1796 - The capital of Upper Canada is moved from Newark to York.
1814 - Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupts, killing around 1,200 people, the most devastating eruption of the volcano.
1918 - Russia adopts Gregorian calender (becomes Feb 14)
1949 - 200" (5.08-m) Hale telescope 1st used
2003 - Space Shuttle program, STS-107 Mission: Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts aboard.