What Happened on March 3?

March 3 is Florida's birthday as a state, the day Congress passed the famous Missouri Compromise, and when 'The Star-Spangled Banner' officially became America's national anthem!

• 1820 — Congress passes the Missouri Compromise

  After months of bitter argument, Congress struck a bargain over slavery's expansion: Missouri would enter as a slave state, Maine as free, and slavery would be banned from most remaining Louisiana Purchase lands north of the 36°30′ line. Read the full story →

• 1845 — Florida admitted as the 27th U.S. state

  After centuries under Spain, 20 years of British control, and 25 years as a territory, Florida finally joined the Union — with President John Tyler signing the act that also brought in Iowa. Read the full story →

• 1931 — 'The Star-Spangled Banner' becomes the official national anthem

  President Herbert Hoover signed the law making Francis Scott Key's 1814 poem-turned-song the official anthem of the United States. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922) · Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1962) · Jean Harlow (1911–1937) · Jessica Biel (1982)

Days & observances

World Wildlife Day · National I Want You to Be Happy Day