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.
This Day in History
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.
Happy Birthday Lou Costello
Louis Francis Cristillo (known as Lou Costello) was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. As part of the popular comedy duo Abbott and Costello, they were some of the highest-paid entertainers of the era.
Annie Oakley Shatters Women’s Trap Shooting Record
On March 5, 1922, Annie Oakley broke all existing records for women’s trap shooting. At age 62, she showed she was still one of the best shooters in the world.
Founding of AAA
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.
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.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Better known as Dr. Seuss, he created some of America’s most popular children’s books and memorable characters still beloved today.
Ohio Becomes 17th State
On March 1, 1803, Ohio was admitted as the 17th state of the Union. Named for the Ohio River, the word Ohio comes from the Seneca people, meaning “great river.”