2 March

Contemporary era

1969

Concorde's maiden flight

On 2 March 1969, the Concorde prototype made its first test flight in Toulouse.

Contemporary era

1949

First non-stop round-the-world flight

On 2 March 1949, the American bomber Lucky Lady II completed the first non-stop flight around the world, refuelled in mid-air.

From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment

1657

Great Fire of Meireki

On 2-3 March 1657, the Meireki fire destroyed much of Edo (Tokyo) and killed tens of thousands.