On this day: March 25
March 25, 1306 – Robert the Bruce Crowned King of Scots
On March 25, 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone Palace in Scotland. This marked the beginning of his reign as one of Scotland’s most famous and influential kings. Robert the Bruce played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence against English rule and is remembered for his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
March 25, 1634 – The first settlers arrive in Maryland
On March 25, 1634, the first English settlers arrived in the colony of Maryland. Led by Leonard Calvert, the settlers established the settlement of St. Mary’s City, which would later become the capital of the colony. Maryland was founded as a haven for Catholics who were facing religious persecution in England, and it became known for its policy of religious tolerance.
March 25, 1911 – Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
On March 25, 1911, one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history occurred when a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. The fire claimed the lives of 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, who were unable to escape due to locked doors and inadequate fire safety measures. The tragedy sparked widespread outrage and led to significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety regulations.
March 25, 1957 – Treaty of Rome signed
On March 25, 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed by six European countries, laying the foundation for the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC). The treaty established the principles of free trade and economic cooperation among member states, and it marked the beginning of what would eventually become the European Union. The signing of the Treaty of Rome is seen as a major milestone in the history of European integration.
March 25, 1995 – Boxer Mike Tyson released from prison
On March 25, 1995, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving three years for a rape conviction. Tyson’s imprisonment and subsequent release marked a turbulent period in his career, but he would go on to make a comeback in the world of boxing and remain a prominent figure in the sport.
March 25, 2015 – Germanwings Flight 9525 crashes in the French Alps
On March 25, 2015, Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board. The crash was later determined to be a deliberate act by the co-pilot, who had locked the captain out of the cockpit and intentionally crashed the plane. The tragedy shocked the world and raised questions about airline safety and mental health screening for pilots.
