1960Law
Sharpeville Massacre South Africa
Police killed 69 protesters in Sharpeville South Africa, turning point against apartheid.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
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Coincidence Engine
Two birth milestones share this date — Birth of J.S. Bach (1685) and Matthew Broderick born (1962), 277 years apart.
1 / 10 coincidences found today • Auto-spins every 7s
From CurioVault
Today's curiosity
Its copper-based blood detects bacteria — and pharma bleeds it.
Read on CurioVault.co → Today's headlines
- Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in SpacecraftHall of Fame◆
- 1948KENTUCKY TOPPLES HOLY CROSS, 60-52, FOR FIRST IN EASTThe New York Times◆
- 2025Falconer ‘extremely close’ to catching hawk attacking Hertfordshire villagersThe Guardian◆
- 2023Fertility apps collect unnecessary personal data and could sell it to third parties – studyThe Guardian◆
- 2000Pope John Paul II makes his first ever pontifical visit to Israel.Wikipedia◆
- 1999Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones become the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a hot air balloon.Wikipedia◆
- 1871Otto von Bismarck is appointed as the first Chancellor of the German Empire.Wikipedia◆
- 1829The Wellington–Winchilsea duel takes place in London involving the Prime Minister the Duke of Wellington.Wikipedia◆
- 1983In the West Bank, a number of Palestinian girls complained of breathing difficulties due to strange odors, leading to accusations of poison gas.Wikipedia◆
- 537Siege of Rome: King Vitiges attempts to assault the northern and eastern city walls, but is repulsed at the Praenestine Gate, known as the Vivarium, by the defenders under the Byzantine generals Bessas and Peranius.Wikipedia◆
- 2006Jack Dorsey sent the first message on the social-media network Twitter.Wikipedia◆
- 1952The Moondog Coronation Ball, generally considered to be the first major rock and roll concert, took place at the Cleveland Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.Wikipedia◆
- 1946The Los Angeles Rams signed Kenny Washington, making him the first African-American player in the National Football League since 1933.Wikipedia◆
- 1918First World War: The German Army opened the Spring Offensive with Operation Michael, attempting to break through the Allied lines and to seize ports on the English Channel.Wikipedia◆
- Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in SpacecraftHall of Fame◆
- 1948KENTUCKY TOPPLES HOLY CROSS, 60-52, FOR FIRST IN EASTThe New York Times◆
- 2025Falconer ‘extremely close’ to catching hawk attacking Hertfordshire villagersThe Guardian◆
- 2023Fertility apps collect unnecessary personal data and could sell it to third parties – studyThe Guardian◆
- 2000Pope John Paul II makes his first ever pontifical visit to Israel.Wikipedia◆
- 1999Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones become the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a hot air balloon.Wikipedia◆
- 1871Otto von Bismarck is appointed as the first Chancellor of the German Empire.Wikipedia◆
- 1829The Wellington–Winchilsea duel takes place in London involving the Prime Minister the Duke of Wellington.Wikipedia◆
- 1983In the West Bank, a number of Palestinian girls complained of breathing difficulties due to strange odors, leading to accusations of poison gas.Wikipedia◆
- 537Siege of Rome: King Vitiges attempts to assault the northern and eastern city walls, but is repulsed at the Praenestine Gate, known as the Vivarium, by the defenders under the Byzantine generals Bessas and Peranius.Wikipedia◆
- 2006Jack Dorsey sent the first message on the social-media network Twitter.Wikipedia◆
- 1952The Moondog Coronation Ball, generally considered to be the first major rock and roll concert, took place at the Cleveland Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.Wikipedia◆
- 1946The Los Angeles Rams signed Kenny Washington, making him the first African-American player in the National Football League since 1933.Wikipedia◆
- 1918First World War: The German Army opened the Spring Offensive with Operation Michael, attempting to break through the Allied lines and to seize ports on the English Channel.Wikipedia◆
Birthday twins
You share your birthday with...
Matthew Broderick1962- Rosie O'Donnell1962
- Ayrton Senna1960
- J.S. Bach1685
- Johann Sebastian Bach1685
21 March in history
2 eventsEvents, inventions, discoveries and releases. Looking for people or sport? See , and below.
We are adding more verified events for this date - more coming soon.
2006Discovery
Twitter founded Jack Dorsey first tweet
Jack Dorsey sent first tweet just setting up my twttr founding Twitter platform.
Showing 1-2 of 2 events
What happened on this day · Odd history for today
Vintage News — March 21
2000 First everPope John Paul II makes his first ever pontifical visit to Israel.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1999 First everBertrand Piccard and Brian Jones become the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a hot air balloon.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1871 First everOtto von Bismarck is appointed as the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1829 Oddly trueThe Wellington–Winchilsea duel takes place in London involving the Prime Minister the Duke of Wellington.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
1983 WeirdIn the West Bank, a number of Palestinian girls complained of breathing difficulties due to strange odors, leading to accusations of poison gas.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
From The Guardian Archives — On This Day
2025The GuardianFalconer ‘extremely close’ to catching hawk attacking Hertfordshire villagersBird of prey’s violent reign in Flamstead could soon come to an end, according to parish council
Read on The Guardian →
2023The GuardianFertility apps collect unnecessary personal data and could sell it to third parties – studyApps in Australia gathered information about finances and housing which could be sold to advertisers, research by UNS…
Read on The Guardian →- 1948The New York Times · Front pageKENTUCKY TOPPLES HOLY CROSS, 60-52, FOR FIRST IN EAST
A Kentucky quintet that never stopped driving until the final two minutes, when victory was clinched, rode over scrap…
Read on NYTimes.com →
Headlines via The Guardian Open Platform · Historic front pages via the NYT Archive API
Facts from Wikipedia On This Day API (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia. Thumbnails CC BY-SA. Headlines via The Guardian Open Platform and the NYT Archive API. Historic pages via Library of Congress Chronicling America. Curated by OddlyTrue.
Strange but true headlines of the day
OddlyTrue News Stand
From the archives
Classic headlineAstronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
Source: Classic headline (CJR 'Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim' collections)View clipping source
Did you guess the year?
Streak 0 days Best 0
When was “Pope John Paul II makes his first ever pontifical visit to Israel.” happening? Slide to your guess.
1950
Weird history, same day
- ???? First ever
Pope John Paul II makes his first ever pontifical visit to Israel.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 1999 First ever
Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones become the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a hot air balloon.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 1871 First ever
Otto von Bismarck is appointed as the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
Read more →Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hall of Fame headlines are manually verified clippings (source linked); nothing is scraped from Newspapers.com. Facts from Wikipedia On This Day API (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia. Clippings from the Library of Congress, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers site.
Pick another date or enter your birthday (day + month only)
Viewing 21 March — today is 13 October.
Born on this day
5
1685Birth
Birth of J.S. Bach
Composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany, master of Baroque music.
1685Birth
Johann Sebastian Bach born
Johann Sebastian Bach was born. German composer.
1960Birth
Ayrton Senna born
Ayrton Senna, racing driver, was born on this day in 1960. Three-time Formula One World Champion.
1962Birth
Matthew Broderick born
Matthew Broderick was born. American actor.
1962Birth
Rosie O'Donnell born
Rosie O'Donnell was born. American comedian.
Died on this day
17 in the archiveFive infamous ends — executed, assassinated or murdered — drawn at random from the archive. All infamous ends →
Suicide
1890Death
Vincent van Gogh dies
Vincent van Gogh, painter, died on this day in 1890. Suicide by gunshot. Remembered as: Post-Impressionist whose work deeply influenced 20th-century art.
Suicide
2008Death
Heath Ledger dies
Heath Ledger, actor, died on this day in 2008. Accidental prescription drug overdose. Remembered as: Acclaimed performances, including the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Executed
1793Death
Death of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris during French Revolution.
Accident
2012Death
Whitney Houston dies
Whitney Houston, singer and actress, died on this day in 2012. Accidental drowning. Remembered as: One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Suicide
2016Death
Prince dies
Prince, musician, died on this day in 2016. Fentanyl overdose. Remembered as: Innovative artist known for his eclectic work and flamboyant stage presence.
Famous birthdays
25 this weekToday · 21 March
- Rosie O'DonnellAmerican comedian and actress (born 1962)Born 1962 · 64 years ago today
- Matthew BroderickAmerican actor (born 1962)Born 1962 · 64 years ago today
- Ayrton SennaBrazilian racing driver (1960–1994)Born 1960 · 66 years ago today
- Johann Sebastian BachGerman composer (1685–1750)Born 1685 · 341 years ago today
- J.S. BachGerman composer (1685–1750)Born 1685 · 341 years ago today
Coming up this week
Reese WitherspoonAmerican actress (born 1976)22 March · born 1976
Keegan-Michael KeyAmerican actor and comedian (born 1971)22 March · born 1971
William ShatnerCanadian actor (born 1931)22 March · born 1931
Sarah JefferyCanadian actress (born 1996)23 March · born 1996
Melissa RauchAmerican actress (born 1980)23 March · born 1980
Jason KiddAmerican basketball player and coach (born 1973)23 March · born 1973
Day of Recognition21 March
World Poetry Day
UNESCO day celebrating the expression of language and culture through poetry.
Music · No.1 on this day
What was topping the charts
The official No.1 singles and albums in the UK and the USA on this date, decade by decade.
2016 10 yrs ago
2006 20 yrs ago
1996 30 yrs ago
1986 40 yrs ago
1976 50 yrs ago
1966 60 yrs ago
1956 70 yrs ago
Sport on this day
0Finals, medals and records decided on 21 March.
No recorded sporting finals on this date yet.
Sporting almanac
Who was champion, 10, 25 and 50 years ago
World Cups, Olympics, Wimbledon, the Masters, Super Bowl and more — year by year since 1877.
2016 10 yrs ago
- Olympic GamesSummer Olympics in Rio
- WimbledonAndy Murray and Serena Williams win Wimbledon
- Super BowlDenver Broncos win Super Bowl 50
- Tour de FranceChris Froome wins the Tour de France
- The MastersDanny Willett wins the Masters
- World SeriesChicago Cubs win the World Series
2001 25 yrs ago
- WimbledonGoran Ivanisevic and Venus Williams win Wimbledon
- Super BowlBaltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV
- The MastersTiger Woods wins the Masters
- World SeriesArizona Diamondbacks win the World Series
- NBA FinalsLos Angeles Lakers win the NBA Finals
- Stanley CupColorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup
1976 50 yrs ago
- Olympic GamesSummer Olympics in Montreal
- Olympic GamesWinter Olympics in Innsbruck
- WimbledonBjorn Borg and Chris Evert win Wimbledon
- Super BowlPittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl X
- Tour de FranceLucien Van Impe wins the Tour de France
- The MastersRaymond Floyd wins the Masters
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