What Happened on March 24?

March 24 is World TB Day, when doctors remember the scientist who discovered the germ behind tuberculosis — and it's also the day an oil tanker spill changed how we protect Alaska's coasts.

• 1882 — Robert Koch announces discovery of tuberculosis bacterium

  In Berlin, Koch revealed the tiny bacterium causing TB — proving for the first time that specific germs cause specific diseases. Read the full story →

• 1975 — Muhammad Ali defeats Chuck Wepner in Cleveland-area title fight

  Ali survived a shocking knockdown to stop underdog Chuck Wepner in round 15 — a gritty bout that inspired Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky. Read the full story →

• 1989 — Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound

  The tanker spilled roughly 11 million gallons of crude oil into Alaska's pristine sound, triggering one of history's worst environmental disasters and sweeping new safety laws. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Steve McQueen (1930–1980) · John Harrison (1693–1776) · Robert T. Bakker (1945) · Peyton List (1998)

Days & observances

World Tuberculosis Day