1. On July 25, 1866, a great fire broke out in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, which destroyed approximately one third of the city. The fire caused over $3 million in damages and left over 10,000 people homeless.

2. On July 25, 1903, the first automobile road race in Massachusetts was held. The race, which was organized by the Massachusetts Automobile Club, took place in Quincy and included both professional and amateur drivers.

3. On July 25, 1978, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated in Boston, Massachusetts. The library, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei, contains thousands of documents and artifacts related to the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.

4. On July 25, 1997, the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat, returned to its home port in Charlestown, Massachusetts, after a two-year restoration. The ship was first launched in 1797 and played a key role in the War of 1812.

5. On July 25, 2013, the Massachusetts state senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. This made Massachusetts the first state in the United States to legalize gay marriage, and the decision was seen as a major milestone in the fight for LGBT rights.