This Day In History : March 11

1960 United States

Pioneer 5 Launched into Solar Orbit

On March 11, 1960, Pioneer 5 is launched into space, marking a significant achievement as it enters a solar orbit between Earth and Venus. This mission aims to gather data on the interplanetary magnetic field and cosmic rays. Pioneer 5 represents an important step in the exploration of our solar system.

Also on This Day in History March 11

Discover what happened on March 11 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 11
  • 1890 Vannevar Bush

    American electrical engineer who headed the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development during WW II to stimulate scientific research.

  • 1818 Henri-Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville

    French chemist and geologist who began the first industrial production of aluminium.

  • 1811 Urbain-Jean-Joseph Le Verrier

    French astronomer who predicted by mathematical means the existence of the planet Neptune.

  • 1915 J.C.R. Licklider

    American computer scientist who created the idea of a universal computer network to easily transfer and retrieve information which his successors developed into the internet.

  • 1956 Curtis Brown

    American astronaut and pilot who made six Space Shuttle flights, including one with 77-year-old John Glenn aboard.

Deaths on This Day, March 11
  • 1957 Richard Byrd

    Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr. was an American explorer, aviator and scientist who was the first man to fly over both of the Earth's poles.

  • 1950 Arthur Jeffrey Dempster

    Canadian-American physicist who in 1918 built the first mass spectrometer (based on the invention of Francis W. Aston) and discovered isotope uranium-235 (1935).

  • 1971 Philo Taylor Farnsworth

    American pioneer in the development of electronic television, taking all of the moving parts out of television inventions.

  • 1960 Roy Chapman Andrews

    American zoologist, museum administrator and explorer who spent his entire career at the American Museum of Natural History.

  • 1955 Alexander Fleming

    Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin.

2020

2020 WHO Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classifies COVID-19 as a pandemic. This declaration marks a critical point in the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, highlighting its widespread impact and prompting coordinated international efforts to combat the disease.
1861

The Confederate States of America Adopts Its Constitution

On March 11, 1861, the Constitution of the Confederate States of America is adopted. This constitution outlines the framework for the government of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. It establishes the Confederacy's principles and governance structure, reflecting the secessionist agenda of the Southern states.
1824

Bureau of Indian Affairs Established by U.S. Department of War

On March 11, 1824, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is established by the U.S. Department of War. Its creation aims to manage and administer the government's policies and relationships with Native American tribes. This bureau plays a significant role in the administration of Indian affairs in the United States.
1990

1990 Lithuania Declares Independence

On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declares its independence from the Soviet Union. This crucial event contributes to the eventual dissolution of Soviet control in Eastern Europe and establishes Lithuania as a sovereign nation.
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