Happy Birthday César Chávez
César Estrada Chávez was born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona. He created the National Farm Workers Association, implementing nonviolent protests to fight for better pay and conditions.
This Day in History
-
-
Scarce Imperforate 1908 Lincoln Stamp
On March 30, 1908, the US Post Office issued an imperforate 5¢ Lincoln stamp that nearly went unnoticed by collectors. It was never intended for public sale and could have been lost to time if not for a group of quick-acting collectors.
-
Founding of New Sweden
On March 29, 1638, the New Sweden Colony was established, encompassing parts of present-day Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The US issued its first three-nation joint issue to commemorate the event in 1988.
-
Death of President Eisenhower
After suffering a series of heart attacks, former president Dwight D. Eisenhower died of heart failure on March 28, 1969. He commanded the Allied Expeditionary Force in WWII and served as our 34th president.
-
Creation of Permanent U.S. Navy
On March 27, 1794, Congress passed the Naval Act, creating America’s permanent naval force. Since then, it has become one of the largest and most powerful navies in the world.
-
Battle of Glorieta Pass
On March 26, 1862, Confederate forces launched the Battle of Glorieta Pass, aimed at breaking Union control of the West along the base of the Rocky Mountains. It has been called the “Gettysburg of the West” because it was a turning point in the Civil War.
-
Happy Medal of Honor Day!
Medal of Honor Day has been celebrated on this day since 1991 to commemorate the awarding of the first six Medals of Honor for the Great Locomotive Chase. Those medals were awarded on March 25, 1863, for their daring actions of April 12, 1862.
-
Birth of Joseph Priestley
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.
-
Teddy Roosevelt Departs for African Safari
On March 23, 1909, former president Teddy Roosevelt set sail from New York City for a joint expedition with the Smithsonian Institution. He embarked on an African safari to collect more than 23,000 natural history specimens for the museum.
