I’ll be posting a few fun little things that happened on this day in history. I’ll also add my own commentary to the mix now and then as well.

Note: Not all events will be pleasant, but I promise to throw in as many quirky and pleasant ones as I can to balance.

February 5th

1597- A group of early Japanese Christians, known as the 26 martyrs, are killed by the new government of Japan for being seen as a threat to Japanese society.

1777- Georgia becomes 1st US state to abolish both entail and primogeniture

1778- Articles of confederation ratified by 2nd state, South Carolina

1783, Sweden recognizes US independence

1795- Zealand, Netherlands, surrenders to French general Michaud

1831- Jan van Speijk blows up his gunboat in Antwerp, killing about 30

1846- “Oregon Spectator” is 1st newspaper to be published on the west coast.

1861- Louisiana delegation except Mr. Bouligny withdraws from congress (US Civil War)

1864- Federals occupy Jackson, Mississippi

1870- 1st motion picture shown to a theater audience, Philadelphia

Source: On This Day