United Sates History On This Date: March 25

1789 — U.S. Marshals Service Established

Congress creates the United States Marshals Service, the nation’s oldest federal law‑enforcement agency. Tasked with supporting federal courts, serving warrants, and enforcing judicial orders, the Marshals become essential to early American governance and remain central to federal justice today.

1862 — Lincoln Signs the Compensated Emancipation Act

President Abraham Lincoln approves the Compensated Emancipation Act, freeing more than 3,000 enslaved people in Washington, D.C. by paying loyal slaveholders. The measure marks a major early step toward abolition, preceding the Emancipation Proclamation by nine months.

1911 — Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

A fire erupts at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 garment workers—mostly young immigrant women. The tragedy exposes unsafe industrial conditions and sparks sweeping reforms in workplace safety, fire codes, and labor protections nationwide.

1634 — First Maryland Colonists Arrive

English settlers land at St. Clement’s Island and establish St. Mary’s City, the first settlement of the Maryland colony. Founded under Lord Baltimore’s charter, Maryland becomes a refuge for English Catholics and a key early community in colonial America.

On March 25, 1911, 146 workers perished when a fire broke out in a garment factory in New York City. For 90 years, it stood as New York's deadliest workplace disaster.