Major Presidential History Events That Happened in March – A Springtime History Blast!
March is when winter starts melting and spring pops up—perfect timing for some of the biggest, boldest, and most surprising moments in U.S. presidential history! From inaugurations and big speeches to close calls and historic firsts, here are the top 10 major presidential events that happened in March. Each one comes with a kid-friendly fun fact so you can wow your friends (and maybe win history trivia at school!).
- March 4, 1789 – The U.S. Constitution Officially Goes Into Effect
The new Constitution (written in 1787) officially started governing the country on March 4, 1789—George Washington would soon be elected the first president under it.
Kid fun fact: March 4 was the original Inauguration Day for almost 150 years—presidents used to take office on this date until 1933! - March 4, 1829 – Andrew Jackson’s Wild Inauguration Party
After winning in 1828, Jackson’s supporters threw the craziest party ever at the White House—thousands of people crashed in, broke china, stood on furniture, and partied so hard Jackson had to escape out a window!
Kid fun fact: They had to lure the crowd outside with tubs of punch on the lawn—imagine a White House filled with muddy boots and spilled drinks! - March 4, 1861 – Abraham Lincoln’s First Inauguration
Lincoln became president just weeks before the Civil War exploded. He gave a powerful speech promising to hold the Union together—no easy job!
Kid fun fact: He rode to the Capitol in a bulletproof carriage because people were threatening to kill him—talk about a scary first day! - March 4, 1933 – Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inauguration & “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”
FDR took office during the Great Depression and gave one of the most famous speeches ever—telling Americans not to be afraid.
Kid fun fact: Banks were closed, people were hungry, but FDR’s smile and voice made everyone believe things would get better! - March 4, 1865 – Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inauguration (“With Malice Toward None”)
Lincoln’s short, beautiful second inaugural speech said the Civil War should end “with malice toward none, with charity for all.”
Kid fun fact: It was only 701 words—short but so powerful that people still memorize parts of it today! - March 4, 1909 – William Howard Taft’s Inauguration (Biggest Snowstorm Ever!)
Taft was sworn in during a massive blizzard—winds howled, snow piled up, and the ceremony had to move indoors.
Kid fun fact: It snowed so much that the new president joked he needed a snowplow to get to the Capitol! - March 4, 1933 – FDR’s Bank Holiday Begins (Just After Inauguration)
The day after FDR’s inauguration, he declared a nationwide bank holiday to stop people from pulling all their money out at once.
Kid fun fact: For a week, no one could take cash from banks—everyone waited nervously, but it actually saved the banking system! - March 1, 1961 – Peace Corps Created by JFK Executive Order
President Kennedy signed the order starting the Peace Corps—young Americans went overseas to help other countries.
Kid fun fact: JFK asked college kids to serve their country by teaching, building, and helping—many future leaders started as Peace Corps volunteers! - March 30, 1981 – Ronald Reagan Is Shot
President Reagan was shot outside a Washington hotel but survived with famous jokes (“I hope you’re all Republicans” to the doctors).
Kid fun fact: He told his wife Nancy, “Honey, I forgot to duck”—and then told the surgeons, “Please tell me you’re Republicans!” - March 4, 1793 – George Washington’s Second Inauguration (Shortest Speech Ever)
Washington gave the shortest inaugural speech in history—only 135 words!
Kid fun fact: He was so loved that people cheered for hours—he just wanted to get back to work!
- March 4 used to be Inauguration Day for almost 150 years—lots of history on that date!
- March gave us huge speeches (Lincoln 1865, FDR 1933), crazy parties (Jackson 1829), and close calls (Reagan 1981).
- Springtime presidents = big moments!
