March 11 in History: U.S. Steel formed, the debut of the TV show “COPS” & the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic

Scott Winters March 11, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 11 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 11 in History?

Important events on this day include U.S. Steel being formed by J.P. Morgan, the debut of the TV show COPS, Paul McCartney being knighted, the devastating 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic.

MARCH 11 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1791 – Samuel Mulliken became the first person to receive more than one patent from the U.S. Patent Office.

1824 – The U.S. War Department created the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Seneca Indian Ely Parker became the first Indian to lead the Bureau.

1861 – A Confederate Convention was held in Montgomery, AL, where a new constitution was adopted.

1901 – U.S. Steel was formed when industrialist J.P. Morgan purchased Carnegie Steep Corp. The event made Andrew Carnegie the world’s richest man.

1904 – After 30 years of drilling, the north tunnel under the Hudson River was holed through to link Jersey City, NJ, and New York, NY.

1930 – Former Boston Red Six pitcher Babe Ruth signed a two year contract with the New York Yankees for $80,000.

1930 – President Howard Taft became the first U.S. President to be buried in the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

1964 – U.S. Senator Carl Hayden, of Arizona, broke the record for continuous service in the Senate. He had worked 37 years and seven days.

1966 – In New York, NY, three men were convicted in the assassination of Malcom X.

1969 – Blue jean manufacturer Levi Strauss started selling bell-bottomed jeans.

1978 – Bobby Hull, of the Winnipeg Jets, joined Gordie Howe by getting his 1,000th career goal.

1986 – Popsicle announced its plan to end the traditional twin-stick frozen treat for a one-stick model.

1989 – The Fox TV show “COPS” debuted.

1993 – Janet Reno was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to become the first female Attorney General. She was sworn in the next day.

1997 – Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

1998 – The International Astronomical Union issued an alert that said that a mile-wide asteroid could come very close to, and possibly hit, Earth on Oct. 26, 2028. The next day NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced that there was no chance the asteroid would hit Earth.

2000 – KISS began their “Farewell Tour”. They performed at Van Andel Arena on May 7th of that year.

2002 – Two columns of light were pointed skyward from ground zero in New York, NY, as a temporary memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

2009 – Toyota announced that they had sold their one millionth hybrid vehicle. The most popular model was the Prius.

2011 – Apple launched their iPad2 after selling 15 million of the original iPads.

2011 – An earthquake that measured 9.0 in magnitude struck 80 miles east of Sendai, Japan. The quake triggered a tsunami that killed thousands of people. The event also caused the second largest nuclear accident in history and one of only two events to be classified as a Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale.

2020 – The NBA suspended its season after a player tested positive for COVID-19.

2020 – Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announced they had tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia.

2020 – The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic. President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address from the Oval Office. He called for a ban on travelers from European countries, other than the United Kingdom, for 30 days.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 11:

Rupert Murdoch – 95 years old (1931) – Australian-American businessman and media magnate

Sam Donaldson – 92 years old (1934) – Journalist

Harvey Mandel – 81 years old (1945) – Guitarist

Mark Metcalf – 80 years old (1946) – Actor

Roy Barnes – 78 years old (1948) – Politician, 80th Governor of Georgia

Bobby McFerrin – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and conductor

Jerry Zucker – 76 years old (1950) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Derek Daly – 73 years old (1953) – Irish-American race car driver and sportscaster

Jimmy Iovine – 73 years old (1953) – Record producer and businessman, co-founded Beats Electronics

David Newman – 72 years old (1954) – Composer and conductor

Gale Norton – 72 years old (1954) – Politician, 48th United States Secretary of the Interior

Willie Banks – 70 years old (1956) – Triple jumper

Nina Hartley – 67 years old (1959) – Pornographic actress/director, sex educator, sex-positive feminist, and author

Matt Mead – 64 years old (1962) – Politician, 32nd Governor of Wyoming

Jeffrey Nordling – 64 years old (1962) – Actor

David LaChapelle – 63 years old (1963) – Photographer and director

Peter Berg – 62 years old (1964) – Director, producer, screenwriter, and actor

Jesse Jackson – 61 years old (1965) – Jr. , American lawyer and politician

Wallace Langham – 61 years old (1965) – Actor

John Thompson III – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player and coach

John Barrowman – 59 years old (1967) – Scottish-American actor and singer

Brad Carson – 59 years old (1967) – Lawyer and politician

Lisa Loeb – 58 years old (1968) – Singer-songwriter

Terrence Howard – 57 years old (1969) – Actor and producer

Michael Rulli – 57 years old (1969) – Politician and businessman

Johnny Knoxville – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and entertainer

Becky Hammon – 49 years old (1977) – American-Russian basketball player and coach

Elton Brand – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player

Fred Jones – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player

Benji Madden – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Joel Madden – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Rich Hill – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player

Mark Rober – 46 years old (1980) – YouTuber and engineer

Dan Uggla – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player

David Anders – 45 years old (1981) – Actor

Lee Evans – 45 years old (1981) – Football player

LeToya Luckett – 45 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Brian Anderson – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Thora Birch – 44 years old (1982) – Actress, producer, and director

Rob Brown – 42 years old (1984) – Actor

Cassandra Fairbanks – 41 years old (1985) – Journalist and activist

Greg Olsen – 41 years old (1985) – Football player and commentator

Malcolm Delaney – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Orlando Johnson – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Austin Swift – 34 years old (1992) – Producer and actor

Anthony Davis – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Conor Garland – 30 years old (1996) – Ice hockey player

Ray Spalding – 29 years old (1997) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 11:

National No Smoking Day (UK): Breaking up with cigarettes can give you more energy, better health, and extra cash for fun activities. It's a win-win!
National Promposal Day: National Promposal Day brings excitement and anticipation to high school students who are gearing up for one of the most memorable events of their teenage years—prom. It’s not just about securing a date; it’s about crafting an unforgettable moment. On this day, students across the country get creative, often turning...
World Plumbing Day: From hot showers to clean drinking water, plumbing provides us with essential comforts that we often take for granted.
Key Deer Awareness Day: Key Deer Awareness Day highlights the rare Key Deer, an endangered species found only in the Florida Keys. These small deer, unique to this island chain, stand out for their small size and short legs, which help them navigate the dense island vegetation. Their limited habitat, along with challenges like habitat...
World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film: Every year on March 11th, people around the globe celebrate the World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue, and Film. At its heart, this observance invites curiosity. It asks people to look beyond headlines and assumptions and instead meet Muslim cultures through creativity, everyday life, and conversation. The “film” part matters...
National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day: Navigating the maze of food choices, they're the go-to guides for healthier living, sharing insights and crafting personalized paths to wellness.
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day: Every year on March 11th, people across the United States mark National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. This day focuses on the vital role that funeral directors and morticians play in helping families navigate through the tough times following the loss of a loved one. They offer crucial support...
National 311 Day: A non-emergency helpline in various places throughout North America, dialing 3-1-1 allows local residents to get the assistance they need without tying up operators who may be needed for a more urgent situation. National 311 Day exists to educate and remind people that this simple, three-digit number can connect them with...
National Payton Slaymaker Day: National Payton Slaymaker Day honors the inspiring story of a young girl whose strength touched hearts across the United States. Diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (D.I.P.G.), a rare, aggressive brain cancer, Payton Slaymaker faced her journey with remarkable positivity. Her spirit and courage resonated with many, inspiring people nationwide to...
National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, a breakfast creation blending the wholesomeness of oats with the nutty goodness.
National Wash Your Nose Day: Keeping those nasal passages clear and feeling refreshed by giving them a gentle cleanse – a simple way to promote better nose hygiene.
National Dream Day: With unwavering determination and a spark of ambition, anyone can turn their deepest passions into a fulfilling reality.
Worship of Tools Day: Every year, on March 11th, people celebrate Worship of Tools Day. It's a special time to appreciate the tools that help us in our daily lives. From hammers to screwdrivers, these items deserve a moment in the spotlight. They make tasks easier and let us fix things on our own...
Debunking Day: Did you know there's a day fully dedicated to challenging the sea of misinformation and setting the facts straight? Debunking Day lights up every March 11th, inviting everyone to roll up their sleeves and clear the air. This day doesn't just brush off those minor misconceptions but tackles hefty myths...
National COVID-19 Day: Amid the challenges faced during the pandemic, National COVID-19 Day emerged as a heartfelt tribute to those we've lost and a salute to the unwavering dedication of healthcare and essential workers. Communities unite on this day to honor memories, share stories, and support one another, fostering a collective strength that...
National Sofrito Day: National Sofrito Day spotlights sofrito, a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables widely celebrated across Latin American and Caribbean kitchens. Sofrito transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic base, enhancing stews, rice, beans, meats, and more. Each country has its own twist, with versions that might use bell peppers...
National Immune System Day: National Immune System Day brings attention to the body's natural defense system. This system works constantly, fighting off harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria. It's made up of various parts, including white blood cells and antibodies, all working together to keep us healthy. The day encourages people to learn about this...
National Groundwater Awareness Week: A vital resource, groundwater is a hidden treasure beneath our feet. Its protection is crucial for our future and the planet's.
Brain Awareness Week: Understanding the intricate dance of neurons and synapses unravels the mysteries of cognition, revealing the brain's brilliance.
PI Week: Pi Week brings math to life in a way that feels playful and unexpected. It centers around the number π, the one that starts with 3.14 and helps explain circles. But this week isn’t just about numbers. It pulls in kids, parents, teachers, and even scientists. In schools, students dive into...
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...
World Glaucoma Week: Learning about eye health highlights the silent threat to vision, encouraging proactive care and awareness.
Sleep Awareness Week: A good night's sleep is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle — proper sleeping habits can be beneficial in improving overall health.
Universal Women’s Week: Every woman has the right to equal pay, reproductive rights, and freedom from violence. Let's empower women and create a more just society.
Girl Scout Week: Girl Scout Week is a vibrant celebration that brings together Girl Scout members, alumni, and supporters. This special week kicks off with Girl Scout Sunday and wraps up with Girl Scout Sabbath, featuring daily themes that highlight different aspects of the Girl Scout experience. Activities include wearing Girl Scout uniforms...
Healthcare HR Week : As the landscape of healthcare has grown more and more complicated in recent years, those who work behind the scenes in the human resources departments are vital to keeping everything running. From paperwork to compliance, from staffing to training, Healthcare HR employees play a pivotal role in this highly demanding...
Campfire USA Birthday Week: Campfire USA Birthday Week is a celebration of youth empowerment, outdoor learning, and community spirit. It’s a time when Camp Fire councils across the country come together to recognize the growth and contributions of young people involved in the organization. Through various activities like outdoor adventures, community service, and small-group...
Catholic Sisters Week: Catholic Sisters Week is a vibrant celebration honoring the contributions of religious women. This special week brings attention to the spirituality, mission, and community-building efforts of Catholic sisters who work in various areas, including education, healthcare, and social justice. Communities come together to acknowledge the sisters' unwavering commitment and impact...
National Bubble Gum Week: National Bubble Gum Week is a lively celebration that brings joy through the simple act of blowing bubbles. During this week, people indulge in the fun and creativity that bubble gum offers. Bubble gum, with its sugary sweetness and colorful appeal, has a way of bringing out smiles and reminding us...
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...
National Aardvark Week: Have you ever heard of aardvarks? These curious animals are like nature's oddballs roaming the African plains. Aardvarks are known for their long noses and love of ants and termites. With powerful legs, they dig to find their meals, creating big burrows that serve as homes. At night, they come...
Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.