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Today in History: February 15, 2026
From the USS Maine explosion to the Sandy Hook settlement, key events that happened on this date.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Today, February 15, 2026, marks the 46th day of the year. On this date in history, notable events include the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in 1898, the assassination attempt on President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, and the settlement of a lawsuit against Remington Arms by the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims in 2022.
Why it matters
This day in history provides a glimpse into significant moments that have shaped the United States, from the events leading up to the Spanish-American War to the ongoing impact of gun violence and the legal battles that follow. Reflecting on these pivotal events can help us understand the evolution of the country and the continued efforts to address complex social and political issues.
The details
On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine, a U.S. battleship, mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members. This incident brought the United States closer to war with Spain. In 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak. The gunman, Giuseppe Zangara, was executed the following month. More recently, in 2022, the families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting agreed to a $73 million settlement of a lawsuit against Remington Arms, the maker of the rifle used in the 2012 massacre.
- On February 15, 1898, the battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members.
- On February 15, 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak.
- In 2022, the families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting agreed to a $73 million settlement of a lawsuit against Remington Arms.
The players
USS Maine
A U.S. battleship that mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, killing more than 260 crew members and bringing the United States closer to war with Spain.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The President-elect who escaped an assassination attempt in Miami in 1933, which mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak.
Remington Arms
The firearms manufacturer that was sued by the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims, resulting in a $73 million settlement in 2022.
The takeaway
Today's historical events highlight the enduring impact of pivotal moments in American history, from the events leading to the Spanish-American War to the ongoing efforts to address gun violence and its consequences. Reflecting on these milestones can deepen our understanding of the country's evolution and the persistent challenges it faces.
