This Day In History

On March 23, 1857, the first commercial safety elevator was installed in New York City by the Otis Company. This new design solved a long-standing danger and made it practical for people—not just cargo—to move safely between floors in tall buildings.

On March 22, 1820, naval hero Stephen Decatur was mortally wounded in a duel with a former friend and fellow officer. The shocking encounter ended the life of one of America’s most respected naval leaders and revealed how personal rivalries could turn deadly, even among national figures.

On March 21, 1891, General Joseph E. Johnston—who had served both the United States and the Confederacy—died after a final act of respect for a former enemy. His life traced the divided loyalties of the Civil War, and even in death, it reflected a measure of reconciliation between North and South.

On March 20, 1865, John Wilkes Booth set in motion a plan to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln. The attempt never happened—but its failure helped push Booth toward a far more deadly decision just weeks later.

On March 21, 1891, General Joseph E. Johnston—who had served both the United States and the Confederacy—died after a final act of respect for a former enemy. His life traced the divided loyalties of the Civil War, and even in death, it reflected a measure of reconciliation between North and South.

On March 13, 1942, the US Army officially launched its War Dog Program, marking the beginning of organized military service for American dogs. Today, that date is remembered as National K9 Veterans Day, honoring the loyalty, courage, and sacrifice of the dogs that have served beside US troops.

Winfield Scott Hancock was born on February 14, 1824, in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, and would grow into one of the Union Army’s most respected battlefield commanders. Known later as “Hancock the Superb,” he built his reputation not through legend, but through steady leadership in some of the Civil War’s hardest fights.

US General Omar Nelson Bradley was born on February 12, 1893, in the small town of Clark, Missouri—far from the battlefields where he would one day command millions. Known as the “GI’s General,” Bradley rose from humble beginnings to become one of America’s most trusted military leaders of World War II.

On March 24, 1663, King Charles II approved the Carolina Charter, granting land in America to a group of eight Englishmen. Establishing the first laws in the Carolina province, it guaranteed religious and political freedom.

Joseph Priestley was born on March 24, 1733, in Birstall, West Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom. A noted scientist, he’s remembered for his work with electricity, oxygen, and carbonation.

Andrew William Mellon was born on March 24, 1855, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As one of America’s longest-serving secretaries of state, he helped cut taxes and reduce the national debt following World War I.

Soldier, geologist, and explorer John Wesley Powell was born on March 24, 1834, in Mount Morris, New York.  A Civil War veteran, Powell explored and produced some of the first accurate maps of the West and later was director of the US Geological Survey.