This Day In History

On March 3, 1931, the United States officially adopted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem. The decision came more than a century after the song was written, ending years of debate and finally giving the nation a single, official anthem.

On March 2, 1972, Pioneer 10 lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It became the first spacecraft to travel beyond the outer planets and eventually the first human-made object to head out of the Solar System.

On March 1, 1867, Congress admitted Nebraska to the Union. The decision came after months of political conflict and even a presidential veto, placing the prairie state at the center of national debate during Reconstruction.

On February 28, 1797, Mary Lyon was born in Buckland, Massachusetts. From a modest New England farm, she would go on to found one of the first institutions in the United States devoted to the higher education of women.

On March 1, 1867, Congress admitted Nebraska to the Union. The decision came after months of political conflict and even a presidential veto, placing the prairie state at the center of national debate during Reconstruction.

On January 9, 1788, Connecticut ratified the US Constitution, making it the fifth state to join the young United States.

On December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted to the Union as America’s 29th state. Known today for its rolling farmland and strong agricultural traditions, Iowa’s path to statehood was shaped by Native American history, European exploration, westward expansion, and economic change. Over time, the region transformed from Indigenous homeland to frontier territory and finally into a modern state with a diverse economy.

On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, making it America’s first state. But its quick decision wasn’t just a race to the finish—it marked the beginning of a new national identity, driven by bold choices, fierce debates, and a vote that helped shape the country we know today.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) was founded on March 4, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois. Today, the AAA is the world’s largest travel organization, with more than 61 million members.

Legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne was born Knut Larsen Rockne on March 4, 1888, in Voss, Norway. Considered one of America’s greatest college football coaches, he had one of the highest winning percentages in history.

On March 4, 1789, the US Congress met for the first time under the terms of the recently ratified US Constitution. March 4th would remain a significant date for many years as it would be the last day of Congress’ two-year sessions and the day presidents were inaugurated.

On March 4, 1849, was David Atchison President of the United States for 24 hours? As President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, he was arguably the highest-ranking US official…