This Day in History — USA President
March 14, 1923 — Warren G. Harding Becomes First U.S. President to Pay Federal Income Taxes
American History USA President
On March 14, 1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first sitting U.S. president to publicly pay federal income taxes. His action symbolized accountability and reinforced the principle that even the nation’s highest officeholder must follow the same tax laws as ordinary citizens during a time when income taxation was still new.
March 13, 1901 — Death of President Benjamin Harrison
American History Political Leaders USA President
On March 13, 1901, Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, died in Indianapolis at age 67. A Civil War general and Republican leader, Harrison served from 1889 to 1893, supporting antitrust legislation, protective tariffs, and veterans’ benefits during a period of rapid growth and expansion in America.
March 12, 1917 — U-Boat Sinks the Algonquin as Wilson Orders Armed Merchant Ships
American History Political Leaders USA President WWI
On March 12, 1917, a German U-boat sank the unarmed American merchant ship Algonquin the same day President Woodrow Wilson ordered U.S. merchant vessels to be armed. The events reflected escalating tensions with Germany and marked a turning point as the United States moved closer to entering World War I.
March 10, 1849 — Abraham Lincoln Applies for a Patent
American History Inventors USA President
On March 10, 1849, Abraham Lincoln applied for a patent for a device designed to lift boats over shallow river obstructions. Inspired by his own experiences on Midwestern waterways, Lincoln’s invention aimed to improve navigation. He remains the only U.S. president to ever hold a patent.
March 9th, 1864 — Ulysses S. Grant Named Commanding General
American History Civil War Military Leaders USA President
On March 9th, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant as Commanding General of the U.S. Army, placing him in charge of all Union forces during the Civil War. His aggressive strategy and coordinated campaigns across multiple fronts would ultimately weaken the Confederacy and help lead the Union to victory.