1. On February 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. While Glenn's spacecraft, Friendship 7, flew over Maryland during his mission, he reported seeing beautiful reflections from the Chesapeake Bay.

2. In 1872, Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and former slave, delivered a speech in Baltimore's Concordia Opera House on February 20th. He spoke on the importance of education and the need for equal opportunities for African Americans.

3. On February 20, 1945, U.S. Army troops landed on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The island, located in the Pacific Ocean, was heavily defended by Japanese soldiers and the battle resulted in a significant loss of life for both sides.

4. A historic blizzard hit Maryland on February 20, 1979, bringing up to 30 inches of snow to parts of the state. The snowstorm caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

5. The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team played their first game at the University of Maryland's new Xfinity Center on February 20, 2002. The team beat the University of Virginia Cavaliers 112-92 in the arena's debut game.