On This Day

February 1685 in History

Events in History

  • Feb 6 Duke of York becomes King James II of England and VII of Scotland upon the death of his brother Charles II
  • Feb 18 Fort St. Louis is established by a Frenchman at Matagorda Bay thus forming the basis for France's claim to Texas.

Birthdays in History

  • Feb 8 Charles-Jean-François Hénault, French historian (d. 1770)
  • Feb 10 Aaron Hill, English playwright/poet (Tragedy of Zara)

Deaths in History


Person of interestCharles II

Feb 6 Charles II, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1660-85), dies at 54

King of England Charles II
King of England
Charles II
  • Feb 11 David Teniers III, Flemish painter, dies at 46
  • Feb 24 Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle, English politician and military leader (b. 1629)