February 27, American Indian Movement takes over Wounded Knee

Welcome to today’s edition of historical events on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. It marks the 58th day of the year, with 307 days remaining.

Notable events on this day:

On Feb. 27, 1973, the American Indian Movement took over Wounded Knee in South Dakota, where a tragic massacre of Sioux people occurred in 1890. The occupation lasted over two months.

Other significant events on this date:

In 1933, the Reichstag, Germany’s parliament building, was destroyed by fire, leading Chancellor Adolf Hitler to suspend civil liberties, blaming communists for the incident.

The Battle of the Java Sea commenced in 1942 during World War II, resulting in a decisive victory for Imperial Japanese naval forces over the Allies.

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, restricting a president to two terms in office, was ratified in 1951.

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, a significant joint statement aiming to normalize relations between their countries after Nixon’s historic visit to China.

Operation Desert Storm concluded in 1991, with President George H.W. Bush announcing the liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of Iraq’s army, leading to a suspension of combat operations by the allies.

In 1997, Ireland legalized divorce, becoming one of the last countries in the world to do so. Divorce remains illegal in only two countries: the Philippines and Vatican City.

In 2010, Chile experienced an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, resulting in the loss of 525 lives, massive damage amounting to $30 billion, and a major power blackout.

2022 witnessed escalating tensions between East and West as Russian President Vladimir Putin put nuclear forces on high alert, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to talks with Moscow amidst Russia’s advancing troops and tanks into the country.

Celebrity birthdays today:

• Joanne Woodward (Actor) turns 96.
• Raymond Barry (Football Hall of Famer) celebrates his 93rd birthday.
• Ralph Nader (Consumer advocate) is 92 years old.
• Charlayne Hunter-Gault (Broadcast journalist) turns 84.
• Neal Schon (Journey) celebrates his 72nd birthday as a rock musician.
• Timothy Spall (Actor) is 69 today.
• Maggie Hassan (Democratic U.S. Sen. of New Hampshire) turns 68.
• James Worthy (Basketball Hall of Famer) celebrates his 65th birthday.
• Noah Emmerich (Actor) is 61.
• Kent Desormeaux (Jockey) turns 56.
• Chilli (TLC) celebrates her 55th birthday as a singer.
• Tony Gonzalez (Football Hall of Famer) turns 50.
• Chelsea Clinton (Author) is 46.
• Josh Groban (Singer) celebrates his 45th birthday.
• Kate Mara (Actor) turns 43.
• Ten (Pop singer) is 30.