This Day In History : February 2

1922 France

James Joyce's "Ulysses" Published

On February 2, 1922, James Joyce's novel "Ulysses" was published in Paris, marking a significant literary event. Known for its experimental style and Dublin setting, it explores a single day in the life of Leopold Bloom, becoming a cornerstone of modernist literature.

Also on This Day in History February 2

Discover what happened on February 2 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 2
  • 1882 James Joyce

    Irish novelist and poet (Dubliners, Ulysses, Finnigan's Wake)

  • 1841 François-Alphonse Forel

    Swiss physician, scientist, and founder of limnology

  • 1905 Jean-Pierre Guerlain

    French cosmetics pioneer

  • 1895 George Halas

    American NFL co-founder

  • 1859 Havelock Ellis

    English physician, psychologist who studied sexual behavior and wrote The Psychology of Sex

Deaths on This Day, February 2
  • 1804 George Walton

    American statesman and signers of United States Declaration of Independence

  • 2018 Joseph Polchinski

    American theoretical physicist (multiverse)

  • 2021 Rudolph Pariser

    American theoretical chemist who developed the Pariser-Parr-Pople method for calculating molecular electronic structure

  • 1826 Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

    French lawyer and politician who wrote "Physiology of Taste"

  • 1907 Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev

    Russian chemist and inventor who devised the periodic table of the elements

1852

The first public flushing toilet is opened in London

After the success of Jennings’ Crystal Palace lavatories, public toilets started to appear in the streets, the first of these being at 95, Fleet Street, London, next to the Society of Art on February 2, 1852; with one for women opening a little later, on the February 11 at 51 Bedford Street, Strand, London. These ‘Public Waiting Rooms’ contained water closets in wooden surrounds.
2022

Unique Moment as 2:22:22 on 2/2/22 Arrives

On February 2, 2022, at 2:22:22 PM, a rare and symmetrical moment occurred as the date and time aligned with all twos. This unique numerical pattern, celebrated globally, captured the imagination for its mathematical precision and cultural significance. Social media buzzed with excitement, highlighting the event's once-in-a-lifetime appeal and sparking reflections on the beauty of numerical synchronicity.
1913

Grand Central Terminal Opens in New York City

Grand Central Terminal, one of the most iconic transportation hubs in the world, officially opened its doors to the public on February 2, 1913. Designed by architects Reed and Stem in collaboration with Warren and Wetmore, the terminal stands as a symbol of architectural grandeur and serves as a central transportation hub for commuters and travelers in New York City.
1901

Female Army Nurse Corps Established as Permanent Organization

On February 2, 1901, the United States Army formally established the Female Army Nurse Corps as a permanent organization. This marked a significant milestone in military medical history, ensuring that women could serve as nurses in the U.S. Army, contributing their skills and expertise to support soldiers in times of war and peace.
Holiday
Special day
Discover invention