Birth of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was born on March 8, 1841, in Boston, Massachusetts. Known as “The Great Dissenter,” he is one of the best-known American judges, serving on the Supreme Court for 30 years.
This Day in History
Alexander Graham Bell Patents Telephone
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone. Three days later, Bell transmitted the first recognizable words over a telephone line.
Remember the Alamo!
On March 6, 1836, the Battle of the Alamo came to an end. “Remember the Alamo!” became the battle cry of the Texas independence struggle.
Birth of Howard Pyle
Illustrator and author Howard Pyle was born on March 5, 1853, in Wilmington, Delaware. Illustrating many of his own books, he’s often credited with creating the modern depiction of flamboyantly dressed pirates.
Constitution Takes Effect
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.
Star Routes
On March 3, 1845, a congressional act established star routes. Businesses would carry mail under contract with the post office on these postal routes.
Mount Rainier National Park
On March 2, 1899, William McKinley signed a bill establishing Mount Rainier National Park. It was the first national park created from land already set aside as forest reserves.
Bank Note Series
March 1, 1870, is the earliest known use of one of the Bank Note stamps, a long-running series of stamps produced by three different bank note companies. These stamps have interesting differences thanks to secret marks, grills, paper varieties, fancy cancels, and more!
Incorporation of B&O Railroad
One of America’s oldest railroads, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was first established on February 28, 1827. The railroad was at the forefront of transportation history for decades – pioneer the use of steam engines to electric and beyond.