View of several members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) as they stand next to a sweat lodge erected on a hill below the Sacred Heart Church during the occupation of the town of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, 1973. AIM occupied the town, exchanging gunfire with local and federal troops, from February 27 through May 8, 1973, following internal reservation disputes as well as disatisfaction with the US government's treatment of Native American peoples in general. (Photo by Peter Davis/Getty Images)

1973

AIM occupation of Wounded Knee begins

Born on This Day

John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck

1902 - 1968

Nobel Prize-winning author of socially-conscious novels "The Grapes of Wrath," "East of Eden," and "Of Mice and Men."

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson

1897 - 1993

Opera singer who broke racial barriers in classical music, including an iconic 1939 appearance at the Lincoln Memorial.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor

1932 - 2011

Actress and AIDS activist known for her roles in films like "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," as well as her tumultuous personal life.

1872

FEB

27

Charlotte E. Ray graduates from Howard Law School, becoming the first Black woman to practice law in the United States.

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on February 27th

1827

New Orleanians take to the streets for Mardi Gras

On February 27, 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

1844

Dominican Republic declares independence as a sovereign state

On February 27, 1844, revolutionary fervor boils over on the eastern side of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Finally coming into the open after years of covert planning, a group known as La Trinitaria seizes the fortress of Puerta del Conde in the city of Santo Domingo, beginning the Dominican War of Independence.

1860

Mathew Brady photographs presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln

On February 27, 1860, President Abraham Lincoln poses for the first of several portraits by noted Civil War-era photographer Mathew Brady. Days later, the photograph is published on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar with the caption, "Hon. Abram [sic] Lincoln, of Illinois, Republican Candidate for President."

1922

Supreme Court defends women’s voting rights

In deciding the case Leser v. Garnett, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the 19th Amendment—which, when ratified two years earlier, provided American women with the right to vote. The justices were unanimous in their decision to dismiss the challenge.

1935

6-year-old Shirley Temple receives special miniature Oscar

At the seventh Academy Awards ceremony, on February 27, 1935, 6-year-old ascendant Hollywood star Shirley Temple receives the first-ever kid-sized, "juvenile" Oscar. The trophy measured roughly half the height of a full-sized Oscar.

1942

U.S. aircraft carrier Langley is sunk

The U.S. Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the Langley_,_ is sunk by Japanese warplanes (with a little help from U.S. destroyers), and all of its 32 aircraft are lost.

1960

U.S. Olympic hockey team beats Soviet Union

Two decades before the famed "Miracle on Ice," another underdog U.S. Olympic hockey team defeats the Soviet Union team in the semifinals at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California on February 27, 1960. The next day, the U.S. beats Czechoslovakia to win its first-ever Olympic gold medal in hockey.

1964

Italian government seeks aid for fixing Leaning Tower of Pisa

On February 27, 1964, the Italian government announces that it is accepting suggestions on how to save the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa from collapse. The top of the 180-foot tower was hanging 17 feet south of the base, and studies showed that the tilt was increasing by a fraction every year. Experts warned that the medieval building—one of Italy’s top tourist attractions—was in serious danger of toppling in an earthquake or storm.

1980

“I Will Survive” wins the first—and last—Grammy ever awarded for Best Disco Recording

On February 27, 1980, the first—and final—Grammy for Best Disco Recording is awarded to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

1980

Buddy Holly’s glasses, lost since his death in 1959, are found in Mason City, Iowa

On February 27, 1980, the long-lost glasses of rocker Buddy Holly, who died in the deadly plane crash in 1959, were found—filed away in an envelope in a court clerk's office.

2006

Effa Manley becomes first woman elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

On February 27, 2006, baseball pioneer Effa Manley becomes the first woman elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Manley, who died in 1981, was co-owner of the Newark (New Jersey) Eagles, a Negro League powerhouse, and a huge advocate for Black ballplayers and civil rights causes.

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