This Day in History

Congress Passes Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is passed by the United States Congress, aiming to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. Although the ERA ultimately fell short of ratification, its passage in Congress represented a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in the United States.

First Women’s Basketball Game is Played

On March 22, 1893 the first women’s college basketball game was played at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, marking a significant moment in the history of women’s sports. This pioneering event paved the way for the growth and recognition of women’s basketball as a competitive and popular sport.

Colonial Taxation Begins

On this day in history, the British Parliament imposes the Stamp Act on the American colonies, requiring colonists to pay a tax on various paper goods and documents. This controversial measure sparked outrage among colonists, leading to protests and ultimately contributing to the growing tensions that would erupt into the American Revolutionary War.

MLK Jr. Begins Selma to Montgomery March

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. begins the historic Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama, advocating for voting rights and challenging racial segregation in the United States. This pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement brought national attention to systemic injustice and ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Alcatraz Closes its Doors

On this day in history, the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closes its doors, marking the end of its role as a high-security prison housing some of America’s most notorious criminals. Located on an island in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz gained a reputation as an escape-proof facility during its 29 years of operation, capturing the public’s […]

The Massacre at Hancock’s Bridge

On March 21, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, British troops and Loyalist militia conducted a brutal massacre at Hancock’s Bridge in New Jersey. The attack resulted in the deaths of numerous Patriots, including local militiamen and civilians. The Hancock’s Bridge massacre further fueled the tensions between Patriots and Loyalists, escalating the conflict in the […]