Mississippi River runs backward

•On Feb. 7, 1812, the most violent of a series of earthquakes near Missouri causes a so-called fluvial tsunami in the Mississippi River, actually making the river run backward for several hours. One of the tremors in the series caused church bells to ring in Boston, more than a thousand miles away.

•On Feb. 4, 1789, 69 members of Congress cast their ballots to elect George Washington the first president of the United States. After months of appearing to sidestep, and even outright rejecting, the idea of assuming the presidency, Washington reluctantly accepted Congress’ decision.

•On Feb. 6, 1820, the first organized immigration of freed slaves to Africa from the United States departs New York harbor on a journey to Sierra Leone in West Africa. The expedition was partially funded by the U.S. Congress, which had appropriated $100,000 to be used in returning displaced Africans to Africa.

•On Feb. 8, 1924, the first execution by lethal gas in American history is carried out in Carson City, Nev. The executed man was Tong Lee, a member of a Chinese gang who was convicted of murdering a rival gang member.