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

Thomas Jefferson, 1st Secretary of State

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

  • 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 Ludwig Immanuel Magnus, German mathematician (d. 1861)
  • Mar 15 Nicola Vaccai, Italian opera composer, born in Tolentino, Papal States (d. 1848)

John Tyler (1790-1862)

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

  • 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)