Fact 1: Robert Frost’s Birthday
Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets in American history, was born on this day in 1874. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life, Frost's works frequently used settings from rural life in New England in the early 20th century. Poems like "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" remain some of his most famous works.
Fact 2: The Launch of KEARSARGE
The USS KEARSARGE, an American wooden sloop-of-war, was launched on March 26, 1861. Representing a significant moment in nautical history, the vessel later became famous for sinking the Confederate commerce raider, CSS Alabama during the Civil War.
Fact 3: Alaska Purchased By The U.S
March 26, 1867, marked the day when the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million dollars, amounting to about two cents per acre. At the time, critics called this the "folly" and "iceberg" purchase but, in retrospect, it proved to be incredibly valuable.
Fact 4: Spinach Day
Every year, March 26 is celebrated as 'National Spinach Day' in the U.S. This day is dedicated to promoting the health benefits of spinach, a leafy green packed with vitamins and minerals.
Fact 5: Aaliyah’s debut Album Release
On March 26, 1994, Aaliyah, the American singer, actress, and model, released her debut album "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number". The album was certified double Platinum by the RIAA and sold over three million copies worldwide, establishing Aaliyah as one of R&B’s brightest stars.
Fact 6: Legalization of Same-sex Marriage in South Africa
On March 26, 2005, South Africa became the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
Fact 7: UN’s Purple Day
Every year on March 26, people around the world wear purple to bring awareness to epilepsy. Initiated by the United Nations, this purple day movement seeks to dispel myths and educate people about epilepsy.
Fact 8: Death of Ludwig van Beethoven
Famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven passed away on March 26, 1827. Known for his influential compositions like Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9, Beethoven was a key figure in the transition between classical and romantic eras in Western music.
Fact 9: Piper PA-23 Aircraft First Flight
The first Piper PA-23 aircraft, known as Apache, took its maiden flight on March 26, 1952. It was the first twin-engined design from Piper and had significant influence on their future light twin-engined aircraft designs.
Fact 10: The First Color Television Broadcast
March 26 marks the anniversary of the first publicly announced color television broadcast! In 1953, this technological breakthrough was achieved by NTSC (National Television System Committee) in the United States.
Fact 11: British Prime Minister's Resignation
Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, announced his resignation on this day in 2007. His decision marked the end of a decade-long tenure that reshaped the country's political landscape.
Fact 12: National Nougat Day
Famed in culinary circles, March 26 is recognized as National Nougat Day. Nougat is a widely loved confectionery treat made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, egg whites, and sometimes chopped fruit.
Fact 13: Western Samoa's Independence
The self-governing state of Western Samoa achieved independence on March 26, 1962. Today, it stands as a proud sovereign state known as the Independent State of Samoa.
Fact 14: Tennessee Williams' Birthday
Recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, Tennessee Williams was born on March 26, 1911. His plays like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie" are considered among the classics of international stage.
Fact 15: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
March 26 is known as "Make Up Your Own Holiday Day" where people are encouraged to invent their own celebration. It's a day for imaginations to run wild and to celebrate something unique.
Fact 16: Gucci Mane’s Birthday
Prominent rapper and record producer Radric Davis, famously known as Gucci Mane, was born on March 26, 1980. Known for pioneering the hip hop subgenre, trap music, his birthday is quite a celebrated event in the hip-hop community.
Fact 17: Sandra Day O'Connor's Nomination Announcement
On March 26, 1981, President Ronald Reagan announced the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to be the first female judge to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fact 18: Earth Hour Day
Earth Hour, a global environmental initiative by the World Wildlife Fund, usually takes place on the last Saturday of March. On this day, people are encouraged to switch off their lights for an hour to take a stand against climate change.
Fact 19: Bangladesh's Independence Day
March 26 is observed by Bangladesh as their Independence Day. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh declared its independence from Pakistan.
Fact 20: Pope's Entry into Jerusalem
On March 26, 2000, Pope John Paul II made a historical trip to the Holy Land and prayed for forgiveness of the sins committed by followers of the Church against Jews, during his visit to Jerusalem’s Western Wall.