Facts and trivia from American History
On March 14, 1776, Alexander Hamilton receives his commission as Captain of a New York Artillery Company. Alexander Hamilton established himself as a military leader and in March of 1777, General George Washington promoted Captain Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel and his personal aide.
On March 11, 1779, Congress establishes the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The newly formed Corps would plan, design and prepare environmental and structural facilities for the United States Army.
The first time the formal term “The United States of America” was used was in the Declaration of Independence.
There was initially a question as to how to address President-Elect George Washington. The Senate proposed that he be addressed as “His Highness the President of the United States of America and Protector of their Liberties.” Both the House of Representatives and the Senate compromised on the use of “President of the United States.”
On March 4, 1789, the first session of the United States Congress was held in New York City. However, only nine senators and thirteen representatives showed up to represent the 11 states. At the time there were 22 senators and 59 representatives.
On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signs a bill that makes Francis Scott Key’s the “Star Spangled Banner” our national anthem.
On March 2, 1836, the Republic of Texas declares its independence from Mexico.
The Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico isn’t signed until March 3, after mistakes in the document had been noted in the text.
On March 1, 1781, the Articles of Confederation are finally ratified. Ratification came nearly four years after Congress had signed and sent the Articles of Confederation to the individual states for ratification. The delay was caused by Virginia and Maryland arguing over land claims.
On February 24, 1803, the Supreme Court decides the landmark case of William Marbury vs. James Madison, Secretary of State and confirms the legal principle of judicial review; the ability of the Supreme Court to limit Congressional power by declaring legislation unconstitutional in the new Nation.
