Calendar icon showing March 27 for Today in History post

March 27 in History: U.S. Navy Created, Alaska Earthquake Strikes, and Viagra Approved

Scott Winters March 27, 2026 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 27 in History?

Important events on this day include the creation of the U.S. Navy, the devastating 1964 Alaska earthquake, and the FDA approval of Viagra.

MARCH 27 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1794 – Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy and the building of six frigates.

1836 – The first Mormon temple was dedicated in Kirtland, OH.

1841 – The first steam fire engine was tested in New York, NY.

1860 – M.L. Byrn patented the corkscrew.

1866 – President Andrew Johnson vetoed the civil rights bill, which later became the 14th amendment. His veto was overridden by Congress and the bill passed into law on April 9th.

1884 – The first long-distance telephone call was made from Boston, MA to New York, NY.

1886 – Geronimo, an Apache warrior, surrendered to the U.S. Army, ending the main phase of the Apache Wars.

1899 – The first international radio transmission between England and France was achieved by the Italian inventor G. Marconi.

1904 – Mary Jarris “Mother” Jones was ordered by Colorado state authorities to leave the state. She was accused of stirring up striking coal miners.

1912 – The first cherry blossom trees — a gift from Japan — were planted in Washington, DC.

1915 – Typhoid Mary, the first healthy carrier of disease ever identified in the U.S., was put in quarantine, where she would remain for the rest of her life.

1917 – The Seattle Metropolitans, of the Pacific Coast League of Canada, defeated the Montreal Canadians and became the first U.S. hockey team to win the Stanley Cup.

1939 – The University of Oregon beat The Ohio State University to win the first NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

1946 – Four-month long strikes at both General Electric and General Motors ended with a wage increase.

1958 – The U.S. announced a plan to explore space near the Moon.

1964 – The most powerful earthquake in U.S. history, at a magnitude of 9.2, hit south central Alaska, killing 125 people and causing massage damage to the city of Anchorage.

1975 – Construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System began.

1976 – The first 4.6 miles of the Washington, DC, Metro subway system opened.

1983 – The TV mini-series “The Thorn Birds” — based on a novel of the same name by Colleen McCullough — premiered on ABC. It would become the second highest rated mini-series at the time, behind “Roots”.

1985 – Billy Dee Williams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1986 – Sammy Hagar played his first show as lead singer of the band Van Halen.

1987 – The band U2 filmed their video “Where the Streets Have No Name” on a rooftop in Los Angeles, CA.

1988 – The Senate ratified the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

1989 – The U.S. anti-missile satellite failed the first test in space.

1990 – The U.S. began broadcasting TV Marti, an anti-Castro propaganda network, to Cuba.

1998 – The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Viagra as a treatment for male impotence. It was the first pill to be approved for this condition in the U.S.

1999 – The Melissa computer virus spread through the Internet.

2004 – NASA successfully launched an unpiloted X-43A jet that hit Mach 7 (about 5,000 mph).

2007 – NFL owners voted to make instant replay a permanent officiating tool.

2009 – Marc Holder was confirmed as the first African American Attorney General.

2011 – The Nintendo 3DS was released in North America.

2020 – President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law, pumping more than $2.2 trillion in federal air back into the economy due to COVID-19.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 27:

Malcolm Goldstein – 90 years old (1936) – Violinist and composer

Jay Kim – 87 years old (1939) – South Korean-American engineer and politician

Austin Pendleton – 86 years old (1940) – Actor, director, and playwright

Walt Mossberg – 79 years old (1947) – Journalist

Susan Neiman – 71 years old (1955) – American-German philosopher and author

Brad Wright – 64 years old (1962) – American-Spanish basketball player

Kevin J. Anderson – 64 years old (1962) – Science fiction writer

Cory Blackwell – 63 years old (1963) – Basketball player

Randall Cunningham – 63 years old (1963) – Football player, coach, and pastor

Quentin Tarantino – 63 years old (1963) – Director, producer, screenwriter and actor

Talisa Soto – 59 years old (1967) – Actress

Pauley Perrette – 57 years old (1969) – Actress

Mariah Carey – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Brent Fitz – 56 years old (1970) – Canadian-American multi-instrumentalist and recording artist

Elizabeth Mitchell – 56 years old (1970) – Actress

Charlie Haas – 54 years old (1972) – Professional wrestler

Fergie – 51 years old (1975) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress

Danny Fortson – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player

Sean Ryan – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Dustin Byfuglien – 41 years old (1985) – Ice hockey player

Buster Posey – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Brenda Song – 38 years old (1988) – Actress

Matt Harvey – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player

London on da Track – 35 years old (1991) – Record producer

Brandon Nimmo – 33 years old (1993) – Baseball player

Jesser – 27 years old (1999) – YouTuber

Halle Bailey – 26 years old (2000) – Singer-songwriter and actress

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 27:

World Theatre Day: Magical places where stories come to life, the stage is a portal to other worlds, transporting audiences by the power of live performance.
International Scribble Day: With a stroke of a pen, ideas come to life through scribbling. Let your creativity flow and unleash the power of the doodle!
National Skipping Day: National Skipping Day is a bright, bouncy reminder that fitness does not have to come with a whistle and a clipboard. It invites kids and grown-ups alike to grab a rope, clear a little space, and rediscover a classic playground skill that still holds up as an honest-to-goodness workout. At its...
International Medical Science Liaison Day: Imagine a bridge connecting the world of medicine with the realm of science. Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) serve as this vital link. They operate at the intersection of research, clinical care, and everyday practice, translating complex evidence into practical understanding while bringing real-world questions back to the people generating the data...
National Acoustic Soul Day: National Acoustic Soul Day brings music lovers together to celebrate the soulful melodies of acoustic music and the powerful message woven into its lyrics. It spotlights a style that favors real instruments, intimate vocals, and storytelling that feels like a conversation, not a spectacle. Acoustic soul sits comfortably where singer-songwriter honesty...
Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day: Get ready to giggle and tap your toes! Country music has so many hilariously named songs like "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy", "If You Can't Bite, Don't Growl" and "Redneck Yacht Club".
World AdTech Day: Shortened from the term ‘advertising technology’, AdTech is a collection of software, tools, resources and systems that allow for the buying and selling of digital advertisements. This is the way of the 21st century and it represents the foundation of the interactive marketing profession. For those who are connected to...
International Whisk(e)y Day: Take a sip of the liquid gold that hails from the barrels of fermented grains. It's a complex, warm, and welcoming elixir.
National Spanish Paella Day: A dish of vibrant colors and bold flavors, each bite of this classic rice dish will transport you to the sunny streets of Valencia.
Celebrate Exchange Day: Celebrate Exchange Day brings people from around the world together in a joyful moment. It welcomes international visitors, family members, and program leaders. They share bits of their cultures and carry friendly smiles. The event buzzes with good food, lively games, and small acts of kindness. It uplifts local neighborhoods and...
National Viagra Day: There’s no doubt that Viagra has changed the conversation around men’s health. National Viagra Day shines a light on this once-taboo topic, encouraging openness and discussion about erectile health. Since its introduction, this “little blue pill” has empowered millions to address erectile health effectively, leading to a better quality of...
Bitterballen Day: Bitterballen Day is a lively celebration that highlights one of the Netherlands' most beloved snacks, the Bitterbal. These crispy, deep-fried meatballs are a quintessential Dutch treat, enjoyed by many during social gatherings. Bitterballen Day isn't just about savoring this tasty snack; it's about embracing Dutch culture and the communal spirit...
Ultra Music Festival: Ultra Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of electronic dance music that draws fans from around the world to Miami, Florida, every March. This much-awaited event transforms Bayfront Park into a musical wonderland, offering a variety of sounds and experiences! How to Celebrate Ultra Music Festival Celebrating Ultra Music Festival calls...
March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
National Tsunami Awareness Week: National Tsunami Awareness Week sparks a wave of readiness during this time each year. This week is set aside to spread knowledge about the serious threat of tsunamis, especially in regions with high risk! How to Observe National Tsunami Awareness Week Host a Tsunami Trivia Night Gather friends or neighbors for a...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
Tick Bite Prevention Week: Tick Bite Prevention Week, celebrated annually, is a vital period dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of tick bites and how to prevent them! How to Celebrate Tick Bite Prevention Week Celebrating Tick Bite Prevention Week can be both educational and fun. Here are several suggestions to get involved...
Week of Solidarity with Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination: The Week of Solidarity with Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination brings communities together in support of a world free from racial hatred and inequality. This UN-led initiative highlights the voices and stories of those affected by racism worldwide, shining a light on the struggles and resilience of diverse...
National Cleaning Week: Sprucing up the living space can be quite the chore, but the end result is a refreshed and orderly home to be proud of.
National Physicians Week : Healing hands, medical marvels—physicians navigate the intricate realms of health, weaving stories of resilience and care.
UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week: UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week celebrates the magic of live performance across cultures. It highlights voices that rise from every stage. Artists, storytellers, and directors come together to share something real. These stories spark laughter, stir emotion, and open new ways of seeing the world. From packed auditoriums to outdoor street corners...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...