Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, February 26, 2025. I am Dom Einhorn, your lead curator, and here are your insights into what makes this day in history relevant today. First time reading? Join our community of intellectually curious readers who explore the history behind every day. [Sign up here]

Spread the word: Share this email with friends (copy URL here).

This newsletter is brought to you by Born2Invest, your personal finance newsletter. Subscribe for FREE here. Born2Invest: Bold Moves. Great Returns.

Today in History

Marquee Event of the Day

> February 26, 1993: The World Trade Center is bombed.

Why this matters: The bombing of the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993, was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, serving as an early signal of the escalating threat of terrorism on American soil. The attack, orchestrated by a group of Islamist extremists, resulted in six deaths and thousands of injuries. Although the bombing was not successful in bringing down the Twin Towers, it exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. national security and highlighted the need for stronger counterterrorism measures. This event set the stage for heightened security efforts and foreshadowed the catastrophic 9/11 attacks, which would forever change the landscape of global security and U.S. foreign policy. 

Notable Events

• February 26, 1929 - Grand Teton National Park is established in Wyoming and expands in 1950 to include most of Jackson Hole National Monument.

• February 26, 1919 - The U.S. Congress designates Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona.

• February 26, 1885 - The Berlin West Africa Conference ends, solidifying European colonial claims in Central Africa.

In partnership with Masters of Trivia 
Knowledge Gamified

Masters of Trivia is gearing up to launch its utility token soon. Register for a FREE player account now so as not to miss out!

A recent New York Weekly article featured Dom Einhorn’s attempt to “Revolutionize Quizzing and Hyper-Targeted Advertising.” For transparency, Intelligent Games is the parent company of both the KRONIKL newsletter and Masters of Trivia, the quiz platform linked to many topics featured in this newsletter. An excerpt of the article reads:

Einhorn points to the company’s slogan to explain the value of Masters of Trivia’s platform. “Our slogan is ‘Knowledge Gamified’ and not ‘Gamified Knowledge’ for a good reason,” he explains. “We aim to educate and inform first and foremost, but we also know that most people need to be deeply engaged in the learning process. Hence, we added a heavy dose of entertainment and incentives to the mix.”

Please support our sponsors!

Echoes in Time

Here are two events from February 26 that continue to resonate in the present day.

1. Event: February 26, 1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from Elba.

Lasting Significance: Napoleon’s escape from Elba on February 26, 1815, marked a dramatic turning point in European history. His unexpected return to France during the period known as the Hundred Days challenged the restored Bourbon monarchy and unsettled the continent’s balance of power. This bold move forced European leaders to mobilize against him, ultimately leading to his final defeat at Waterloo and reshaping the future of European politics.

2. Event: February 26, 1932 - Johnny Cash is born.

Lasting Significance: Born on February 26, 1932, Johnny Cash became a transformative figure in American music. Known for his deep, resonant voice and rebellious persona, Cash transcended the boundaries of country music by blending elements of rock, folk, and blues. His honest, storytelling approach resonated with diverse audiences, making him an enduring icon whose influence reshaped not only the music industry but also the cultural landscape of America.

In the Spotlight

Birthdays, Passings & Milestones
Highlighting the influential figures who were born or died on this day, along with their legacies.

• February 26, 2012 - National debates on racism and profiling erupted after Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teen, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, who claimed self-defense.

• February 26, 1971 - American singer and songwriter, Erykah Badu, is born.

• February 26, 1954 - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is born. Turkey’s president since 2014, he has shaped the country’s politics with his strong leadership, economic policies, and increasing centralization of power.

Science & Discovery

Brought to you by TopRanked, the Affiliate Marketing Directory.

• February 26, 1597 - Cornelis de Houtman's Dutch fleet leaves Bali bound for the Netherlands.

• February 26, 1949 - A USAF plane launches the first nonstop around-the-world flight.

• February 26, 1954 - The first typesetting machine for photo engraving is used in Quincy, Massachusetts.

• February 26, 1967 - The USSR conducts a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan.

• February 26, 1935 - RADAR is demonstrated for the very first time by Robert Watson-Watt and Arnold Wilkins in Daventry, England.

Today in Finance

Brought to you by Born2Invest.
Curated reads and interesting tidbits from the world of finance.

• February 26, 1974 - Nike receives a U.S. patent for its waffle trainer, invented by co-founder Bill Bowerman using a waffle iron.

• February 26, 1863 - Abraham Lincoln signs the National Currency Act, creating a unified U.S. currency.

• February 26, 1907 - US Congress raise their own salaries to $7,500.

• February 26, 1907 - Royal Oil & Shell merge to form British Petroleum (BP).

Today in Sports

Brought to you by The Hunslet Wolves, a new UK-based rugby franchise coached by the former defensive head coach of the French National Team, David Ellis.

• February 26, 1859 - Paul Morphy begins his chess match against Augustus Mongredien, which he wins.

• February 26, 1935 - The New York Yankees release Babe Ruth, who then signs with the Boston Braves.

• February 26, 1987 - Michael Jordan sets a Chicago Bulls record with 58 points in a game.

• February 26, 1973 - Triple Crown winner Secretariat is purchased for a record $5.7 million.

• February 26, 1982 - Martin Crowe makes his Test cricket debut for New Zealand against Australia in Wellington, scoring 9 before being run out.

In the Arts Today

• February 26, 1951 - James Jones publishes From Here to Eternity, a novel about the U.S. Army in Hawaii before Pearl Harbor, later adapted into an Oscar-winning film.

• February 26, 1928 - Fats Domino, a pioneering rock-and-roll singer and pianist, is born.

• February 26, 1802 - Victor Hugo, the leading French Romantic writer, was born.

• February 26, 1899 - Gustav Mahler conducts Bruckner's Symphony No. 6 premiere with the Vienna Philharmonic in Graz.

• February 26, 1983 - Michael Jackson's Thriller hits #1 and remains there for 37 weeks.

The Rest of the Story

• February 26, 1928 - Ariel Sharon is born. Israel’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, Sharon was a military leader turned politician known for his role in Israeli security, settlements, and the Gaza disengagement plan.

• February 26, 1935 - Adolf Hitler secretly authorizes the creation of the Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force, as the third branch of its military.

• February 26, 1968 - Allied troops recapturing Hue during the Tet Offensive discover the first mass graves.

Quote of the Day

Enjoying KRONIKL? Share it with friends! [Referral link]
Send feedback at [[email protected]] or let us know what you'd like to see next.

Why KRONIKL? Inspired by the timeless concept of chronicles, KRONIKL is dedicated to bringing you the most intriguing, thought-provoking stories from this date. Culture, science, politics, and more — all condensed for a quick, insightful read that connects your present with our past.

*Disclosure: Masters of Trivia is a quiz platform founded by Dom Einhorn and owned by Intelligent Games LLC—the same company that brings you the KRONIKL newsletter.