1492
Science
Signing of the Alhambra Decree
Isabella and Ferdinand sign the Alhambra Decree in Granada, ordering the expulsion of practicing Jews from Castile and Aragon.
View detailsThis Day
31March
24 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1492
Politics
Issuance of the Alhambra Decree expelling Jews
Signed the Alhambra Decree at Granada, ordering expulsion of non-converted Jews from Castile and Aragon.
View details1767
Science
Birth of Agnes Bulmer
Agnes Bulmer, née Collinson, was born on 31 March 1767 in London, later becoming a prominent Methodist poet and writer.
View details1823
Literature
Birth of Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut
Born into a prominent planter family in South Carolina.
View details1848
Arts
The 'Rochester Rappings' begin at Hydesville
Leah's younger sisters Kate and Margaret reported mysterious rapping sounds at the family home in Hydesville, New York, sparking the Spiritualist movement that Leah would later organize and promote.
View details1872
Politics
Birth of Alexandra Kollontai in St. Petersburg
Born Alexandra Mikhailovna Domontovich into an aristocratic family in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire.
View details1885
Science
Joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West show
Annie Oakley signed with Buffalo Bill's Wild West, becoming its star markswoman and launching her rise to global fame.
View details1889
Activism
Cabrini arrives in NYC and starts her first U.S. mission
Frances Cabrini arrived in New York City on March 31, 1889, beginning her mission to aid Italian immigrants.
View details1916
Politics
Co-founding of the Spartacus League
Luxemburg co-founded the Spartacus League on March 31, 1916.
View details1917
Politics
Leadership in Britain's first all-female military unit (WAAC)
Gwynne-Vaughan and Alexandra Chalmers Watson led Britain's first all-female military unit, the WAAC, supporting troops in France.
View details1927
Arts
First American Vogue cover appearance launches Miller’s modeling career
Lee Miller appears on the cover of the revived American Vogue on 31 March 1927, a career-launching image that helps define late‑1920s fashion photography.
View details1929
Aviation
Return from Graf Zeppelin's Orient Flight
Graf Zeppelin, with Lady Drummond-Hay aboard, returned to Friedrichshafen on 31 March 1929, concluding its Orient Flight to Palestine.
View details1929
Science
Birth of Liz Claiborne in Brussels, Belgium
Anne Elisabeth Jane Claiborne was born in Brussels, Belgium, to American parents.
View details1941
Sports
Birth of Faith Leech
Faith Leech was born on March 31, 1941, in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
View details1943
Arts
Wins Fine Arts Commission for FDR plaque
Selma Burke won the District of Columbia Fine Arts Commission competition to create a bronze plaque of President FDR.
View details1945
Science
Death of Harriet Boyd Hawes
Harriet Boyd Hawes passed away on March 31, 1945, leaving a legacy in archaeology and women’s history.
View details1972
1983
1988
Activism
Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Hepburn was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
View details1995
Arts
Death of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
Selena is shot and killed in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Yolanda Saldívar, ending the life of the 23-year-old Queen of Tejano.
View details2004
Arts
First woman named Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate
Zaha Hadid was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize on March 31, 2004, marking a gender milestone.
View details2016
Arts
Death of Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid passed away from a heart attack on March 31, 2016, at the age of 65.
View details2017
Politics
Arrest warrant and detention on corruption charges
Issued an arrest warrant for corruption, detaining Park prior to trial.
View details2023
Science
Named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors named Chieko Asakawa to its 2023 Class of Fellows, recognizing her impactful accessibility technology innovations.
View details