On this day: February 8
February 8, 1587 – Mary, Queen of Scots, is executed
On this day in 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in England. Mary had been imprisoned for over 18 years by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, due to her claim to the English throne. After being implicated in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth, Mary was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Her execution marked the end of a tumultuous reign and a tragic life for the Scottish queen.
February 8, 1910 – The Boy Scouts of America is founded
On February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was founded by William D. Boyce in Washington, D.C. The organization was modeled after the successful Boy Scout movement in England and aimed to provide young boys with character-building activities and leadership skills. Over the years, the Boy Scouts of America has grown to become one of the largest and most influential youth organizations in the country.
February 8, 1924 – The first execution by gas chamber takes place
On this day in 1924, the first execution by gas chamber took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City. The condemned man, Gee Jon, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by cyanide gas. The use of the gas chamber as a method of execution was seen as a more humane alternative to hanging or the electric chair. However, it sparked controversy and debate over the ethics of capital punishment.
February 8, 1960 – The first 8-hour workday law is passed
On February 8, 1960, the first law mandating an 8-hour workday was passed in the United States. The law, known as the Fair Labor Standards Act, aimed to improve working conditions and protect workers from exploitation. It set a standard workweek of 40 hours and required overtime pay for hours worked beyond that. The passage of this law marked a significant milestone in the labor rights movement in the U.S.
February 8, 1986 – The Soviet Union launches the space station Mir
On this day in 1986, the Soviet Union launched the space station Mir into orbit. Mir was the first modular space station and served as a precursor to the International Space Station. Over the course of its 15-year mission, Mir hosted numerous cosmonauts and astronauts from various countries and conducted a wide range of scientific experiments. Its successful operation paved the way for future space stations and collaborations in space exploration.
February 8, 2004 – The Walt Disney Company buys Pixar Animation Studios
On February 8, 2004, The Walt Disney Company acquired Pixar Animation Studios in a landmark deal worth $7.4 billion. The acquisition brought together two of the most successful animation studios in Hollywood and solidified Disney’s position as a powerhouse in the industry. The partnership produced a string of hit films, including “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” and “The Incredibles,” and revolutionized the world of animated movies.
