On this day: February 18
February 18 has seen a number of significant events throughout history. From political milestones to cultural breakthroughs, this day has been marked by a variety of important occurrences. Let’s take a look at some of the key events that have taken place on February 18.
1861 – Jefferson Davis Inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America
On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. This event marked the official establishment of the Confederacy, a group of southern states that had seceded from the Union in response to Abraham Lincoln’s election as President of the United States. Davis served as President of the Confederacy throughout the American Civil War, leading the southern states in their fight against the Union forces.
1885 – Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Published
On February 18, 1885, Mark Twain’s novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was published in the United States. The novel is considered one of the greatest works of American literature and has been praised for its social commentary and realistic portrayal of life in the Mississippi River Valley. “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” follows the adventures of a young boy named Huck Finn and his friend Jim, a runaway slave, as they travel down the Mississippi River. The novel has been the subject of controversy due to its use of racial language, but it remains a classic of American literature.
1930 – Pluto Discovered
On February 18, 1930, the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto, was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Pluto was the first planet to be discovered since the invention of the telescope and its discovery was a major milestone in the field of astronomy. In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union, but its discovery remains an important moment in the history of science.
1977 – The Space Shuttle Enterprise Test Flown
On February 18, 1977, the Space Shuttle Enterprise was test flown for the first time. The Enterprise was the first space shuttle orbiter to be built by NASA and was used for a series of atmospheric test flights to determine its aerodynamic characteristics. The Enterprise never flew in space, but it paved the way for the development of the space shuttle program, which would go on to launch numerous missions to space over the next three decades.
2001 – FBI Arrests Robert Hanssen for Spying
On February 18, 2001, the FBI arrested Robert Hanssen, a former FBI agent, for spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia. Hanssen had been spying for over 20 years, passing classified information to the KGB and its successors in exchange for money and other favors. His arrest was a major blow to US national security and highlighted the ongoing threat of espionage in the modern world.
Conclusion
February 18 has been a day marked by a variety of significant events throughout history. From political milestones to scientific breakthroughs, this day has seen a wide range of important occurrences that have shaped the world we live in today. As we look back on the events that have taken place on February 18, we can see the impact that they have had on society and the course of history.
