March 16
Today in America's Present Past
1621 | Wampanoag chief Massasoit established diplomatic ties with the Massachusetts pilgrims who had arrived a few months prior.
1641 | The first “democratic” constitution established in the “New World” by the General Court in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
1649 | The Iroquois murdered Jesuit explorer Jean de Brebeuf.
1739 | Founder George Clymer was born.
1751 | POTUS: President Madison was born.
1802 | POTUS: Democratic-Republican President Jefferson signed an act creating West Point (the Military Peace Establishment Act).
1827 | Civil Rights: The first Black American newspaper, “Freedom Journal”, began publication in New York.
1850 | Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” was published.
1861 | Civil War: Sam Houston was deposed by his legislature for failing to swear allegiance to the Confederate States of America.
1861 | Civil War: Arizona voted to leave the Union.
1865 | Civil War: Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina.
1870 | Congress: Hiram R. Revels made the first formal speech by a Black American Senator in the Senate.
1882 | Congress: The U.S. Senate ratified the Geneva Convention of 1864.
1883 | Civil Rights: Susan Hayhurst became the first female graduate of Pharmacy College.
1907 | Physician Alexander S. Wiener was born.
1912 | POTUS: Future First Lady Pat Nixon (Thelma Catherine Ryan) was born.
1926 | Comedian Jerry Lewis was born.
1926 | Robert H. Goddard launched the first liquid fueled rocket.
1927 | Politician Daniel Patrick Moynihan was born.
1936 | Inventor Raymond Damadian was born.
1941 | The National Gallery of Art opened in Washington, D.C.
1949 | Actor Erik Estrada was born.
1966 | During the Gemini 8 mission, Neil Armstrong and David Scott successfully docked two spacecraft in orbit.
1968 | Vietnam War: The “My Lai” massacre occurred.
1971 | Politician Thomas E. Dewey died.
1974 | The Grand Ole Opry House opened in Opryland, Nashville.
1991 | Civil Rights: During the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, members of the Irish Gay & Lesbian organization are authorized to participate.
1984 | CIA station chief William Buckley was kidnapped in Beirut by Hezbollah.
1995 | Civil Rights: Mississippi formally ratified the 13th Amendment but did not file the paperwork codifying it until 2013.
1996 | Actor Charlie Barnett died.
2000 | Bombardier Thomas Ferebee died.