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March 29 in History: Coca-Cola Created, Niagara Falls Stops Flowing, and Dow Hits 10,000

Scott Winters March 29, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 29 in history, along with notable events that shaped business, natural wonders, and financial milestones.

What Happened on March 29 in History?

Important events on this day include the creation of Coca-Cola, Niagara Falls temporarily stopping, and the Dow Jones surpassing 10,000 for the first time.

MARCH 29 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1806 – Construction was authorized on the Great National Pike, better known as the Cumberland Road, becoming the first United States Federal highway.

1848 – Niagara Falls stopped flowing for one day due to an ice jam.

1882 – The Knights of Columbus organization was granted a charter by the State of Connecticut.

1886 – The first batch of Coca Cola was brewed by Atlanta, GA druggist John Pemberton in his backyard. Originally called “Esteemed Brain Tonic and Intellectual Beverage”, the sweet, fizzy concoction originally contained cocaine until its nonprescription use was banned in 1904.

1906 – 500,000 U.S. coal miners walked off the job seeking higher wages.

1911 – The M1911 .45 ACP pistol became the official U.S. Army side arm.

1929 – Michigan became the first state in the U.S. to ban the use of fireworks by the general public. (That changed in 2011.)

1943 – Rationing of meat, butter and cheese began in the United States during World War II.

1951 – Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage. They were executed in June 19, 1953.

1961 – The 23rd amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. The amendment gave residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote in Presidential elections.

1962 – Jack Paar made his final appearance on “The Tonight Show” after a 4-1/2 year run.

1971 – A jury in Los Angeles recommended the death penalty for Charles Manson and three female followers for the 1969 Tate-La Bianca murders. The death sentences were later commuted to live in prison because of a California ruling on executions.

1973 – The last U.S. troops left South Vietnam.

1974 – Mariner 10, the U.S. space probe became the first spacecraft to reach the planet Mercury. It was launched on November 3, 1973.

1974 – Eight Ohio National Guardsmen were indicted on charges stemming from the shooting deaths of four students at Kent State University on May 4, 1970. All the guardsmen were later acquitted.

1979 – The Committee on Assassinations Report issued by U.S. House of Representatives stated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was the result of a conspiracy.

1982 – The television soap opera “Search for Tomorrow” moved from CBS to NBC.

1984 – The NFL’s Baltimore Colts loaded their possessions into 15 Mayflower moving trucks in the early morning hours and transferred operations to Indianapolis, IN.

1985 – The animated movie “Care Bears” opened in theaters.

1985 – The movie “Desperately Seeking Susan”, starring Madonna, premiered in theaters.

1986 – A court in Rome acquitted six men in a plot to kill the Pope.

1987 – Hulk Hogan took 11 minutes, 43 seconds to pin Andre the Giant in front of 93,136 fans at Wrestlemania III in the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI.

1991 – City officials in Encinitas, CA, warned that children had begun venturing into sewers searching for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

1992 – Democratic Presidential front-runner Bill Clinton said “I didn’t inhale and I didn’t try it again” in reference to when he had experimented with marijuana as a young man.

1993 – Five men are arrested in the fatal bombing of World Trade Center in New York.

1993 – Clint Eastwood won his first Oscars. He won them for “Best Film” and “Best Director” for the film “Unforgiven.”

1995 – M&M’s announced that voters had chosen blue as the new color to be added to their candy.

1995 – The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a constitutional amendment that would have limited terms to 12 years in the U.S. House and Senate.

1999 – The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 10,000 mark for the first time, during the height of the internet boom.

2001 – Chuck Sozio of Melroose, MA, won a set of appliances because he had the oldest operating Frigidaire in the United States and Canada. His fridge, made of wood and porcelain, after 77 years was still in operation in his garage.

2002 – The movie “Panic Room”, starring Jodi Foster and Kristen Stewart, premiered in theaters.

2007 – U2 singer Bono received an honorary knighthood in Dublin, Ireland from British ambassador David Reddaway on behalf of Queen Elizabeth in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work.

2010 – In Japan, the Tokyo Skytree tower became the tallest structure in Japan when it reached 1,109 feet.

2013 – Students at Michigan Technological University created the world’s largest snowball. It was 32.94 feet in circumference and weighed several tons. It was certified by Guinness World Records.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 29:

Barbara Clare Foley – 78 years old (1948) – Author and educator

Joe Ehrmann – 77 years old (1949) – Football player and writer

Roger Myerson – 75 years old (1951) – Economist and professor

Nick Ut – 75 years old (1951) – Vietnamese-American photographer

Jo-Ann Mapson – 74 years old (1952) – Author

Alec Wilkinson – 74 years old (1952) – Writer

Mario Clark – 72 years old (1954) – Football player

Martha A. Sandweiss – 72 years old (1954) – Historian

Suzanna Sherry – 72 years old (1954) – Legal scholar

Evelyn C. White – 72 years old (1954) – Writer and editor

Earl Campbell – 71 years old (1955) – Football player

Gillian Conoley – 71 years old (1955) – Poet

Marina Sirtis – 71 years old (1955) – British-American actress

William Gurstelle – 70 years old (1956) – Writer and inventor

Elizabeth Hand – 69 years old (1957) – Author

Christopher Lambert – 69 years old (1957) – American-French actor

Kathryn Tanner – 69 years old (1957) – Theologian

Travis Childers – 68 years old (1958) – Businessman and politician

Nouriel Roubini – 68 years old (1958) – Iranian-American economic consultant, economist and writer

Todd G. Buchholz – 65 years old (1961) – Economist and author

Amy Sedaris – 65 years old (1961) – Actress and comedian

Billy Beane – 64 years old (1962) – Baseball player and manager

Igor Klebanov – 64 years old (1962) – Ukrainian-American theoretical physicist

Kirk Triplett – 64 years old (1962) – Golfer

Padraic Kenney – 63 years old (1963) – Writer, historian and educator

Catherine Cortez Masto – 62 years old (1964) – Attorney and politician

Todd F. Davis – 61 years old (1965) – Poet and critic

Ayun Halliday – 61 years old (1965) – Writer and actor

Brooks Hansen – 61 years old (1965) – Novelist, screenwriter and illustrator

Maia Szalavitz – 61 years old (1965) – Journalist and author

Bradford Tatum – 61 years old (1965) – Actor

Dwayne Harper – 60 years old (1966) – Football player

Brian Jordan – 59 years old (1967) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Chris Calloway – 58 years old (1968) – Football player

Ted Lieu – 57 years old (1969) – Politician and AFRC colonel

Jimmy Spencer – 57 years old (1969) – Football player and coach

J. A. Konrath – 56 years old (1970) – Author

Robert Gibbs – 55 years old (1971) – Political adviser, 28th White House Press Secretary

Ernest Cline – 54 years old (1972) – Novelist, poet and screenwriter

Stina Leicht – 54 years old (1972) – Author

Jennifer Capriati – 50 years old (1976) – Tennis player

Chris D'Elia – 46 years old (1980) – Stand-up comedian, actor and writer

Bill Demong – 46 years old (1980) – Skier

Jasmine Crockett – 45 years old (1981) – Attorney and politician

Megan Hilty – 45 years old (1981) – Actress and singer

PJ Morton – 45 years old (1981) – Musician, singer, songwriter and record producer

Chokwe Antar Lumumba – 43 years old (1983) – Attorney, activist and politician

Lucas Elliot Eberl – 40 years old (1986) – Actor and director

Matt Olson – 32 years old (1994) – Baseball player

Wade Baldwin IV – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 29:

National Neighbor Day: Being a good neighbor isn't just about borrowing sugar, it's about building community. Small acts of kindness can bring us closer and make us happier.
World Piano Day: Keys to unlocking musical creativity, a timeless instrument with a rich history, and an invitation to compose your own symphony.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates the hard work, dedication, and vital role small, family-run businesses play in our communities. These local shops aren't just places to buy things—they're deeply rooted in the fabric of towns and neighborhoods! How to Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day Discover...
Knights of Columbus Founders Day: Knights of Columbus Founders Day honors a tradition rooted in charity, faith, and community, with a special nod to the organization’s beginnings as a practical support system for families. It is a day for recognizing what happens when neighborly concern is organized into steady, hands-on service: meals served, funds raised...
Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day: Did you know that Niagara Falls, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, once ran dry in 1848? Discover the fascinating story behind this rare event.
National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day: Indulge in the light and fluffy goodness of a citrus-infused delicacy that will have you craving for more with every bite.
Education and Sharing Day: Unlock the power of education by making learning a collaborative experience! Together we can expand our knowledge and enrich our lives.
Texas Loves the Children Day: Texas Loves the Children Day focuses on the well-being and protection of children, encouraging communities to join hands in fighting child abuse and neglect. On this day people gather to share resources and information, aiming to educate communities on the signs of abuse and ways to support vulnerable kids. This...
National Pita Day: Did you know there's a special day dedicated to pita bread? National Pita Day honors this beloved flatbread, cherished in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Soft and versatile, pita serves as a vessel for countless fillings, from savory meats to fresh vegetables. Its unique pocket makes it perfect for scooping...
International Mermaid Day: Mermaid Day, celebrated annually, sparks the imagination with its enchanting theme centered around the mythical mermaid. This special day captures the hearts of those fascinated by folklore and the arts, celebrating a creature that symbolizes mystery and allure. It's a day when fans of the fantastical can reflect on these mythical...
PayDay It Forward: In the spirit of goodwill bestowed upon us, let's extend a guiding hand to the next generation of young gentlemen.
National Smoke and Mirrors Day: Step into a world of illusions where reality is questioned, and the impossible becomes possible - an experience that amazes and mystifies!
National Vietnam War Veterans Day: National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a significant day in the United States, observed every year on March 29. This date marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Vietnam in 1973. The day honors the nearly three million service members who served in Vietnam, recognizing their...
Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday marks the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and laying them on the road. He rode a donkey, a sign of peace, not war. People shouted "Hosanna," hoping he would bring salvation. The scene was joyful, filled with hope and excitement. Yet, beneath the...
British Summer Time Begins: British Summer Time (BST) begins when the clocks are set forward, signaling the arrival of longer daylight hours. This change marks the start of lighter evenings, which many people look forward to after the darker winter months. The extra hour of daylight in the evening encourages outdoor activities, making the...
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...
National Physicians Week : Healing hands, medical marvels—physicians navigate the intricate realms of health, weaving stories of resilience and care.
NanoDays: NanoDays celebrates the fascinating world of nanotechnology through hands-on activities and engaging displays, sparking curiosity for learners of all ages. This nationwide event, organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, invites families and communities to explore how nanoscale science shapes future innovations in fields like medicine, electronics, and environmental...
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...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...