March 3

Scott Winters March 3, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 3 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1791 – Congress passed a resolution that created the U.S. Mint.

1803 – The first impeachment trial of a U.S. Judge began. The Judge was John Pickering.

1812 – Congress passed the first Foreign Aid bill.

1817 – The first commercial steamboat route from Louisville, KY to New Orleans, LA was opened.

1823 – Congress reorganized the government of the Michigan Territory.

1845 – Florida became the 27th state.

1845 – Congress passed legislation overriding a President’s veto.

1845 – An Act of Congress established uniform postal rates throughout the nation. The act went into effect on July 1, 1845.

1849 – The Department of the Interior was established.

1849 – The Gold Coinage Act was passed by Congress. It allowed the minting of gold coins.

1851 – Congress authorized the 3-cent piece. It was the smallest U.S. silver coin.

1863 – Free city delivery of mail was authorized by the Postal Service.

1873 – Congress enacts the Comstock Law which made it illegal to send any “obscene, lewd, or lascivious” books through the mail.

1875 – Congress established Mackinac Island National Park (the nation’s second). Twenty years later the Fort and Park were given to the State of Michigan.

1875 – Congress authorized the 20-cent piece. It was only used for 3 years.

1885 – The American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) was incorporated in New York, NY, as a subsidiary of the American Bell Telephone Company.

1885 – The Post Office began offering special delivery for first-class mail.

1903 – In St. Louis, MO, Barney Gilmore was arrested for spitting.

1903 – The U.S. imposed a $2 head tax on immigrants.

1909 – Aviators Herring, Curtiss and Bishop announced that airplanes would be made commercially in the U.S.

1910 – J.D. Rockefeller Jr. announced his retirement from managing his business so that he can devote all his time to philanthropy. He also appealed to Congress for the creation of the Rockefeller Foundation.

1910 – In New York, NY, Robert Forest founded the National Housing Association to fight deteriorating urban living conditions.

1923 – The first issue of “Time” magazine was published.

1931 – Isle Royale National Park was authorized.

1931 – The “Star Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key, was adopted as the American National Anthem. The song was originally a poem titled “Defense of Fort McHenry”.

1945 – Superman encountered Batman and Robin for the first time on the Mutual Broadcasting System.

1949 – The first automatic street light was installed in New Milford, Connecticut.

1951 – The TV show “Watch Mr. Wizard” first aired with Don Herbert showing kids how cool science could be.

1951 – Jackie Brenston, along with Ike Turner and his band, recorded “Rocket 88” which is often cited as “the first rock and roll record”. They recorded the song at Sam Philips’ recording studios in Memphis, TN.

1969 – NASA’s Apollo 9 was launched to test a lunar module.

1969 – Sirhan Sirhan testified in a Los Angeles court that he killed Robert Kennedy.

1972 – NASA launched the Pioneer 10 spacecraft.

1975 – The first “People’s Choice Awards” were handed out.

1983 – It was a warm week of record high temperatures throughout lower Michigan. Grand Rapids hit 72 degrees while Muskegon was 69. There were six straight days of high temperatures of 60 degrees or above in Grand Rapids.

1985 – The TV show “Moonlighting” premiered.

1991 – In California, an amateur video caught the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers.

1999 – Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky gave her first televised interview to Barbara Walters on “20/20”.

2005 – Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo around the world nonstop without refueling. He completed a 67 hour, 23,000 mile journey in the plane “Global Flyer” by landing in Kansas.

2008 – Kid Rock pleaded not guilty to five counts of battery and one count of simple battery stemming from a fight at a Waffle House in Atlanta, GA, in October 2007. He was later ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.

2017 – The Nintendo Switch was released worldwide

2020 – Just after midnight, an EF-3 tornado hit Nashville, TN, killing over two dozen people.

2021 – Great apes at the San Diego Zoo were given an experimental COVID-19 vaccine designed for animals after an earlier outbreak among the gorillas.

BIRTHDAYS:

Michael Walzer – 91 years old (1935) – Philosopher and academic

Hattie Winston – 81 years old (1945) – Actress

Jennifer Warnes – 79 years old (1947) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Willie Wise – 79 years old (1947) – Basketball player

Ron Chernow – 77 years old (1949) – Historian, journalist, and author

Bonnie J. Dunbar – 77 years old (1949) – Engineer, academic, and astronaut

Tim Kazurinsky – 76 years old (1950) – Actor and screenwriter

Keith Fergus – 72 years old (1954) – Golfer

Robert Gossett – 72 years old (1954) – Actor

John Lilley – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Darnell Williams – 71 years old (1955) – English-American actor and director

Stephen Budiansky – 69 years old (1957) – Historian, journalist, and author

Johnny Moore – 68 years old (1958) – Basketball player and coach

Ira Glass – 67 years old (1959) – Radio host and producer

Neal Heaton – 66 years old (1960) – Baseball player and coach

Mary Page Keller – 65 years old (1961) – Actress and producer

John Matteson – 65 years old (1961) – Biographer

Glen E. Friedman – 64 years old (1962) – Photographer

Jackie Joyner-Kersee – 64 years old (1962) – Heptathlete and long jumper

Herschel Walker – 64 years old (1962) – Football player, mixed martial artist, and activist

Laura Harring – 62 years old (1964) – Mexican-American model and actress, Miss USA 1985

Tone Lōc – 60 years old (1966) – Rapper, producer, and actor

Brian Leetch – 58 years old (1968) – Ice hockey player

Julie Bowen – 56 years old (1970) – Actress

Tyler Florence – 55 years old (1971) – Chef and author

David Faustino – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Buddy Valastro – 49 years old (1977) – Chef and television host

Katherine Waterston – 46 years old (1980) – English-American actress

Lil' Flip – 45 years old (1981) – Rapper, songwriter, and producer

Jessica Biel – 44 years old (1982) – Actress, singer, and producer

Santonio Holmes – 42 years old (1984) – Football player

Ivar – 42 years old (1984) – Wrestler

Toby Turner – 41 years old (1985) – Internet personality

Jed Collins – 40 years old (1986) – Football player

Stacie Orrico – 40 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter

Michael Thomas – 33 years old (1993) – Football player

Cameron Johnson – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Camila Cabello – 29 years old (1997) – Cuban-American singer-songwriter and actress

Jayson Tatum – 28 years old (1998) – Basketball player

Corey Kispert – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player

Jevon Holland – 26 years old (2000) – Canadian-American football player

Jvke – 25 years old (2001) – Singer-songwriter

TODAY IS:

World Wildlife Day: Nature's untamed wonders are always captivating, from the majestic beasts of the savanna to the tiny creatures in your backyard.
World Hearing Day: Discovering the key to lifelong well-being: nurturing and safeguarding your hearing for a vibrant and connected life.
Lantern Festival: Amidst the dark winter sky, glows a world of wonder, an ancient Chinese tradition of sparkling lights and colors to warm the heart and ignite the soul, the lantern festival awaits!
National Town Meeting Day: National Town Meeting Day spotlights one of the most hands-on forms of civic life: neighbors gathering in the same room to decide how their community should run. It celebrates the spirit of local democracy at its most practical, where the agenda includes everything from money and roads to policies, priorities...
March Full Moon: The March Full Moon, also known as the Worm Moon, is a remarkable event that is highly anticipated and significant. This particular full moon is celebrated for its timing. It closely follows the Spring Equinox and marks the beginning of spring, a season full of growth and renewal. The Worm Moon...
Peach Blossom Day: Peach Blossom Day, also known as Momo no Sekku, is a cherished celebration in Japan that honors young girls' health and happiness. Families display ornamental dolls dressed in Heian-period attire on tiered platforms, creating captivating scenes within their homes. These dolls represent the emperor, empress, and their court, symbolizing parents' hopes...
Caregiver Appreciation Day: Caregiver Appreciation Day spotlights a group of people who often work in the background while doing very visible, very necessary work. Caregivers show up for others in ways that can be both practical and deeply personal: managing medications, offering mobility support, coordinating appointments, cooking meals, keeping someone company, and noticing...
Soup It Forward Day: Providing warm meals fosters compassion, supports vulnerable populations, and strengthens community bonds through acts of kindness.
Global Omega-3 Day: Boost your well-being with the goodness found in certain foods, a health secret often linked to fish like salmon.
National Mulled Wine Day: Sipping on a warm, spiced concoction that perfectly captures the cozy essence of chilly days—what a delightful way to unwind!
National Sportsmanship Day: Being gracious, respectful, and encouraging towards your opponents makes the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Navy Reserve Birthday: The Navy Reserve Birthday is a special occasion that honors the dedication and service of the Navy Reserve, a force built for flexibility, expertise, and readiness. This day celebrates the vital contributions of Reserve Sailors who support the active-duty Navy. These reservists step in to fill critical capability gaps, reinforce units...
Cap Go Meh: Cap Go Meh is a colorful and lively celebration that marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. It is celebrated to bring good fortune and happiness for the coming year, honor ancestors, and seek their blessings. The day serves as a time to strengthen family bonds and reinforce...
Simplify Your Life Day: Simplify Your Life Day is a chance to press pause on the noise and focus on what makes life feel lighter. It’s about clearing clutter, yes, but also about trimming the invisible tangles that pile up in a modern routine: too many commitments, too much screen time, too many “shoulds,”...
International Irish Whiskey Day: Savoring that smooth, amber-hued spirit with a rich heritage, evoking the warmth of tradition and the charm of Irish culture.
National I Want You To Be Happy Day: There's a certain joy in knowing you made someone smile. It could be as simple as a kind word or gesture. Let's spread happiness!
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day: Ever wondered if our furry pals could handle doorknobs? Paws in deep thought, they might just outsmart us yet.
National Anthem Day: It's that song that brings folks together, stirs emotions, and reminds us of unity — a sonic symbol of a nation's pride.
International Tripel Day: People from all over the globe are invited to join in with the celebration of this delightfully aromatic pale ale brewed in the style of the Trappist monks. International Tripel Day is a nod to this Belgian beer, which has strong, complex flavors that were born in the brewhouses of...
Missouri Compromise Day: Missouri Compromise Day marks an important moment in American history. It highlights a time when the nation was at a crossroads, debating fiercely over slavery's expansion. The Missouri Compromise settled this debate, at least temporarily, by balancing power between free and slave states. How to Celebrate Missouri Compromise Day Dive into...
Unique Names Day: Exploring monikers that stand out from the crowd, those names that instantly spark conversations and make introductions memorable.
Talk in Third Person Day: Talk in Third Person Day is a quirky and fun occasion, encouraging people to refer to themselves in the third person. Imagine narrating your actions like a character in a story. Instead of “I’m making coffee,” it becomes “Jordan is making coffee” or “Avery needs that second cup.” It is a...
National Moscow Mule Day: National Moscow Mule Day celebrates the iconic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, traditionally served in a copper mug. This day offers a moment to enjoy this refreshing drink and recognize its unique place in cocktail culture. With its zesty and invigorating taste, the Moscow Mule has...
National Cold Cuts Day: Deli counter delights, stacked high between slices, ready for your next sandwich adventure.
National Canadian Bacon Day: This savory meat is a breakfast staple, often served with eggs and toast. It's a delicious and protein-packed way to start your day!
National Triplet Day: Three siblings born at once, sharing a special bond and bringing multiplied love and laughter to families.
33 Flavors Day: 33 Flavors Day brings a sweet celebration to life, focusing on the joy of variety in ice cream. It highlights Baskin-Robbins' well-known tradition of offering a wide array of flavors, originally starting with 31 but expanding to keep the excitement going. This special day invites everyone to explore beyond their...
Holi: Holi is the Hindu “Festival of Colors.” Its timing is impeccable, announcing the arrival of spring with joy and gratitude. This ancient Hindu festival extends across borders, unifying the entire Hindu diaspora across national identities. It’s a time to celebrate joy and friendship. But it also celebrates a bigger ideal -...
Bulgaria Liberation Day: Commending the freedom achieved through unwavering determination and unity, marking a historic chapter in Bulgarian history.
Teen Tech Week: Libraries evolve with technology, offering digital tools and resources for research, learning, and exploration beyond books.
Peace Corps Week: Every year, hundreds of volunteers embark on a journey to serve in communities around the world, bringing help and hope to those in need.
Purim: Purim bursts with energy. It's a Jewish holiday filled with costumes, laughter, and treats. Streets come alive with parades, music, and dancing. Children dress up as heroes, queens, or whatever sparks their imagination. Families gather to share sweets and stories. The atmosphere is electric, blending joy with tradition. It's a time...
Termite Awareness Week: Termite Awareness Week focuses on the importance of protecting homes from termite damage, which often goes unnoticed until it’s extensive. This event urges homeowners to understand the risk termites pose, particularly in warmer months but also throughout the year. Throughout the week, homeowners also learn practical ways to prevent termites. Recommendations...
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...
National Professional Pet Sitters Week: Looking for someone to pamper your furry friends while you're away? Professional pet sitters have got you covered!
Women in Aviation Week: Women in Aviation Week celebrates the achievements of women in the aviation industry. This event highlights the vital role women play in aviation, both historically and in modern times. By showcasing the accomplishments of female pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals, it aims to inspire future generations of girls to...
Read an E-Book Week: With an eBook, your entire library fits in your pocket! Plus, they're eco-friendly, cost-effective, and perfect for on-the-go reading.
Women in Construction Week: Women in Construction Week is a holiday dedicated to changing the stereotypes that women face when it comes to careers by giving them new opportunities to look at; the construction industry has many places where women can advance and built a career for themselves. How to Celebrate Women in Construction...
British Pie Week: A culinary tradition cherished across the British Isles, these savory delights encase rich fillings, embodying a heritage of comfort and satisfaction.
National Consumer Protection Week: In a world of endless choices, consumer protection serves to safeguard and empower, ensuring fairness and accountability for all.
Dental Assistant Recognition Week: Brightening smiles and helping patients achieve healthy teeth, dental assistants make dental visits fun, comfortable, and stress-free!
School Breakfast Week: Starting the day with a healthy breakfast boosts a child's brainpower, improves mood, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
National Invest in Veterans Week: Extending a helping hand to those who've served, ensuring a smooth transition to civilian life with care and respect.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Week: Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is a week-long occasion—and it is just as sweet as its name hints. It’s all about celebrating the beloved chocolate chip cookies. This delectable cookie is loved by bakers everywhere. This American cookie classic is a snack time fave in the United States. But it’s even...
Newspaper in Education Week: Newspaper in Education Week is a special event that highlights the importance of newspapers as educational tools. This week, schools and teachers will use newspapers to teach various subjects. Newspapers help make lessons more engaging and relevant and get kids engaged in a variety of ways! How to Celebrate Newspaper in...
Will Eisner Week: The godfather of graphic novels, Will Eisner revolutionized the comics industry with his iconic characters and stunning artwork.
National Ghostwriters Week: National Ghostwriters Week is an exciting time to spotlight the talented individuals who write in the shadows. This week celebrates the often overlooked yet crucial role ghostwriters play in creating many of the books, speeches, articles, and songs we enjoy! How to Celebrate National Ghostwriters Week Host a Ghostwriter Appreciation...
Hearing Awareness Week: Hearing Awareness Week is a lively event designed to draw attention to the importance of hearing health. This special week encourages everyone to understand the challenges faced by those with hearing loss and promotes actions to support them. It aims to bring communities together, fostering a sense of inclusion and...
National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week: National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week is a crucial event that raises awareness about aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These conditions involve the bone marrow failing to produce enough blood cells, leading to serious health issues. Among the most common conditions are frequent infections, easy bruising, and fatigue...
Celebrate Your Name Week: Celebrate Your Name Week is an exciting opportunity for people to embrace and explore the stories behind their names. This event highlights the significance of names, allowing everyone to celebrate what makes their name unique. This celebration also encourages people to take pride in their names, no matter how common...
Cheerleading Week: With infectious energy and unbeatable spirit, they fill the stands with enthusiasm and encourage their teams to victory.
Words Matter Week: Clear expression connects people, conveys ideas, and shapes understanding, making writing and communication indispensable skills for life.
National School Social Work Week: With compassion and expertise, school social workers provide invaluable support in navigating academic, personal, and social challenges.
Telecommuter Appreciation Week: From saving time and money, to being more productive, with remote work, more and more are enjoying the flexibility of working from home.
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...
Write a Letter Appreciation Week: With technology so handy, the joy of sending and receiving hand-written letters grows increasingly rare. Make a point to write a beautiful cursive letter.
Universal Human Beings Week: With empathy and compassion, our collective power to create, innovate, and inspire is what makes us unique.
National Procrastination Week: Procrastination is something everyone does at some point in their lives. Whether it be that important work deadline, attempting to get up early in the morning for the first day of workout, or avoiding speaking with someone super important until the last minute, it is something that everyone can relate...
Return Borrowed Books Week: Few things are as satisfying as returning a stack of library books you've read cover to cover, ready to exchange for new adventures.
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.