Leap Day in History: Key Events and Lynyrd Skynyrd Tragedy

February 29, commonly known as a Leap Day, is a fascinating part of our calendars. This extra day is added almost every four years to keep our calendar in sync with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. Since not all years have a Leap Day, it makes this date historically significant and noteworthy.

Historical Significance of February 29

Let's start with the history; the first recognized Leap Day was acknowledged in 45 BC, as proclaimed by Julius Caesar. Under the old Roman calendar, the last day of February was the final day of the year. This change was crucial to maintain the accuracy of the calendar.

Further interesting facts: On February 29, 1288, Scotland made it legal for women to propose to men. This unique statute, known as the Leap Year Act, provided a rare privilege for women to formally ask for marriage, rather than waiting for the traditional proposal.

A Leap Day in History: The Salem Witch Trials

Historically, February 29 has been marked by significant events. On this day in 1692, the first arrests in the Salem witch trials were made. Magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin issued warrants to arrest Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba for their alleged involvement in witchcraft. These arrests led to a chain of events that would profoundly impact the community.

The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tragedy

A significant event in modern history also took place on February 29. In 1977, a Convair CV-240 plane with Lynyrd Skynyrd and their crew crashed into a swamp in Gillsburg, Mississippi, while en route to a concert in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This catastrophic event was one of the worst plane crashes ever experienced in the rock music industry.

Background of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash

The plane, which was 30 years old and in poor condition, was carrying 26 people, including the band members. The plane had numerous problems, such as malfunctioning fuel gauges, and was due for a maintenance check the following day. Despite warnings about the plane's condition, the band members boarded the aircraft, knowing that one of the engines had flames coming out of it in a previous flight.

The Crash

The plane's pilot tried to switch the remaining fuel to the other engine but jettisoned it instead during the panicked situation. The emergency landing attempt failed when the plane hit trees and a swamp. The plane split in two, and among the victims were legendary band members:

Ronnie Van Zant, aged 29, died instantly upon impact. Steve Gaines, also 29, died from a broken neck, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. Casie Gaines, sister of Steve, died from bleeding to death. Dean Kilpatrick, assistant road manager, was impaled by a piece of the plane's fuselage and died instantly. The co-pilot and pilot also died.

The survivors, including band members like Steve Gaines, Eric Greene, Billy Powell, and Gary Rossington, suffered severe injuries. This tragedy is still remembered and mourned by fans 42 years later.

The Lasting Impact

The crash site, no longer with any visible remains, is a somber reminder of the events that took place. Only three survivors from the photo remain: Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, and Leslie Hawkins. The band has not replaced these members, and the band lives on with the memory of their fallen friends.

Remembering Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Lynyrd Skynyrd crash is a stark reminder of the dangers of air travel and the profound impact a tragic event can have on a community. The band continues to be celebrated, with annual shows and museum exhibits dedicated to remembering the members who tragically lost their lives on February 29, 1977.

Conclusion

Leaping into history, February 29 has been home to both significant legal changes and tragic incidents. The Salem witch trials and the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash serve as reminders of our rich history and the impact of such events on society.