US Salvation Army Officially Organized
On March 28, 1885, the Salvation Army was formally established in the United States, 20 years after the original organization was founded in London.
This Day in History
Cherry Trees Planted Along the Potomac
On March 27, 1912, US First Lady Helen Taft and wife of the Japanese ambassador Viscountess Chinda Iwa planted two Yoshina cherry trees on the northern bank of the Potomac River. The plantings were in celebration of the Japanese gift of 3,020 cherry trees to the US government.
Death of Beethoven
On March 26, 1827, legendary composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna, Austria. One of the most well-known figures in Western music, his compositions are among the most performed in the classical music genre.
Birth of John Barry
Naval officer John Barry was born on March 25, 1745, in Tacumshane, Ireland. A hero of the Revolutionary War, he’s been called the “Father of the American Navy.”
The Carolina Charter
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.
Birth of J.C. Leyendecker
Illustrator Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born on March 23, 1874, in Montabaur, Rhine Province, German Empire. He was one of the most popular and recognized illustrators of his day – popularizing the images of Baby New Year, Santa Claus, and more.
The Beatles Release First Album
On March 22, 1963, the Beatles released their first full-length album, “Please Please Me.”
German Spring Offensive
On March 21, 1918, Germany launched its Spring Offensive in the hopes of tipping the scales of the war before American troops and supplies could reach the front.
Birth of Charles W. Eliot
Educator Charles William Eliot was born on March 20, 1834, in Boston, Massachusetts. A pioneer in higher education reform, he was Harvard’s youngest and longest-serving president, and helped make it the premier university it is today.