24 Interesting Facts About March 11: This Day in History

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

The chronicle of facts about March 11 is forever marked by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, one of the most powerful natural disasters in recorded history that triggered a nuclear crisis and demonstrated both nature’s force and human resilience.

Beyond this somber anniversary, March 11 has witnessed remarkable technological breakthroughs, significant political transitions, and cultural milestones that continue to shape our collective experience.

March 11 Facts At-a-Glance

Historical Significance: Great East Japan Earthquake (2011), Madrid Train Bombings (2004)
Famous Birthdays: Rupert Murdoch, Lawrence Welk
Cultural Observances: Johnny Appleseed Day
Notable Event: World Health Organization Declares COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Scientific Achievement: NASA’s Pioneer 5 spacecraft was launched (1960)
Numerological Position: 70th day of the year
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Historical Events and Turning Points

March 11 stands as a date marked by profound natural disasters and significant technological milestones.

  1. On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck, killing over 18,000 people and triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
  2. On March 11, 1918, the first case of what would become the Spanish Flu pandemic was reported at Fort Riley, Kansas.
  3. On March 11, 1942, General Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines during World War II, famously promising, “I shall return.”
  4. On March 11, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union, ushering in the era of perestroika and glasnost.
  5. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so.
  6. On March 11, 1993, Janet Reno became the first woman to serve as Attorney General of the United States.
  7. On March 11, 2004, coordinated explosions detonated across Madrid’s commuter train system during rush hour, claiming 191 lives and leaving over 2,000 injured. The Madrid train bombings constituted the deadliest terrorist attack carried out in the history of Spain
  8. On March 11, 2020, after more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Notable Births and Achievements

March 11 has marked the birth of influential figures across media, entertainment, and various fields.

  1. On March 11, 1931, Rupert Murdoch was born in Melbourne, Australia, later building one of the world’s largest media empires.
  2. On March 11, 1903, Lawrence Welk was born in North Dakota, later becoming a television music icon with his champagne music.
  3. On March 11, 1952, Douglas Adams was born in Cambridge, England, later authoring “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
  4. On March 11, 1963, Alex Kingston was born in London, later gaining fame for her roles in “ER” and “Doctor Who.”
  5. On March 11, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected by the papal conclave to become Pope Francis, making history as the first pontiff from the Americas.

Scientific and Technological Milestones

March 11 marks several significant advances in science and technology that have transformed society.

  1. On March 11, 1960, NASA’s Pioneer 5 spacecraft was launched, successfully studying the interplanetary space between Earth and Venus.
  2. On March 11, 2007, Apple obtained the technological patent for its revolutionary iPhone device, a product that would go on to redefine mobile communication.

Sports and Entertainment History

The world of sports and entertainment has witnessed remarkable events on March 11.

  1. On March 11, 1986, the NFL adopted the instant replay review system, fundamentally changing how professional football is officiated.
  2. On March 11, 1892, Springfield College in Massachusetts hosted the inaugural public basketball game, a sport recently developed by Canadian physical education instructor Dr. James Naismith who had invented the game just months earlier as a winter activity for his students.
  3. On March 11, 1991, Janet Jackson signed a record-breaking $40 million recording contract with Virgin Records.

Political and Social Movements

March 11 has witnessed significant political transitions and social health milestones that have shaped nations.

  1. On March 11, 1824, President James Monroe’s administration established the Bureau of Indian Affairs within the United States Department of War, creating the governmental body that would oversee federal relationships with Indigenous tribes and administer Native American policies.
  2. On March 11, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act, providing aid to Allied nations before U.S. entry into World War II.
  3. On March 11, 1861, the Constitution of the Confederate States of America was adopted in Montgomery, Alabama. The constitution was the supreme law of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.

Modern Significance and Observances

Today, March 11 continues to hold special significance through various observances and commemorations.

  1. Japan observes the Great East Japan Earthquake memorial annually with a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m., the time the earthquake struck.
  2. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on both March 11 and September 26, commemorates the death of John Appleseed (born John Chapman), who introduced apple trees to parts of the United States and Canada.
  3. Every year on March 11, World Plumbing Day is recognized across the United States, drawing attention to the essential work of plumbing professionals and educating the public about their critical contributions to public health through safe water systems and proper sanitation infrastructure.

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