What Happened on March 30?

On March 30, America bought Alaska from Russia — and painter Vincent van Gogh was born on this day, famous for swirling starry skies and bright sunflowers!

• 1858 — First patent granted for a pencil with attached eraser

  Hymen Lipman patented the first pencil with an eraser stuck to its end — a simple combo so useful that today every classroom desk holds one. Read the full story →

• 1867 — United States agrees to purchase Alaska from Russia

  After an all-night negotiating session, Secretary of State William Seward agreed to buy Alaska for $7.2 million — a deal critics mocked as 'Seward's Folly' until gold proved them wrong. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) · Warren Beatty (1937) · Norah Jones (1979) · Francisco Goya (1746–1828)

Days & observances

National Doctors' Day · National Pencil Day