On this day in history

March 21

American

1965Martin Luther King Jr leads thousands out of Selma on the march to Montgomery.

Martin Luther King Jr leads thousands out of Selma on the march to Montgomery.

2006Twitter is founded, and the 140 character message begins to reshape public life.

Twitter is founded, and the 140 character message begins to reshape public life.

1963Alcatraz prison closes after 29 years.

Alcatraz prison closes after 29 years.

1960South African police open fire on protesters at Sharpeville, killing 69 Black demonstrators.

South African police open fire on protesters at Sharpeville, killing 69 Black demonstrators.

1804Napoleon promulgates the Napoleonic Code, the legal system that still shapes much of the world.

Napoleon promulgates the Napoleonic Code, the legal system that still shapes much of the world.

1990Namibia gains independence from South Africa.

Namibia gains independence from South Africa.