1. In 1843, the first successful sewing machine was built by a Massachusetts native, Elias Howe. The revolutionary invention led to the mass production of clothing and textiles, changing the fashion industry forever.

2. On February 24, 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the U.S. Senate. Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner was one of the key leaders of the impeachment effort, arguing that Johnson had violated the Constitution by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton from office without congressional approval.

3. In 1918, the Boston Bruins played their first NHL game on February 24, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. The Bruins went on to become one of the most successful teams in NHL history, winning six Stanley Cup championships.

4. On February 24, 1984, the inaugural Beanpot hockey tournament was held at the Boston Garden. The tournament brings together the four major college hockey programs in the Boston area (Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern) for a two-day round-robin tournament.

5. In 2005, Massachusetts became the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage on February 24. The landmark decision came after a series of court rulings and legislative battles, and paved the way for similar laws in other states across the country.