1. February 1, 2003
Sixteen minutes before it was scheduled to land, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in flight over west Texas, killing all seven crew members.
2. February 3, 1870
The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing the right of citizens to vote, regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
3. February 6, 1952
King George VI of England died. Upon his death, his daughter Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. Her actual coronation took place on June 2, 1953.
4. February 20, 1962
Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit.
5. February 27, 1950
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting the president to two terms or a maximum of ten years in office.
Source: Historyplace.com