This Day in History: February 22nd

Here’s a brief look back in time on this day, February 22nd.

In 1819, the Adams–Onís Treaty is signed by then-U.S. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and Spanish diplomat Luis de Onís y González-Vara, which cedes the rest of Florida to the United States. Spain originally colonized the region around 300 years prior to this moment. The U.S. spent around $5 million (or $127 million today) to acquire the space. Florida wouldn’t acquire statehood until 1845 when it was admitted as a slave state.

In 1969, 19-year-old Barbara Jo Rubin becomes the first female jockey to win a professional horse race. Her steed at the time was named Cohesion.

In 1978, the world’s first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite is launched. Initially a technology meant for military use, it would eventually grow into an essential feature used by billions of people for navigation, surveying, and checking where the main entrance to a restaurant is (so you’ll be VERY prepared). The satellite would remain in orbit for 5 years. Today, approximately 31 GPS satellites are currently orbiting the Earth.