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

Event of interestEvent of Interest

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

3rd US President 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)

Person of interestJohn Tyler

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

10th US President 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