Invasion of Iraq Begins
On March 20th, 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces, launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, initiating the invasion of Iraq. The invasion marked the beginning of a long and contentious conflict that would reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and have far-reaching consequences.
Libby Riddles Wins Iditarod
On March 20th, 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Riddles defied expectations and harsh conditions to claim victory in the grueling 1,135-mile race, solidifying her place in the annals of sled dog racing and inspiring future generations of female mushers.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s influential novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was published on March 20th, 1852. The book, which depicted the harsh realities of slavery, became one of the most significant pieces of literature in the abolitionist movement, stirring national debates and further fueling tensions between the North and the South leading up to the American Civil […]
First Academy Awards Telecast on NBC
In 1953, NBC broadcasted the first-ever Academy Awards telecast, bringing the glamor of Hollywood into living rooms across America. This groundbreaking event marked a significant shift in how the Oscars were experienced, allowing viewers to witness the ceremony remotely. The inaugural televised broadcast set the stage for the Oscars to become one of the most […]
Nevada Becomes the First State to Legalize Gambling
On this day in 1931, Nevada became the first state in the United States to legalize gambling, a decision that would profoundly shape its identity. The move was largely driven by the economic hardships of the Great Depression, as Nevada sought to find new sources of revenue. Legalizing gambling in Nevada laid the foundation for […]
The Standard Time Act is Established
On March 19th, 1918, the U.S. Congress passed the Standard Time Act, establishing standard time and daylight saving time in the United States. This act aimed to conserve energy during World War I and has since become a regular practice in many countries worldwide, affecting millions of people’s daily routines twice a year.
Thieves Steal $500 Million Worth of Art from Boston Museum
On this day in 1990, in what was one of the largest art thefts in history, two thieves disguised as police officers stole 13 pieces of artwork worth an estimated $500 million from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. Among the stolen treasures were works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Degas, and despite extensive […]
The Tri-State Tornado Devastates the Midwest
On March 18th, 1925, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history tore through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With wind speeds estimated at over 300 miles per hour, the Tri-State Tornado killed nearly 700 people and injured thousands more, making it one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in […]
Wells and Fargo Establish a Banking and Shipping Company
In 1852, Henry Wells and William Fargo founded Wells Fargo & Company, a shipping and banking enterprise, in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. Initially operating as a delivery and banking service, Wells Fargo quickly expanded its services to meet the growing needs of the booming West Coast economy. Their innovative approach to transportation […]
Yale Research Assistant Raymond Clark Pleads Guilty to Murder
In 2011, Raymond Clark III pleaded guilty to the slaying of Yale graduate student Annie Le. Le’s disappearance and subsequent murder shocked the Yale University community and garnered widespread media attention. Clark’s guilty plea brought some closure to the case, although it left lingering questions about the motive behind Le’s tragic death.