marking the beginning of a navigation technology that would transform military operations and everyday life worldwide.