March 7, 1965 – a 600-person civil rights demonstration in Selma, Alabama, ends in violence when marchers are attacked and beaten by white state troopers and sheriff’s deputies. The day’s events became known as “Bloody Sunday” and spurred President Lyndon Johnson to sign into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
March 8, 1971 – Billed as “The Fight of the Century,” undefeated heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier fought undefeated champion Muhammad Ali in Ali’s comeback bid following a government-imposed exile. Frazier wins in 15 rounds although Ali won two subsequent rematches.
March 10, 1862 – The first issue of U. S. Government paper money occurs as $5, $10, and $20 bills begin circulation.
March 11, 1918 – The so-called “Spanish Influenza” first reaches America as 107 soldiers become ill at Fort Riley, Kansas. The worldwide death toll from the flu virus approaches 20 million by the end of the epidemic in 1920.