1. In 1861, Georgia became the fifth state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy as tensions over slavery and states' rights came to a head in the lead-up to the Civil War. The state would remain a key player in the conflict, providing troops, resources, and political leadership to the Southern cause.

2. On February 7, 1968, civil rights leader Hosea Williams led a group of protesters on a march through downtown Atlanta to demand an end to segregation and racial discrimination in housing, education, and employment. The demonstration resulted in the arrest of more than 200 people, including Williams, but helped to galvanize support for the civil rights movement in Georgia and beyond.

3. Georgia native and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker was born on February 7, 1944, in Putnam County. Best known for her novel "The Color Purple," which explores the lives of African American women in the South in the early 20th century, Walker has been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights throughout her career.

4. One of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in Georgia history occurred on February 7, 2008, when a series of twisters swept across central and northern parts of the state, killing nine people and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The storms prompted a massive response from emergency responders and community volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help those affected recover and rebuild.

5. On February 7, 1825, the Georgia legislature approved the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, which would eventually link the port city of Savannah with the Midwest and contribute to the growth of Atlanta and other communities along its route. The railroad, which was completed in 1850, played a crucial role in the region's development and served as a key transportation artery for over a century.