This Day In History, February 2nd.
Five Historical Events That Happened on February 2nd.
The Mexican-American War was over when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848. It gave California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of four other states that are now in the United States.
In 1887, the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil made his first appearance in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This was the first time Groundhog Day was celebrated.
Grand Central Terminal opened in New York City in 1913. It is one of the most well-known train stations in the world.
In 1920, the National Negro Baseball League was started in Kansas City, Missouri. It was the first successful professional Black baseball league in the United States.
In 1971, Idi Amin took over Uganda with a military coup. This was the start of an eight-year dictatorship that was very harsh.
This Day In History, February 2nd: The Mexican-American War was over
In the hamlet of Guadalupe Hidalgo, close to Mexico City, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848. About a third of Mexican land was ceded to the United States as part of the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, which had begun in 1846. California, Nevada, and Utah were included, as well as a portion of the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The Mexicans already residing in the surrendered territories were automatically granted U.S. citizenship, and the Rio Grande was set as Texas' southern boundary as a result of the treaty.
February 2nd, 1887: The first time Groundhog Day was celebrated
On Groundhog Day, celebrated annually on February 2nd, it is believed that a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil can foretell the upcoming week's weather. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on this day, then there will be six more weeks of winter, but if he does not, then spring will come early, according to legend. In 1887, a group of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, businesses and groundhog hunters declared that Phil was the sole authentic weather-predicting groundhog, and thus the tradition was born. Since millions of people all over the world tune in to hear Punxsutawney Phil make his yearly weather prediction on Groundhog Day.
Grand Central Terminal opened in New York City on February 2nd, 1913.
Conveniently situated in the center of Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is one of New York City's most important transit hubs. During its opening on February 2, 1913, it was the largest railroad station in the world. Metro-North Railroad passengers can board trains to various points in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey at this station. The main concourse of Grand Central Station, with its vaulted ceiling, is a well-known architectural feature of the terminal and a frequent filming location. It is now considered a must-see when visiting New York City.
The National Negro Baseball League was started, on February 2nd, 1920.
On February 2, 1920, in Kansas City, Missouri, the National Negro Baseball League (NNBL) was established. Since Black players were barred from the major leagues due to racial segregation, this league was the first successful professional baseball league for African American players in the United States. Teams from all throughout the country participated in the competition for numerous decades. Both Jackie Robinson, who would later break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, and Satchel Paige, widely regarded as one of baseball's best pitchers, got their starts in the NNBL. When it came to advancing racial equality in the United States, the NNBL was a crucial and innovative organization.
Idi Amin took over Uganda with a military coup, on February 2nd, 1971.
Uganda's government was toppled by a military soldier named Idi Amin on February 2, 1971. Amin was appointed president of Uganda in 1971 after serving as the country's army leader. As expected, his new regime was characterized by gross violations of human rights, extensive political persecution, and disastrous economic incompetence. Several thousands of people, including political opponents, ethnic minorities, and others who were seen as threats to Amin's power, perished at the hands of his administration. With the help of international pressure and military intervention, Amin was finally deposed from office in 1979. His rule is generally considered the worst in Uganda's history.