21 Interesting Facts About March 14: This Day in History

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

The captivating array of facts about March 14 begins with its global recognition as Pi Day, celebrating the mathematical constant (3.14) that has fascinated scholars and scientists for millennia.

This date also marks the birth of Albert Einstein in 1879, a synchronicity that connects the celebration of mathematical constants with the life of the physicist whose theories revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and the fundamental forces of the universe.

March 14 Facts At-a-Glance

Historical Significance: Pi Day (3.14)
Famous Birthdays: Albert Einstein, Billy Crystal
Cultural Observances: Pi Day, National Potato Chip Day
Entertainment Milestone: The Godfather Premiere (1972)
Numerological Position: 73rd day of the year
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Historical Events and Turning Points

March 14 has witnessed pivotal moments that shaped technological development and political landscapes.

  1. On March 14, 1794, Yale-educated inventor Eli Whitney received his landmark patent for the cotton gin, a revolutionary device that could separate cotton seeds from fiber fifty times faster than by hand.
  2. On March 14, 1900, the United States adopted the Gold Standard Act, establishing gold as the only standard for redeeming paper money.
  3. On March 14, 1967, U.S President John F. Kennedy’s body was moved to its permanent burial place at Arlington National Cemetery.

Cultural Impact and Celebrations

The fourteenth day of March has witnessed significant cultural developments and scientific recognitions.

  1. On March 14, 1988, the first official celebration of Pi Day was organized by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
  2. On March 14, 1883, German-born philosopher, political theorist, and economist Karl Marx died from a combination of bronchitis and pleurisy, exacerbated by an abscess on his lung. He left a profound impact on political and economic theory.
  3. On March 14, 2018, English theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking died at age 76 at his home in Cambridge, England, on the anniversary of Einstein’s birth and Pi Day.

Notable Births and Achievements

March 14 has marked the birth of influential figures who have shaped science, entertainment, and literature.

  1. On March 14, 1879, Albert Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany, later developing the theory of relativity and revolutionizing physics.
  2. On March 14, 1948, Billy Crystal was born in New York City, later becoming an acclaimed comedian, actor, and filmmaker.
  3. On March 14, 1933, Quincy Jones was born in Chicago, later becoming a legendary music producer and composer.
  4. On March 14, 1912, Les Brown was born in Reinerton, Pennsylvania, later leading one of the most popular big bands of the 1940s.

Scientific and Technological Milestones

March 14 marks several groundbreaking achievements in science and technology that expanded human knowledge.

  1. On March 14, 1995, astronaut Norman Thagard became the first American to travel into space aboard a Russian rocket.

Sports and Entertainment History

The world of sports and entertainment has witnessed remarkable achievements on March 14.

  1. On March 14, 1972, “The Godfather” premiered at the Loew’s State Theatre in New York City, revolutionizing American cinema.
  2. On March 14, 1958, the RIAA certified Perry Como’s “Catch a Falling Star” as the first gold record in music history. At that time, the RIAA was using Silver to denote 500,000 in sales, and Gold for one million.

Political and Social Movements

This day has witnessed significant political decisions and social movements that have shaped nations, revealing important facts about March 14 that underscore its place in global political history.

  1. On March 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuge at Pelican Island, Florida.
  2. On March 14, 1951, during the Korean War, United Nations forces recaptured Seoul from North Korean and Chinese forces.
  3. On March 14, 1990, Soviet lawmakers elected Mikhail Gorbachev as the first executive president of the Soviet Union during a historic session of the Congress of People’s Deputies, marking a significant shift in governance for the communist superpower.
  4. On March 14, 2004, incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin won a decisive victory in the presidential election with over 70 percent of the vote, securing his second consecutive term in office.

Modern Significance and Observances

Today, March 14 continues to hold special significance through various observances and commemorations.

  1. On March 14 each year, mathematicians, students, and number enthusiasts worldwide celebrate Pi Day, commemorating the mathematical constant π (3.14159…) by participating in educational activities, mathematical competitions, recitation contests to memorize digits of pi, and the ceremonial eating of circular pies.
  2. On March 14, Americans celebrate National Potato Chip Day honoring the crispy, salty snack that originated in 1853 when chef George Crum at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York, sliced potatoes paper-thin and fried them to a crisp after a demanding customer repeatedly complained about thick-cut french fries.
  3. The International Day of Mathematics, celebrated on March 14, was officially designated by UNESCO to coincide with Pi Day, celebrated globally since 2020.
  4. On March 14, nature enthusiasts across the United States observe National Learn About Butterflies Day, encouraging people to explore and appreciate these colorful pollinators through educational activities, garden planning, and conservation efforts.

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