Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
February 27 Friday, February 27, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on February 27 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
5
Holidays
1801
US history 225 years ago
Pursuant to the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801, Washington, D.C. is placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.
Washington, D.C., is placed under the direct jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, establishing federal governance over the new capital.
History
What happened on February 27
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 380Religion
Edict of Thessalonica: Emperor Theodosius I and his co-emperors Gratian and Valentinian II declare their wish that all Roman citizens convert to Nicene Christianity.
Theodosius I and his co-emperors declare Nicene Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire, requiring citizen adherence.
- 425European history
The University of Constantinople is founded by Emperor Theodosius II at the urging of his wife Aelia Eudocia.
Emperor Theodosius II establishes the University of Constantinople, influenced by his wife Aelia Eudocia, creating one of the Byzantine Empire's premier centers of learning.
- 907World history
Abaoji, chieftain of the Yila tribe, is named khagan of the Khitans.
Abaoji becomes khagan of the Khitans, unifying various tribes under his leadership.
- 1560UK history
The Treaty of Berwick is signed by England and the Lords of the Congregation of Scotland, establishing the terms under which English armed forces were to be permitted in Scotland in order to expel occupying French troops.
England and Scottish lords sign the Treaty of Berwick, allowing English forces into Scotland to remove French occupiers.
- 1594UK history
Henry IV is crowned King of France.
Henry IV is crowned King of France, ending decades of civil war and ushering in the Bourbon dynasty.
- 1617European history
Sweden and the Tsardom of Russia sign the Treaty of Stolbovo, ending the Ingrian War and shutting Russia out of the Baltic Sea.
Sweden and the Tsardom of Russia sign the Treaty of Stolbovo, ending the Ingrian War and preventing Russian access to the Baltic Sea.
- 1626Politics
Yuan Chonghuan is appointed Governor of Liaodong, after leading the Chinese into a great victory against the Manchurians under Nurhaci.
Yuan Chonghuan is appointed Governor of Liaodong following his successful defense against the Manchurian forces led by Nurhaci.
- 1776War
American Revolutionary War: The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in North Carolina breaks up a Loyalist militia.
Loyalist forces are defeated at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, disrupting their plans to gather support in North Carolina.
- 1782UK history
American Revolutionary War: The House of Commons of Great Britain votes against further war in America.
The British House of Commons votes against continuing the war in America, effectively ending Britain's military campaign to retain the thirteen colonies.
- 1801US history
Pursuant to the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801, Washington, D.C. is placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.
Washington, D.C., is placed under the direct jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, establishing federal governance over the new capital.
- 1809War
Action of 27 February 1809: Captain Bernard Dubourdieu captures HMS Proserpine.
Captain Bernard Dubourdieu captures HMS Proserpine during a naval engagement in the Napoleonic Wars.
- 1939Politics
United States labor law: The U.S. Supreme Court rules in NLRB v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp. that the National Labor Relations Board has no authority to force an employer to rehire workers who engage in sit-down strikes.
The Supreme Court rules that the National Labor Relations Board cannot compel employers to rehire workers involved in sit-down strikes.
Born today
Famous birthdays on February 27
7 this date All birthdays
Paul von Ragué Schleyer
American chemist and academic
Paul von Ragué Schleyer, an American physical organic chemist who became one of the world's most cited chemists with over 1100 technical papers, was born today in 1930.
Born
1930
Died
2014
Joan Bennett
American actress
1910 – 1990
Raymond Berry
American football player and coach
b. 1933 · 93
Graeme Pollock
South African cricketer and coach
b. 1944 · 82
Roger Scruton
English philosopher and writer
1944 – 2020
Richard Coyle
English actor
b. 1972 · 54
Élodie Ouédraogo
Belgian sprinter
b. 1981 · 45
Music
The number one songs on February 27
Across the years Full chart history
Also #1 on this day
- 2026"Rein Me In"— Sam Fender and Olivia Dean
- 2025"Not Like Us"— Kendrick Lamar
- 2024"Stick Season"— Noah Kahan
- 2023"Flowers"— Miley Cyrus
- 2022"We Don't Talk About Bruno"— Carolina Gaitán , Mauro Castillo , Adassa , Rhenzy Feliz , Diane Guerrero and Stephanie Beatriz
- 2021"Drivers License"— Olivia Rodrigo
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport February 27, 2010
Canada defeats United States 3-2 in overtime to win Olympic men's ice hockey gold
Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal 7:40 into overtime at Vancouver's Canada Hockey Place, giving Canada its eighth Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. The victory came on home ice before a capacity crowd and remains one of the most-watched broadcasts in Canadian television history.
Read the story
🔬 Science February 27, 1940
Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben discover carbon-14.
Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben discover carbon-14, a radioactive isotope used to date organic materials.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
5 celebrated today
Doctors' Day (Vietnam)
International
National Doctors' Day is a day celebrated to recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities
Independence Day (Dominican Republic), celebrates the first independence of Dominican Republic from Haiti in 1844.
International
This is a list of holidays in Dominican Republic
Majuba Day (some Afrikaners in South Africa)
International
Majuba Day (Afrikaans: Majubadag) was a major annual national celebration on 27 February in the South African Republic in the period between the First and Second Boer Wars
Marathi Language Day (Maharashtra, India)
International
Marathi Language Day is either of the two popular days being celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra where Marathi language is primarily spoken
World NGO Day
International
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is an entity that is not part of the government
❝
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
— Martin Luther King Jr. · born February 27, 1929