February 8, 1692 - The debate and divisiveness caused by allegations of witchcraft begin in Salem, Massachusetts, as a doctor declares that the daughter and niece of a local pastor are under the influence of evil.

February 8, 1693 - King William III and Queen Mary II of England grant a charter to William and Mary College, opening the way for the education of clergy and civil servants.

February 8, 1920 - William Tecumseh Sherman, general in the Union Army during the Civil War, is born.

February 8, 1862 - Capturing Roanoke Island in North Carolina, the Union forces are poised to threaten the Confederate capital of Richmond.

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February 8, 1887 - The Dawes Severalty Act is signed by President Cleveland. This resulted in the settlement of Indian lands by white settlers, as the land was divided into individual lots that could be privately owned.

February 8, 1898 - John Sherman receives a patent for the first machine to fold and gum envelopes.

February 8, 1908 - The U.S. Army purchases its first military aircraft from Orville and Wilbur Wright.

February 8, 1915 - The film Birth of a Nation debuts in Los Angeles. At the time considered a fine testament to the Civil War, it is now scorned due to its overt racism.