TODAY IN HISTORY

MARCH 2

1836

Texas declared its independence from Mexico.

1877

Rutherford B. Hayes was declared president by a U.S. electoral commission since the original result was too close to call. He was the only president elected this way.

1917

Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory and Puerto Ricans gained American citizenship.

1923

The first issue of Henry Luce's TIME magazine appeared on newsstands.

1933

King Kong, starring Fay Wray, premiered in New York City.

1949

Captain James Gallagher completed the first non-stop around the world flight. He completed the 23,452-mile journey in 94 hours, 1 minute.

1956

Morocco gained independence from France.

1962

Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA-record 100 points in a basketball game.

2001

The Taliban began the destruction of ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan.