What Happened on February 6?

February 6 is Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national day. It is also when Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II and when baseball legend Babe Ruth was born!

• 1778 — France signs treaties recognizing the young United States

  On February 6, 1778, France signed the Treaty of Alliance with America during the Revolutionary War — official recognition that brought French ships, soldiers, and money to the fight. Read the full story →

• 1788 — Massachusetts ratifies the U.S. Constitution after fierce debate

  On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts voted 187 to 168 to approve the new U.S. Constitution — but only after insisting that a bill of rights be added. Read the full story →

• 1840 — Māori chiefs and the British Crown sign the Treaty of Waitangi

  On February 6, 1840, more than 40 Māori chiefs and British officials signed New Zealand's founding document — a treaty whose two versions still spark important conversations today. Read the full story →

• 1952 — Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen Elizabeth II while visiting Kenya

  When her father King George VI died on February 6, 1952, 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth instantly became queen — she learned the news half a world away in Kenya. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Babe Ruth (1895–1948) · Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) · Bob Marley (1945–1981)

Days & observances

Waitangi Day · National Frozen Yogurt Day · International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation