On this day

25 February in history.

5 moments from 1705 to 1986: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Hiram Rhodes Revels. Library of Congress description: "Hiram R. Revels of Miss."

1870

The first Black member of Congress. Hiram Revels of Mississippi took his seat in the US Senate, the first African American ever to serve in Congress.

Wikipedia: Hiram R. Revels

Photo: Mathew Brady or Levin Handy / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 25 February

  1. George Frideric Handel

    1705

    Handel's opera Nero opens in Hamburg

    The young George Frideric Handel, only 20, saw his second opera performed in Hamburg. Its music has since been lost.

    Wikipedia: George Frideric Handel

    Photo: Attributed to Balthasar Denner / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. Marie-Adélaïde, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

    1912

    Luxembourg's first reigning Grand Duchess

    Marie-Adélaïde became the first woman to rule Luxembourg in her own right.

    Wikipedia: Marie-Adélaïde, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

    Photo: Bain News Service, publisher / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. Pan American Games

    1951

    The first Pan American Games

    Athletes from across the Americas gathered in Buenos Aires for the first Pan American Games.

    Wikipedia: Pan American GamesWikipedia: 1951 Pan American Games

    Photo: Original author: Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino greets officials as she walks across the flight line to the passenger terminal at Andrews Air Force Base

    1986

    People Power wins without war

    After days of peaceful protest by millions of Filipinos, Ferdinand Marcos left the country and Corazon Aquino became president.

    Wikipedia: People Power RevolutionWikipedia: Corazon Aquino

    Photo: Airman Gerald B. Johnson / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.