A page from the past

Feb. 11, 1842

Gunfire erupts in the Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin in Madison as member James R. Vineyard shoots and kills member Charles C.P. Arndt following an argument between the two over the appointment of sheriff for Grant County. Vineyard was acquitted of manslaughter in October 1843.

Source: Wisconsin Historical Society

Feb. 14, 1903

President Theodore Roosevelt passes legislation for the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Bureau of Corporations to provide oversight for corporations involved in interstate trade. Roosevelt wrote that the legislation "was characterized throughout by the idea that we were not attacking corporations, but endeavoring to provide for doing away for any evil in them."

Source: www.historychannel.com

Feb. 15, 1903

With the blessing of President Theodore Roosevelt, Morris Michtom, a toy store owner and inventor, places two stuffed bears in his shop window, advertising them as "Teddy" bears. Legend has it that while hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Roosevelt came upon an old injured black bear that his guides tied to a tree. While some reported that Roosevelt shot the bear out of pity, others claim he set the bear free.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Feb. 20, 1986

After more than a century of false starts, France and England announce official plans for the Channel Tunnel running beneath the English Channel to connect the two countries. The project started in 1987 and reached completion in 1994.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Feb. 21, 1885

The Washington Monument is formally dedicated. The structure, designed by architect Robert Mills, was the tallest in the world upon its completion, and it remains the tallest building in Washington, D.C.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Feb. 23, 1945

During the Battle for Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines take the crest of Mount Suribachi and raise the U.S. flag. Hours later, more Marines reach the crest to raise a larger flag, and that image, captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, becomes the most reproduced photo in history.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Feb. 25, 1919

Oregon becomes the first state to place a tax on gasoline, using the money collected from the 1 percent tax for road construction and maintenance.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Feb. 27, 1964

Fearing that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in danger of toppling in an earthquake or storm, the Italian government begins accepting suggestions on how to save the 180-foot structure. Tower construction started in 1173, and, by 1964, the tower's top was hanging 17 feet south of its base.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Feb. 28, 1827

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad gets its charter to become the first railway authorized for commercial transportation of freight and passengers. Construction of the railroad began on July 4, 1828, at the Baltimore Harbor.

Source: Library of Congress

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division