On This Day

What Happened in March 1790

Historical Events

  • Mar 1 1st US census authorized
  • Mar 4 France is divided into 83 départements, which cut across the former provinces in an attempt to dislodge regional loyalties based on noble ownership of land
  • Mar 12 French Revolution: The National Assembly issues a decree allowing for the sale of church land by French municipalities
  • Mar 13 John Martin, 1st American-born actor, performs in Philadelphia

Historic Event

Mar 22 Thomas Jefferson becomes the 1st US Secretary of State under President Washington

Thomas Jefferson
3rd US President Thomas Jefferson
  • Mar 26 US Congress passes Naturalization Act, requires 2-year residency
  • Mar 27 The modern shoelace with an aglet patented in England by Harvey Kennedy

Famous Birthdays

  • Mar 14 Ludwig Emil Grimm, German painter and engraver, born in Hanau, Germany (d. 1863)
  • Mar 15 Nicola Vaccai, Italian opera composer, born in Tolentino, (d. 1848)
  • Mar 15 Ludwig Immanuel Magnus, German mathematician (d. 1861)

John Tyler

Mar 29 John Tyler, American politician, 10th US President (1841-45), born in Charles City County, Virginia (d. 1862)

John Tyler
10th US President John Tyler
  • Mar 30 Joseph Smith, Rear Admiral (Union Navy), (d. 1877)

Famous Deaths

  • Mar 5 Flora MacDonald, Scottish woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape, buried in the sheet he slept in at 67 or 68
  • Mar 12 Andreas Hadik, Austro-Hungarian general (b. 1710)


What Happened in 1790

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