March 1 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

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March 1 has been marked by many significant moments in history. On this day in 1781, the Articles of Confederation were ratified, forming the first government of the United States, and in 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. The Hoover Dam was completed in 1936, and in 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps. Among those born on March 1 are Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, jazz legend Glenn Miller, Israeli leader Yitzhak Rabin, filmmaker Ron Howard, and pop star Justin Bieber. The day is also celebrated as St. David’s Day in Wales and as Zero Discrimination Day worldwide, honoring unity and equality.

Famous people born on March 1

  • Frédéric Chopin (1810): Polish composer and pianist.
  • Glenn Miller (1904): American big-band leader and trombonist.
  • Harry Caray (1914): American sportscaster known for his baseball commentary.
  • Yitzhak Rabin (1922): Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Roger Daltrey (1944): English musician, lead singer of The Who.
  • Ron Howard (1954): American actor, filmmaker, and Oscar-winning director.
  • Catherine Bach (1954): American actress best known for The Dukes of Hazzard.
  • Tim Daly (1956): American actor and producer, known for Wings and Private Practice.
  • Javier Bardem (1969): Spanish actor and Academy Award winner.
  • Jack Davenport (1973): English actor known for Pirates of the Caribbean and Smash.
  • Mark-Paul Gosselaar (1974): American actor best known for Saved by the Bell.
  • Shahid Afridi (1975): Pakistani cricketer and former national team captain.
  • Lupita Nyong’o (1983): Kenyan–Mexican actress and Oscar winner.
  • Kesha (1987): American singer and songwriter.
  • Justin Bieber (1994): Canadian pop singer and songwriter.
  • Notable events that happened on March 1

  • 1781: The Articles of Confederation were finally ratified, forming the first national government framework of the United States.
  • 1790: The first U.S. Census was authorized.
  • 1803: Ohio officially joined the United States as the 17th state.
  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park became the first national park ever created in the world.
  • 1912: The first parachute jump from a moving airplane was successfully made by Albert Berry in Missouri, USA.
  • 1932: The 20-month-old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped from his home in New Jersey, leading to a nationwide manhunt.
  • 1936: The Hoover Dam was completed and officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
  • 1947: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) began operations.
  • 1954: The United States conducted the Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, the most powerful nuclear test ever conducted by the U.S.
  • 1961: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps.
  • 1966: The Soviet space probe Venera 3 became the first human-made object to reach another planet (Venus).
  • 1974: Seven former White House aides and officials were indicted in the Watergate scandal for conspiring to obstruct justice.
  • 1995: Yahoo! was incorporated, marking an early milestone in the rise of the Internet age.
  • 1998: The film Titanic became the first movie to gross over one billion dollars worldwide.
  • 2002: Operation Anaconda began in Afghanistan, a major U.S.-led offensive against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces.
  • Notable people who died on March 1

  • 1984 Jackie Coogan: American actor, best known as a child star in The Kid and later as Uncle Fester on The Addams Family.
  • 1980 Wilhelmina Cooper: Dutch–American model and founder of the Wilhelmina Models agency.
  • 1980 Dixie Dean: English professional footballer, celebrated as one of the greatest goal scorers in the sport's history.
  • 2006 Jack Wild: English actor and singer, renowned for his role as the Artful Dodger in Oliver!.
  • 2015 Daniel von Bargen: American character actor known for roles on Seinfeld and Malcolm in the Middle.
  • 2020 Jack Welch: American business executive, long-time CEO and chairman of General Electric (GE).
  • 2024 Iris Apfel: American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon known for her bold style and longevity in fashion.
  • 2024 Akira Toriyama: Japanese manga artist, creator of Dragon Ball and influential figure in manga and game character design.
  • 2025 Angie Stone: American R&B/soul singer and songwriter, known for hits such as "Wish I Didn't Miss You."
  • March 1 stands out in history as a day rich with cultural, political, and scientific milestones. From the ratification of the Articles of Confederation and the founding of Yellowstone National Park to the establishment of the Peace Corps, it marks moments of progress and innovation that have shaped societies across the world. It is a day that highlights humanity’s drive for governance, exploration, creativity, and connection.

    Beyond historic events, March 1 also celebrates the birth and life of countless influential figures in music, politics, art, and science, individuals whose contributions continue to inspire. It reminds us that each day carries the potential for greatness, discovery, and change. Whether commemorating the past or welcoming new beginnings, March 1 serves as a testament to human achievement and the ongoing story of progress across generations.