February 25 in American History

February 25, 1870 — the first Black U.S. senator is seated

Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the United States Senate — taking, remarkably, a seat once held by Jefferson Davis. Just five years after the Civil War, a Black man represented a former Confederate state in the nation's highest legislative chamber. A stunning, if fragile, milestone.

Common Questions

What happened on February 25 in American history?

In 1870: the first Black U.S. senator is seated. Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the United States Senate — taking, remarkably, a seat once held by Jefferson Davis.

Why is February 25 significant?

Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the United States Senate — taking, remarkably, a seat once held by Jefferson Davis. Just five years after the Civil War, a Black man represented a former Confederate state in the nation's highest legislative chamber. A stunning, if fragile, milestone.

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