Today in history for March 8.
Read more: Today in history for 3-8-2026March 8, is a date defined by global progress, monumental shifts in conflict, and cultural milestones. For a journalist and history enthusiast, today’s events offer a rich tapestry of stories ranging from the birth of global finance to the first combat steps in one of America’s most complex wars.
Major Historical Events
- 1817: The Foundation of Global Finance The New York Stock Exchange was formally created on this day. It began with a constitution adopted by brokers who initially gathered twice daily in a rented room on Wall Street to trade just 30 stocks and bonds.
- 1917: The Russian Revolution Begins Protests against food rationing in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) triggered eight days of rioting. This unrest eventually led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, effectively ending the centuries-old Russian monarchy.
- 1945: First International Women’s Day Originally arising from women’s struggle for rights and equality in the early 20th century, the first International Women’s Day was observed around the world on this date.
- 1965: US Combat Troops Arrive in Vietnam A significant turning point in the Vietnam War occurred when the first 3,500 US Marines landed at Da Nang. This marked the beginning of the US ground war in Southeast Asia.
- 1983: The “Evil Empire” Speech Addressing a convention of evangelicals, President Ronald Reagan famously referred to the Soviet Union as an “evil empire,” a defining moment of rhetoric during the Cold War.
- 2014: The Mystery of MH370 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, carrying 239 people, vanished during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite massive search efforts, its disappearance remains one of aviation’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Notable Births
- 1841: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. The influential US Supreme Court Justice and legal historian known for his advocacy of judicial restraint and the “clear and present danger” test for free speech.
- 1859: Kenneth Grahame The Scottish author best known for the beloved children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.
- 1879: Otto Hahn The German chemist and Nobel Prize laureate who is considered the “father of nuclear chemistry” for his discovery of nuclear fission.
- 1945: Micky Dolenz Actor and musician best known as the drummer and vocalist for the 1960s pop sensation The Monkees.
- 1953: Gayla Peevey An Oklahoma City native who became a cultural icon at age 10 for her recording of the holiday novelty hit, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
- 1972: Shaquille O’Neal One of the most dominant players in NBA history, “Shaq” is a four-time champion and a 15-time All-Star.
Notable Deaths
- 1869: Hector Berlioz The visionary French Romantic composer best known for his Symphonie fantastique.
- 1930: William Howard Taft The only person in American history to serve as both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
- 1973: Ron “Pigpen” McKernan A founding member and the original keyboardist/vocalist for the Grateful Dead, who passed away at the age of 27.
- 1999: Joe DiMaggio The legendary New York Yankees center fielder and Hall of Famer, famous for his record-breaking 56-game hitting streak.
- 2026: Corey Parker The versatile actor known for his roles in Will & Grace, Friday the 13th Part V, and Flying Blind, passed away at 60 following a battle with cancer.
