February 25 in American History
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.
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.
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.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
What does representation in government require?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →