This Day in History: February 29, 2024

The first Leap Day proclaimed by Julius Caesar.
1692

Three women, Sarah Goode, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, were the first to be accused of witchcraft in Salem, Mass.
1796

George Washington proclaimed Jay's Treaty in effect.
1940

Hattie McDaniel became the first black woman to win an Oscar. She won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind.
1944

General Douglas MacArthur led the invasion of the Admiralty Islands.
1960

Hugh Hefner opened the first Playboy Club in Chicago.
1968

Robert McNamara resigned as Secretary of Defense in the wake of the Tet offensive.
1972

Hank Aaron became the first baseball player to sign a $200,000 a year contract.

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February 29