Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba on February 26, 1815. He had been exiled to the island after his defeat at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. Napoleon's escape was a daring feat, and it marked the beginning of the Hundred Days, a period of renewed conflict between France and the European powers.

Napoleon planned his escape for months. He gathered a small group of loyal supporters, and he arranged for a fleet of ships to meet him off the coast of Elba. On the night of February 25, Napoleon and his men boarded the ships and set sail for France.

The British, who were responsible for guarding Elba, were caught completely by surprise. They did not learn of Napoleon's escape until it was too late. By the time they dispatched a fleet to intercept him, Napoleon was already safely back in France.