This Day in History — USA President

On March 30, 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal once mocked as “Seward’s Folly.” Despite early criticism, the acquisition proved immensely valuable, providing vast natural resources, strategic military advantages, and long-term economic benefits that reshaped America’s growth and global influence.

On March 29, 1867, Congress approved plans to honor Abraham Lincoln with a national memorial, marking the beginning of a decades-long effort. The Lincoln Memorial would later stand as a powerful symbol of unity, freedom, and reflection, preserving the legacy of a president who helped shape the nation’s future.

On March 28, 1834, the U.S. Senate censured President Andrew Jackson for removing federal deposits from the Second Bank of the United States. The move intensified debates over executive power, constitutional limits, and financial control, marking a pivotal clash between the presidency and Congress in early American political history.

On March 23, 1867, Congress overrode President Andrew Johnson’s veto to pass the Second Reconstruction Act, strengthening federal authority in the South. The law advanced voting rights for African American men and reshaped post–Civil War governance, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s struggle to define freedom, citizenship, and equality.

On March 22, 1903, the Anthracite Coal Commission delivered a landmark compromise after the 1902 coal strike. Backed by President Theodore Roosevelt, it granted miners higher wages and shorter hours while preserving an open shop, marking a pivotal moment in federal involvement in labor disputes and industrial reform in America.