March 4, 1789 – The first meeting of the new Congress under the U. S. Constitution took place in New York City.
March 5, 1946 – Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, popularizes this post World War II phrase and draws world attention to the division of Europe by the Soviet Union.
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.