The U.S. Congress Bans the Importation of Slaves
On March 2nd, 1807, the United States Congress passed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, which banned the importation of slaves into the United States. While this legislation marked a significant step towards the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, slavery itself would not be abolished in the U.S. until several decades later.
President John F. Kennedy Establishes the Peace Corps
On this day in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps, a volunteer program aimed at promoting peace and friendship through international cooperation and service. Since its inception, the Peace Corps has sent thousands of volunteers to work on projects in communities around the world.
Yellowstone National Park is Established as the World’s First National Park
On March 1st, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, establishing Yellowstone as the world’s first national park. This historic designation set a precedent for the conservation of natural landscapes and the establishment of protected areas worldwide.
The Articles of Confederation are Ratified, Forming the First U.S. Constitution
A milestone in American history occurred on March 1st, 1781, as the Articles of Confederation were ratified by Maryland, the final state to do so. This marked the formal establishment of the United States’ first constitution, laying the groundwork for the nation’s early governance.
Hattie McDaniel Becomes First African American to Win Oscar
On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award, winning the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind.’ McDaniel’s groundbreaking win marked a significant milestone in Hollywood’s recognition of African American talent and paved the way for greater diversity in […]
The Salem Witch Trials: Warrants Issued for Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba
During the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, February 29th served as a notable date when warrants were issued for the arrest of Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne, two women accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. The trials would ultimately result in the execution of numerous individuals and remain a cautionary tale of mass hysteria and […]
Leap Day – A Day to Correct the Calendar
February 29th, known as Leap Day, occurs every four years to synchronize the calendar with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This intercalary day is added to ensure that the calendar year remains in alignment with the astronomical year. Leap Day has been celebrated and observed in various cultures throughout history, often with special traditions […]
The Final Episode of “M*A*S*H” Airs, Breaking Television Records
Television history was made on February 28th, 1983, as the final episode of the iconic series “MAS*H” aired, drawing an unprecedented audience of over 105 million viewers in the United States. The finale, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” remains one of the most-watched television episodes of all time.
James Watson and Francis Crick Discover the Structure of DNA
On February 28th, 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick made a groundbreaking discovery at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, England. They unveiled the double-helix structure of DNA, laying the foundation for modern molecular biology and revolutionizing our understanding of genetics.
John Wesleyan Establishes First Methodist Church
On February 28, John Wesleyan, a prominent figure in the Methodist movement, founded the first Methodist church in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the spread of Methodism to North America. This establishment laid the foundation for the Methodist denomination’s growth and influence across the country