What Happened on February 2?

February 2 is Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather. It's also the day a treaty gave America the Southwest, Grand Central opened, and Stalingrad ended.

• 1848 — Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War

  The treaty signed near Mexico City made the Rio Grande the border, added over 525,000 square miles to the U.S., and ended a war that redrew North America's map. Read the full story →

• 1913 — Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City

  At midnight, New York's dazzling new train terminal threw open its doors — 150,000 visitors flooded in on day one to see its starry ceiling and 44 platforms. Read the full story →

• 1943 — German surrender at Stalingrad turns World War II

  The last German troops in Stalingrad surrendered after months of brutal fighting, ending the deadliest battle in history and marking the turning point of World War II in Europe. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

James Joyce (1882–1941) · Farrah Fawcett (1947–2009) · Christie Brinkley (1954)

Days & observances

Groundhog Day · World Wetlands Day · Candlemas · National Sled Dog Day