Osun Defender History Corner: February 21 In Focus
Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.
February 21, 1431
The trial of Joan of Arc began in Rouen, France.
February 21, 1613
Michael Romanov, the founder of the Romanov dynasty, was elected Tsar of Russia.
February 21, 1804
The first self-propelled steam locomotive, designed by Richard Trevithick, ran successfully in Wales.
February 21, 1878
The first telephone directory was issued by the District Telephone Company of New Haven, Connecticut.
February 21, 1916
The Battle of Verdun began during World War I, lasting until December of the same year.
February 21, 1947
Edwin Land demonstrated the first “instant camera,” the Polaroid Land Camera, to a meeting of the Optical Society of America in New York City.
February 21, 1952
The British government abolished identity cards in the United Kingdom to help ease post-war controls.
February 21, 1965
Malcolm X, African American civil rights leader, was assassinated in New York City.
February 21, 1972
President Richard Nixon began his historic visit to China, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the country.
February 21, 1986
The Legend of Zelda, one of Nintendo’s most successful video game franchises, was first released in Japan.
February 21, 1995
Steve Fossett completed the first solo flight across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon.
February 21, 2000
The first block of the world’s longest tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, was blasted through.
February 21, 2004
NASA’s Mars rover, Opportunity, landed on the surface of Mars.
February 21, 2011
Anti-government protests erupted in Libya, marking the beginning of the Libyan Civil War.
February 21, 2013
Scientists announced the discovery of the Higgs boson-like particle, also known as the “God particle,” at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
February 21, 2018
A mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, resulting in 17 deaths and numerous injuries.
February 21, 2019
Amazon cancelled plans to build a headquarters in New York City after facing backlash from local politicians and activists.
February 21, 2020
Harvey Weinstein, former Hollywood producer, was found guilty of sexual assault and rape in a landmark trial.
February 21, 2021
NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars, beginning its mission to search for signs of past microbial life.
February 21, 2022
Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking international condemnation and escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 21. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
