What Happened on February 25?

February 25 is when Hiram Revels made history as the first African American U.S. senator — and when young Cassius Clay won boxing's biggest prize!

1836 — Samuel Colt patents the revolving-cylinder firearm

Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Colt received U.S. Patent 9430X for a handgun whose rotating cylinder could fire multiple shots without reloading — reshaping both industry and history. Read the full story →
1870 — Hiram Revels sworn in as first African American U.S. senator

Five years after the Civil War ended slavery, Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi took the Senate oath — filling the seat once held by Confederate president Jefferson Davis. Read the full story →
1964 — Cassius Clay shocks Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight title

A 22-year-old underdog predicted round eight — and when champion Sonny Liston failed to come out for round seven, boxing had a brand-new, bigger-than-life king. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) · George Harrison (1943–2001) · Anthony Burgess (1917–1993)

National Clam Chowder Day · National Chocolate-Covered Nut Day