Birth of Casey Jones
Train engineer Jonathon Luther Jones was born on March 14, 1863, in Missouri. He later became an American folk hero after sacrificing his own life to save his passengers.
American History
Death of President Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison, America’s 23rd president died on March 13, 1901. His administration was notable for its antitrust, financial, and foreign policy initiatives.
The Blizzard of 1888 and Blizzard Mail
On March 12, 1888, a short-lived blizzard mail service delivered letters to New York City during one of the worst storms in history.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
On March 11, 1824, US Secretary of War John C. Calhoun created the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Today, the federal agency works with Native American and Alaskan Native tribal governments to maintain their quality of life.
World’s First Telephone Call
On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell transmitted the first words by telephone, to his assistant in another room. Bell had received his patent for the telephone three days earlier.
Siege of Veracruz
On March 9, 1847, the US launched its first large-scale amphibious assault during the Siege of Veracruz. This notable battle of the Mexican-American War set the stage for the capture of Mexico City.
New York Stock Exchange Established
On March 8, 1817, the New York Stock Exchange was established out of a reorganization of stockbrokers working under the Buttonwood Agreement. Today, it’s the world’s largest stock exchange, with its trading numbering over $25 trillion.
Webster’s Seventh of March Speech
On March 7, 1850, Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster delivered one of his most famous speeches, the “Seventh of March” speech. It expressed his support for the Compromise of 1850 that would help avert a Civil War but proved disastrous for his Senate career.
Florida Becomes 27th State
On March 3, 1845, Florida joined the Union as the 27th state. The state’s name comes from Ponce de Leon, who arrived centuries earlier and named the area La Florida, likely in honor of the Easter Season, Pascua Florida.