February 24

February 24 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2009: The Jefferson County Commission Accountability Act passed the Alabama State House of Representatives.
• 2008: The photography exhibition, "Kathryn Tucker Windham: My Land, My People" opened at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
• 2006: A series of methane gas explosions began at Shoal Creek Mine, causing significant damage, but no injuries or loss of life.
• 2000: The post-war Bernice Wright residence and John Gleissner residence were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1887: Gip Spruiell married the former Sallie Ramsey.
• 1879: William Jemison married the former Eliska Leftwich in her home town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Births

• 1980: Birmingham Weekly editor Sam George was born.
• 1976: Miss Alabama 1999 Julie Smith was born.
• 1973: Miss America Heather Whitestone was born in Dothan.
• 1946: Governor Don Siegelman was born in Mobile.
• 1930: Retailer Richard Pizitz was born in Birmingham.
• 1910: Athlete and businessman Fred Sington was born in Birmingham.
• 1905: Stuntman and writer John Weld was born in Birmingham.

Deaths

• 2011: Educator Martha Gaskins died.
• 2007: Minister B. Davie Napier died.
• 2005: Architect George Gaunt died.
• 1999: Civil Rights activist Virginia Foster Durr died.
• 1998: Architect William Poole died.
• 1903: Surgeon William Elias B. Davis fell under a train and died.

Sports

• 2004: The Alabama Slammers lost to the Jacksonville Barracudas 3-4 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
• 1985: Birmingham Stallions defeated New Jersey 38-28.
• 1968: Garry Unger played in the first of a record 914 consecutive hockey games.