Feb
March 2025
Apr
On This Day 4 mins Read

March 20: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, March 20, 1930, Harland Sanders founded KFC?

Fact Checked Human Written Verified Sources Regularly Updated

March 20th is Hufflepuff Pride Day and Snowman Burning Day.

Today is the 79th day of the year, and there are 286 days left in 2025.

This day marked the birth of one of the world’s leading food restaurants, new legislation for LGBTQI+ rights, and a disastrous fire outbreak in one great American city. Find out about all that and more.

Did you know that on this day, March 20, 1930, Harland Sanders founded KFC? The world famous chicken was first sold from a petrol station in North Corbin, Kentucky.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about March 20th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on March 20 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Tiger King was released on Netflix.

OTD in 2020: Tiger King was released on Netflix.

This American true-crime documentary miniseries was about the life of a zookeeper, Joe Exotic.

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizon was released on the Nintendo Switch.

The fifth installment in the Animal Crossing series, this cutesy fun-loving game won many awards, including Game of the Year from the Golden Joystick Awards, Japan Game Awards, and Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards.

Researchers discovered molecules on people’s skin that are early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, aided by a woman’s nose.

Scottish woman Joy Milne, who is capable of smelling Parkinson's disease, helped researchers discover the molecule at the University of Manchester.

Disney purchased 21st Century Fox for $71 billion.

The purchase was made to grow Disney's empire and take on Netflix in the world of online TV streaming.

Ground troops from the USA, UK, Australia, and Poland invaded Iraq.

OTD in 2003: Ground troops from the USA

The invasion of Iraq was justified on the grounds that Iraq was illegally manufacturing and harboring weapons of mass destruction. Air raids pre-empted the invasion into Iraq on March 19. Approximately 130,000 troops from the US, 45,000 from the UK, 2,000 from Australia, and 194 from Poland participated in the initial invasion.

The first Legoland outside of Europe opened in Carlsbad, California.

The Gay Rights Anti-Discrimination Bill was passed in New York City, US.

Baseball player Roberto Clemente was elected to the Hall of Fame.

It was a posthumous honor as he tragically died in a plane crash just 11 weeks prior.

The Civil and Women’s Rights Activist Dorothy Height wrote her first column in the African-American newspaper “New York Amsterdam News.”

The first newspaper from a vending machine was bought in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Colonel Harland Sanders founded KFC in North Corbin, Kentucky.

OTD in 1930: Colonel Harland Sanders founded KFC in North Corbin

The Great Fire of Boston destroyed 349 buildings.

The Dutch East India Company was established.

The company is believed to be the largest ever to have existed in recorded history.

Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars came into alignment. Medieval scholars believed this phenomenon brought forth the Black Death.

OTD in 1345: Saturn

The Black Death was a pandemic covering Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and killed around 25 million people.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, did you know that Ruby Rose was also born on this day? Here are more famous people born on this day.

2006

Barron Trump

American Student

Age

19 years old

Born IN

New York, USA

1986

Ruby Rose

Australian Model

Age

39 years old

Born IN

Victoria, Australia

1976

Chester Bennington

American Singer

Died On

Jul 20, 2017 (Age 41)

Born IN

Arizona, USA

1928

Fred Rogers

American TV Host

Died On

Feb 27, 2003 (Age 74)

Born IN

Pennsylvania, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

If you were born on March 20, your star sign is Pisces.

Pisces is represented by the fish and is the twelfth sign in the zodiac. Anyone who was born between February 19 and March 20 falls into this astrological sign.

For those of you born in March, you have the Aquamarine birthstone. Aquamarine is a sea-blue color and has long been a symbol of youth, health, and hope.

The daffodil, March’s primary birth flower, symbolizes renewal and bright possibilities, reflecting the uplifting spirit of those born this month. The jonquil, the secondary birth flower, stands for love and affection.

If your birthday falls on March 20th, you would’ve likely been conceived around June 27th in the previous year.

A baby that is conceived on March 20, 2025, will be due later this year around December 11.

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, March 20th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1938 — 2020

Kenny Rogers

American Singer Kenny Rogers was born on August 21, 1938. He died on this day in 2020, at age 81 in Georgia, USA.

1943 — 2013

James Herbert

English Writer James Herbert was born on April 8, 1943. He died on this day in 2013, at age 69 in England, UK.

Special Holidays

Are you looking for something to do today? Then why not find time today to celebrate the following special holidays.

International

Hufflepuff Pride Day

For all you Potterheads out there, today is for you! March 20 is Hufflepuff Pride Day, and it’s the perfect day to celebrate the most underestimated house of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The best way to celebrate is to dress up as your favorite Hufflepuff wizard!

United States

Snowman Burning Day

If you’re a Michigan Native, then this holiday might not be so confusing as it is to the rest of us. Snowman Burning Day is celebrated by burning a straw or wooden ‘snow’man as a way of ushering in Spring. It’s a great family holiday, just remember to celebrate it safely!

Fact Of The Day

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • April Fool's Day

    12 days

  • Earth Day

    33 days

  • Cinco de Mayo

    46 days

  • Halloween

    225 days

  • Christmas Day

    280 days

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of FactstoryHub. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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