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.