February 1961 calendar
Learn the most interesting events and historical facts that happened in February 1961.
The US president was John F. Kennedy (Democrat), the UK Prime Minister was Harold Macmillan (Conservative), Pope John XXIII was leading the Catholic Church.
But much more happened on February 1961: find out below
Historical Events
Which were the important events of February 1961?
Events
- 01 Feb 1961 First full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful.
- 02 Feb 1961 Prince Bernhard opens new RAI building in Amsterdam
- 03 Feb 1961 6th largest snowfall in NYC history (17.4 (44.2cm))
- 04 Feb 1961 Sputnik 7 launches into Earth orbit; probable Venus probe failure
- 05 Feb 1961 February 9 ampndash In Congo, President Joseph Kasavubu names Joseph Ileo as the new Prime Minister.
- 06 Feb 1961 Jail, No Bail Jail-in movement starts in Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 07 Feb 1961 Jane Fonda made her acting debut in the NBC drama A String of Beads
- 09 Feb 1961 Joseph Ileo appointed premier of Congo.
- 10 Feb 1961 Niagara Falls hydroelectric project begins producing power.
- 11 Feb 1961 Robert Weaver sworn in with then highest federal post by a black
- 12 Feb 1961 Mickey Wright wins LPGA Saint Petersburg Golf Open.
- 13 Feb 1961 Frank Sinatra launches Reprise label under Warner Bros Records
- 14 Feb 1961 Louise Suggs wins LPGA Royal Poinciana Golf Invitational.
- 15 Feb 1961 Entire US figure skating team of 18 dies in Belgian Sabena 707 crash.
- 16 Feb 1961 US satellite Explorer 9 is launched.
- 18 Feb 1961 Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
- 19 Feb 1961 Henk van der Grift (Netherlands) becomes world champion all-around skater.
- 21 Feb 1961 Mercury-Atlas 2 reentry test reaches 172 km.
- 24 Feb 1961 Explorer (10) fails to reach Earth orbit
- 25 Feb 1961 Paul Bikle in glider climbs from 1208 metre at release to record 14,100.
- 26 Feb 1961 Hassan II becomes King of Morocco.
- 27 Feb 1961 The first congress of the Spanish Trade Union Organisation is inaugurated.
- 28 Feb 1961 JFK names Henry Kissinger special advisor
- 04 Feb 1961 The Angolan War of Independence and the greater Portuguese Colonial War begin.
Famous Birthday
![Rajat Kapoor]()
- See more
Famous Deaths
![Anna May Wong]()
- See more
Music charts
Which were the top hits in February 1961?
Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs, 30 day Free Trial
Top #5 songs in the USA
- The Shirelles - Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
- Lawrence Welk - Calcutta
- Chubby Checker - Pony Time
- The Miracles - Shop Around
- Ferrante and Teicher - Exodus
Top #5 songs in the UK
- Elvis Presley - Are You Lonesome Tonight?
- The Everly Brothers - Walk Right Back / Ebony Eyes
- Petula Clark - Sailor
- Allisons - Are You Sure
- Johnny Burnette - You're Sixteen
Movies
Which were the most popular Movies released in that month?
Books
Which were the most popular books released in February 1961?
The Light In The Piazza
By: Elizabeth Spencer
Elizabeth Spencer is fascinated by Italy. It has been her second home. This native Mississippian, a former resident, has returned to Italy and found it to be an idyllic land.
Profiles In Courage
By: John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage was written in 1955 by the junior senator of Massachusetts. It served as a clear call to all Americans.
The Nylon Pirates
By: Nicholas Monsarrat
Alcestis is a British luxury cruise ship that is moored in New York. She will be embarking on a trip to South America, the Caribbean and Africa with her only passengers, businessmen facing mid-life crisis.
The Waste Makers
By: Vance Packard
The Waste Makers is Vance Packard’s 1960 pioneering work about how rapid growth can lead to "the systematic attempt by business to make us wasteful and debt-ridden, permanently unhappy individuals."