🗓️ On This Day - March 6th
March 6th brings us closer to spring and the clocks moving us forward - but what’s so special about this particular date? Naturally, millions of us are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries today - but it’s also a big day for sporting history, opera firsts, and global discoveries. Let’s dive deep into what happened on March 6th going back centuries.
On this day
The Portuguese discovered Guam.
March 6th 1521 was a very important date for the Portuguese! It was the date that navigator Ferdinand Magellan discovered Guam, which was eventually colonized by Spain in 1668.
La Traviata hit the stage!
The world-famous opera La Traviata made its debut on this date back in 1853! The show, written by Giuseppe Verdi, premiered at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy. It's still regarded as one of the most important pieces of opera and is frequently performed across the US alone.
The Second Inaugural Ball of Abraham Lincoln took place.
Back in 1865, March 6th was the date that President Abraham Lincoln had his second inaugural ball. He served as the President of the United States from 1861 to 1865 and is largely seen as one of the most influential leaders in US history. After all, it was Lincoln who brought the Emancipation Proclamation into force, effectively ending the slave trade.
Babe Ruth was Yankees-bound!
Famous baseball player Babe Ruth officially signed his contract with the New York Yankees on this very date back in 1922. It was a three-year contract that granted him $52,000 a year - that’d be an equivalent of over $900,000 in today’s money!
Cassius Clay was no more.
On this day in 1964, Cassius Clay officially joined the Nation of Islam and then changed his name. He was better known under his Muslim name, Muhammad Ali. He became the heavyweight boxing champion and was - in his own words - The Greatest of All Time!
Yul Brynner beat a personal record
Any musical aficionado will have likely heard of Yul Brynner. The actor was best known for his performance in The King & I - and, on this very date back in 1985, he performed the show for his 4500th time! He performed the show on stage a total of 4,625 times before bowing out - now that's dedication.
Special Days Falling on March 6th
March 6th is no ordinary date, and we have the national holidays to prove it - if you’re stuck for something to mark today with, take a look at these events for inspiration.
National Dress Day
Dresses come in so many different patterns, styles, and sizes. While they used only to be considered women’s wear, more and more men are adopting these timeless pieces and making them their own! So, pick your favorite dress and wear it with pride today - as it is officially National Dress Day!
National Oreo Cookie Day
If there’s one thing we love as a nation, it’s cookies, and Oreos are timeless favorites from coast to coast. Whether you like yours with milk, whole, or split in half so you can get all the soft white stuff in the middle, today is the day to enjoy as many Oreos as you like without guilt.
National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
If your Oreos aren’t your thing, then you’ll be glad to know that today is also National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day! So, head to your favorite bakery or local supermarket or make your own!
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This page was last modified on August 3, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
The United States bought Alaska! The land once belonged to Russia, but in March of 1867, the United States officially completed a purchase to bring Alaska under their own umbrella. It was bought for $7.2 million - and set immediate records as the largest of all the states.
Famous Birthdays on March 6th
If you were born on March 6th
…you’re a Pisces! You’re very creative, loyal, and deeply emotional. But there’s so much more to this water sign! Get to know more on our Pisces facts page!
