March 19

Events - Other

1687day.year

Explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle, searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River, is murdered by his own men.

In 1687, French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle was killed by his own men during his search for the Mississippi River's mouth.
While exploring the Mississippi River basin in 1687, French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle was killed by mutinous members of his own expedition. The party, suffering from harsh conditions and dwindling supplies, grew distrustful of their leader. La Salle had embarked on the journey to locate the great river's mouth for France's colonial ambitions. His death occurred near present-day Texas in a bitter dispute over direction and leadership. The violent end dashed hopes for further exploration under La Salle's command. Despite the tragic outcome, his earlier voyages had mapped vast expanses of North America for future settlers.
1687 Robert Cavelier de La Salle Mississippi River
1831day.year

First documented bank heist in U.S. history, when burglars stole $245,000 (1831 values) from the City Bank (now Citibank) on Wall Street. Most of the money was recovered.

In 1831, the first documented bank robbery in the U.S. took place at City Bank on Wall Street, with $245,000 stolen. Most of the money was recovered.
On March 19, 1831, a group of burglars carried out the first recorded bank heist in U.S. history. They broke into the City Bank building on Wall Street and stole $245,000 in cash and securities. At the time, this sum represented a colossal fortune and sent shockwaves through New York’s financial district. Authorities launched a massive investigation and managed to recover most of the stolen funds. The incident prompted banks to reinforce vault security and ushered in new law enforcement practices. This daring theft remains a landmark in American criminal history.
1831 First documented bank heist in U.S. history Citibank