This Day in History: November 02, 2025

1889

North Dakota and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states, respectively.
1947

Howard Hughes flew the Spruce Goose on its first and only flight.
1948

Harry S. Truman defeated Thomas E. Dewey to the surprise of pollsters and newspapers, in the greatest presidential upset in history.
1959

Twenty-One game show contestant Charles Van Doren admitted that he had been given questions and answers in advance.
1976

Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford, becoming the first U.S. president from the deep South since the Civil War.
1984

Velma Margie Barfield, a convicted murderer became the first woman to be executed since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976.
2003

V. Gene Robinson was consecrated as bishop by the U.S. Episcopal Church, becoming the first openly gay bishop in the church.

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November 02