March 13 in History: Pluto Discovered, Pope Francis Elected & Grand Rapids Radio Station WBDC Signs On

Scott Winters March 13, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on March 13 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 13 in History?

Important events on this day include the discovery of Pluto, the first appearance of the comic strip Dennis the Menace, Pope Francis being elected as the 266th pope, and the launch of WBDC radio in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

MARCH 13 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1639 – Harvard University was named for clergyman John Harvard.

1781 – The planet Uranus was discovered by Sir William Herschel.

1852 – “Uncle Sam” debuts as a cartoon character in the New York Lantern. It was drawn by Frank Henry Bellew.

1865 – Jefferson Davis signed a bill authorizing slaves to be used as soldiers for the Confederacy.

1868 – The Senate began the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.

1877 – Earmuffs were patented by Chester Greenwood, who invented them at the age of 15.

1884 – Standard time was adopted throughout the United States.

1901 – Andrew Carnegie announced his retirement from business. He spent the rest of his life giving away his fortune. His net worth was estimated at $300 million.

1911 – The Supreme Court approved corporate tax law.

1918 – Women were scheduled to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York, NY due to a shortage of men due to wartime.

1925 – WBDC radio in Grand Rapids, MI signed on the air. The studios were behind the Baxter Laundry Company’s office at 707 Fountain Street. The call letters stood for “World-wide Baxter Dry Cleaning” for the laundry firm owned by State Senator Howard F. Baxter, who also owned the station. It later would become WASH and WOOD and shared the dial space.

1930 – The discovery of the planet Pluto was announced. The discovery was made by scientist Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory. It was stripped of its “planet” status in 2006.

1933 – Banks in the United States began to re-open after a “holiday” that had been declared by President Theodore Roosevelt.

1942 – Julia Flikke of the Nurse Corps became the first woman colonel in the U.S. Army.

1951 – The comic strip “Dennis the Menace” appeared for the first time in newspapers.

1952 – Park Davis & Company opened the nation’s first factory to exclusively produce a synthetic antibiotic (chloromycetin) in Holland, MI.

1957 – Labor leader Jimmy Hoffa was arrested by the FBI on bribery charges.

1961 – Barbie’s long-term on-off boyfriend, Ken Carson, first appeared on the scene. He was exhibited by Mattel at a toy fair.

1969 – Apollo 9 astronauts returned to Earth after a mission that included the successful testing of the Lunar Module.

1970 – Digital Equipment Corp. introduced the PDP-11 minicomputer.

1972 – TV’s “The Merv Griffin Show” debuted in syndication for Metromedia Television.

1974 – The Senate voted 54-33 to restore the death penalty.

1980 – A jury in Winamac, IN, found Ford Motor Company innocent of reckless homicide in the deaths of three young women that had been riding in a Ford Pinto.

1984 – MTV premiered its weekly “Top 20 Video Countdown” television show.

1987 – Bryan Adams’ song “Heat of the Night” became the first commercially released cassette single (cassingle) in the U.S.

1987 – Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1991 – Exxon agreed to pay $1 billion in fines and for the clean-up of the Alaskan oil spill of the Exxon Valdez.

1997 – The unidentified Phoenix lights were seen over Phoenix, AZ by hundreds of people and millions on television.

2002 – Fox aired “Celebrity Boxing” on television. Among the matches were Tonya Harding beating Paula Jones, Danny Bonaduce defeating Barry Williams and Todd Bridges stopping Vanilla Ice.

2003 – The journal “Nature” reported that footprints, that were 350,000 years old, had been found in Italy made by an upright-walking human.

2005 – Kelly A. Frank was arrested for allegedly plotting to kidnap David Letterman’s son, Harry, from the talk show host’s ranch in Montana. Letterman had hired Frank as a painter.

2006 – In New York, NY, construction began on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

2006 – Scientologist Isaac Hayes, who voiced the character of “Chef” for almost a decade on Comedy Central’s “South Park”, asked to be released from his contract citing inappropriate ridicule of religious communities.

2008 – On the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold prices hit $1,000 per ounce for the first time.

2012 – “The Hunger Games” movie premiered in theaters.

2012 – After 244 years of publication, Encyclopædia Britannica announced it would discontinue its print edition.

2013 – Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was announced as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He would be known as Pope Francis.

2020 – President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency over the coronavirus (COVID-19). As much as $50 billion would be spent to fight the illness.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 13:

Diane Dillon – 93 years old (1933) – Illustrator

Dave Cutler – 84 years old (1942) – Computer scientist and engineer

Lyn St. James – 79 years old (1947) – Race car driver

William H. Macy – 76 years old (1950) – Actor, director, and screenwriter

Michael Curry – 73 years old (1953) – Bishop, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Dana Delany – 70 years old (1956) – Actress and producer

Jamie Dimon – 70 years old (1956) – North-American businessman and banker

John Hoeven – 69 years old (1957) – Banker and politician, 31st Governor of North Dakota

Rick Lazio – 68 years old (1958) – Lawyer and politician

Vance Johnson – 63 years old (1963) – Football player

Will Clark – 62 years old (1964) – Baseball player

Tim Story – 56 years old (1970) – Director and producer

Annabeth Gish – 55 years old (1971) – Actress

Adina Porter – 55 years old (1971) – Actress

Common – 54 years old (1972) – Rapper and actor

Trent Dilfer – 54 years old (1972) – Football player, coach, and analyst

David Draiman – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter

Bobby Jackson – 53 years old (1973) – Basketball player and coach

Troy Hudson – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player and rapper

Danny Masterson – 50 years old (1976) – Actor and producer

Tom Danielson – 48 years old (1978) – Cyclist

Caron Butler – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Nicole Ohlde – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player

Kaitlin Sandeno – 43 years old (1983) – Swimmer

Emile Hirsch – 41 years old (1985) – Actor

Marco Andretti – 39 years old (1987) – Race car driver

Marcell Dareus – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Tristan Thompson – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player

Mikaela Shiffrin – 31 years old (1995) – Skier

Pyper America – 29 years old (1997) – Model, actress, and musician

Landry Shamet – 29 years old (1997) – Basketball player

Jack Harlow – 28 years old (1998) – Rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor

Frank Gore Jr. – 24 years old (2002) – Football player

Coco Gauff – 22 years old (2004) – Tennis player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 13:

World Sleep Day: Resting your eyes, recharging your body, and dreaming of wonderful things are just a few reasons to love bedtime.
Solar Appreciation Day: From shrinking electricity bills to cutting air pollution, solar power has a knack for turning something ordinary, sunlight, into something genuinely useful. Solar Appreciation Day spotlights that simple magic and nudges communities, businesses, and households to learn how solar works, where it fits best, and what it can realistically do. At...
Smart & Sexy Day: Let's dive into the vibrant world of International Smart & Sexy Day! This day sparkles with the celebration of everyone's unique brilliance and allure. It's a special moment to recognize and embrace the diverse intelligence and talents that flourish within each of us. How to Celebrate Smart & Sexy Day Here...
National Freelancers Day: Independent professionals, shaping their destiny, harnessing their skills to offer versatile contributions in the modern workforce landscape.
National K9 Veterans Day: Dedicated canine partners, with unwavering loyalty, play crucial roles, showcasing the incredible bond between soldiers and dogs.
L. Ron Hubbard Day: L. Ron Hubbard Day lights up every March 13, celebrating the birth of a man known for his vast writings and the founding of Scientology. This special day has caught the attention of many, especially those intrigued by his science fiction works and the beliefs of Scientology. Why March 13? It...
International Grant Professionals Day: Navigating funding landscapes, these skilled advocates secure resources for impactful initiatives, driving positive change for communities.
IUGR Awareness Day: IUGR Awareness Day shines a light on intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also called fetal growth restriction, a pregnancy complication in which a baby does not grow at the expected pace in the womb. It is a topic that can feel intensely personal for families and intensely clinical for care teams...
National Coconut Torte Day: A delightful treat for the taste buds — savoring that rich, creamy dessert with a hint of tropical goodness is like taking a bite of paradise.
National Preschooler’s Day: National Preschooler’s Day celebrates the spirited world of young learners as they step into early education. This day brings attention to the critical role preschool plays in developing essential skills through playful learning and social interaction. For children around ages three to five, preschool is an adventure in discovering new friendships...
Elephant Day in Thailand: Elephant Day in Thailand is a celebration dedicated to highlighting the importance of elephants in Thai culture and their significant role in the ecosystem. Elephants have long been a symbol of strength and wisdom in Thailand, making this day especially meaningful. The day also focuses on raising awareness about the...
National Jewel Day: Sparkling treasures that captivate and enchant, jewels are a timeless expression of elegance and beauty, cherished for their radiance and allure.
Ken Day: That one buddy of Barbie's who's always got a fresh wardrobe and a slick ride, making other action figures a tad envious.
National Good Samaritan Day: Kind-hearted individuals shine, making a positive impact through selfless acts, emphasizing the beauty of compassion and generosity.
National Earmuff Day: When the cold bites, these fuzzy sidekicks for your ears come to the rescue, cranking up the coziness on chilly days.
International Riesling Day: Discover the elegant harmony of crisp acidity and luscious sweetness in this renowned white wine varietal from Germany.
National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day: Did you know that opening an umbrella indoors has been considered bad luck for centuries? This age-old superstition has puzzled many.
International Every Girl Wins Day: In today's world, no girl should feel invisible, unheard, or held back. International Every Girl Wins Day speaks directly to that truth. It celebrates every girl’s right to dream big, stand tall, and rise above limits. This powerful day brings attention to the idea that confidence, courage, and opportunity shouldn’t...
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.
World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup: The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, held in Sweetwater, Texas, is a unique event that draws thousands of visitors each year. This lively gathering is about more than just catching rattlesnakes. In fact, it's a full-fledged festival with activities like a carnival, beauty pageant, gun shows, and even a snake-eating contest. The...
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.