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On This Day In History - March 26

By CM Chaney · March 26, 2024

On This Day In History - March 26

"On This Day in History" is a captivating journey through time, revisiting the most significant events that have occurred on this very date throughout the years.

From monumental political decisions and groundbreaking scientific discoveries to unforgettable moments in sports and cultural milestones, each article in this series will transport you back to a specific day, offering a glimpse into the past and revealing how these events have shaped our world.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating stories that have left an indelible mark on history.  Wikimedia

1812: "The Gerry-mander": A Satirical Cartoon Coinage

The Boston Gazette published a satirical cartoon, "The Gerry-mander," which criticized the redrawing of districts to favor incumbents, coining the term "gerrymander."  Wikimedia/Elkanah Tisdale

1827: Beethoven's Untimely Demise

Renowned German composer Ludwig van Beethoven passed away at the age of 56 due to cirrhosis of the liver, cutting his life and career short.  Wikimedia/Joseph Karl Stieler

1874: Robert Frost: A New England Poet Born in San Francisco

Robert Frost, the celebrated American poet known for his realistic verse and depictions of rural New England life, was born in San Francisco, California.  Wikimedia/Fred Palumbo

1885: Duck Lake: The Spark of the Riel Rebellion

The Riel Rebellion in Canada erupted with its first confrontation at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, marking the beginning of a significant conflict in Canadian history.  Wikimedia/National Library of Medicine

1911: Tennessee Williams: Unveiling Human Frustration and Desire

Born in Columbus, Mississippi, American playwright Tennessee Williams crafted works that exposed the undercurrents of sex and violence beneath a veneer of romantic gentility.  Wikimedia/Orlando Fernandezs

1927: The Birth of the Mille Miglia

The legendary Mille Miglia, an iconic automobile race that traverses the picturesque landscapes of Italy, held its inaugural event, marking the beginning of a beloved tradition.  Wikimedia/Bruno Guerrini

1930: Sandra Day O'Connor: Trailblazer for Women in Law Born

Born in El Paso, Texas, Sandra Day O'Connor made history as the first woman to be appointed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice.  Wikimedia/Library of Congress

1941: Richard Dawkins: Pioneering Evolutionary Biologist and Atheist Advocate Born

Richard Dawkins, a British evolutionary biologist born in Nairobi, Kenya, argued that genes drive evolution and became a prominent advocate for atheism.  Wikimedia/Anders Hesselbom

1944: Diana Ross Born: From Supremes to Solo Stardom

Diana Ross, born on this day, rose to international fame as the lead singer of the Supremes before embarking on a successful solo career.  Wikimedia/Raph_PH

1971: Bangladesh Declares Independence, Government-in-Exile Established

Awami League members established a government-in-exile in Calcutta (Kolkata) and proclaimed Bangladesh's independence, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's struggle for self-determination.  Wikimedia/Riads08

1979: Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty Signed, Reshaping Middle East Diplomacy

On this day in 1979, Israel and Egypt signed a historic peace treaty based on the Camp David Accords, mediated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.  Wikimedia/Warren K. Leffler

1992: Mike Tyson Sentenced to Prison for Rape

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson received a six-year prison sentence after being convicted of rape in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking a shocking turn in his career.  Wikimedia/Paula R. Lively

1997: Heaven's Gate Cult: 39 Found Dead in Mass Suicide

Police uncovered the bodies of 39 Heaven's Gate members who took their own lives, believing a UFO would transport them to a better place.  heavensgate.com/

2000: Vladimir Putin Elected President of Russia

Vladimir Putin, a former Russian intelligence officer turned politician, won the presidential election in Russia, marking the beginning of his influential leadership.  Wikimedia/Пресс-служба Президента России

2005: Doctor Who Revival: Christopher Eccleston Takes the TARDIS Helm

After a 16-year hiatus, the iconic BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who returned to television screens, with Christopher Eccleston stepping into the role of the Time Lord.  Wikimedia/Shaun Smith

2011: Geraldine Ferraro, Trailblazing VP Nominee, Dies at 75

Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman nominated for U.S. vice president by a major party (Democratic, 1984), passed away at the age of 75.  Wikimedia/Warren K. Leffler