March 10th
1496
Christopher Columbus concluded his second visit to the Western Hemisphere as he left Hispaniola for Spain.
1785
Thomas Jefferson is appointed minister to France.
1848
Congress ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican War.
1864
U. S. Grant became commander of the Union armies during the Civil War.
1876
The first telephone call ("Mr. Watson, come here. I want you.") was made by Alexander Graham Bell.
1913
Harriet Tubman African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War died.
1941
The Brooklyn Dodgers announced that their players would begin wearing batting helmets during the 1941 season.
1969
James Earl Ray was sentenced in Memphis, Tennessee, to 99 years in prison for the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr., in April 1968.
1977
Astronomers discover rings around Uranus.
1978
CBS began airing the series "The Incredible Hulk."
1997
The series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" began airing.
1998
Actor Lloyd Bridges died at age 85.
2007
Comedian Richard Jeni was found dead after commiting suicide at age 49.
2008
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer apologized after allegations surfaced that he had paid thousands of dollars for a high-end call girl, a scandal which eventually led to his resignation.
Birthdays
69 Chuck Norris Actor ("Walker, Texas Ranger")
62 Tom Scholz Rock musician (Boston)
56 Paul Haggis Director, screenwriter ("Crash")
52 Shannon Tweed Actress
52 Osama bin Laden Islamic militant (hopefully dead and rotting in a cave somewhere)
51 Sharon Stone Actress
46 Jeff Ament Rock musician (Pearl Jam)
46 Rick Rubin Music producer
45 Prince Edward Member of the British royal family
44 Rod Woodson Football Hall of Famer
43 Stephen Mailer Actor
37 Matt Kenseth Race car driver
26 Carrie Underwood Country singer ("American Idol")
25 Olivia Wilde Actress ("House")
70 James Earl Ray 3/10/1928 - 4/23/1998 American assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.