Osun Defender History Corner: February 3 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 3, 1488
Bartolomeu Dias of Portugal lands at Mossel Bay, becoming the first known European to reach the Indian Ocean.
February 3, 1690
The colony of Massachusetts issues the first paper money in the Americas.
February 3, 1783
Spain recognizes the independence of the United States.
February 3, 1809
The Territory of Illinois is created.
February 3, 1870
The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, granting African American men the right to vote.
February 3, 1913
The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, allowing Congress to levy income taxes.
February 3, 1924
Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, dies in Washington, D.C.
February 3, 1945
World War II: The Battle of Manila begins as American forces enter the outskirts of Manila.
February 3, 1959
Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson die in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.
February 3, 1966
The Soviet Union’s Luna 9 spacecraft becomes the first to successfully transmit photographs from the moon’s surface.
February 3, 1984
John Buster and his research team at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center announce history’s first embryo transfer, leading to the birth of a healthy baby girl.
February 3, 1995
Astronaut Eileen Collins becomes the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle as mission STS-63 takes off.
February 3, 2007
A Baghdad market bombing kills at least 135 people and injures a further 339.
February 3, 2013
A plane carrying five people, including Vittorio Missoni, goes missing off the coast of Venezuela.
February 3, 2015
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claims responsibility for a triple suicide bombing in eastern Libya, killing at least 40 people.
February 3, 2016
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes Taiwan, killing at least 117 people and injuring more than 550.
February 3, 2019
The United States formally withdraws from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia.
February 3, 2020
The United States Senate acquits President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.
February 3, 2021
NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully lands on Mars, beginning its mission to search for signs of past life and collect samples for future return to Earth.
February 3, 2022
Russia invades Ukraine, leading to significant international tensions and protests.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 3. 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.
