March 2nd
1836
Texas declared its independence from Mexico.
1877
Rutherford B. Hayes was declared president by a U.S. electoral commission since the original result was too close to call. He was the only president elected this way.
1904
The "Official Playing Rules of Professional Base Ball Clubs" were adopted.
1917
Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory and Puerto Ricans gained American citizenship.
1923
The first issue of Henry Luce's TIME magazine appeared on newsstands.
1933
King Kong, starring Fay Wray, premiered in New York City.
1949
Captain James Gallagher completed the first non-stop around the world flight. He completed the 23,452-mile journey in 94 hours, 1 minute.
1956
Morocco gained independence from France.
1962
Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA-record 100 points in a basketball game.
1996
The first episode of "Pacific Blue" aired.
2008
Blind guitarist Jeff Healey died at the age of 41.
Birthdays
79 John Cullum Actor ("Northern Exposure")
78 Tom Wolfe Author
78 Mikhail Gorbachev Former President of the Soviet Union
67 John Irving Author
67 Lou Reed Rock musician
66 Peter Straub Authur
58 Cassie Yates Actress
57 Laraine Newman Actress, comedian ("Saturday Night Live")
54 Jay Osmond Singer
47 Jon Bon Jovi Rock musician
46 Alvin Youngblood Hart Blues singer, musician
41 Daniel Craig Actor
32 Chris Martin Rock singer (Coldplay)
32 Heather McComb Actress ("Party of Five")
27 Ben Roethlisberger Football player (Super Bowl Champion Steelers)
24 Robert Iler Actor ("The Sopranos")
87 Theodor Seuss Geisel 3/2/1904 - 9/24/1991 American author and illustrator (Dr. Seuss)
49 Mel Ott 3/2/1909 - 11/21/1958 Hall of Fame baseball player (New York Giants)