on this day

This Day in History

1302: According to Shakespeare, this is Romeo and Juliet's wedding day. Learn more about Shakespeare.

1865: General William T. Sherman takes Fayetteville, North Carolina, and destroys the aresenal there. Learn more about the Civil War.

1888: From March 11 until March 14, the worst blizzard in history hits the eastern United States, paralyzing the region. Learn more about blizzards.

1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Act. It gives the president authority to aid any nation whose defense is regarded as vital to the United States and to accept repayment. Learn more about the lend-lease program.

1959: The play A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, is first performed in New York City. It stars Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil and goes on to win a New York Drama Critics Circle award. Learn more about Lorraine Hansberry.

1985: Mikhail Gorbachev is named first secretary of the Soviet Communist Party. Learn more about Mikhail Gorbachev.