Today in US History on April 3: Burnham voting rights, Pony Express launch, Chaplin returns and more

Today in US history, April 3 has witnessed a wide range of turning points in American history, from early suffrage arguments and educational reforms to technological milestones and cultural moments. Here’s a concise look at key events that shaped the day:

In 1873, suffrage advocate Carrie S. Burnham presented a powerful argument before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, questioning whether a government could deny intelligent adult citizens, including women, the right to vote while still holding them accountable to its laws.

Earlier, in 1776, Harvard College voted to award George Washington an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, recognizing his leadership during the American Revolution.



Education reform also featured on this day in 1848, when Horace Mann joined the US Senate representing Massachusetts, bringing his advocacy for public schooling into national politics.

Transportation and communication took a leap in 1860 with the launch of the Pony Express, which began delivering mail by horse relay between Missouri and California.

The day also marks a notorious moment in 1882, when outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed by gang member Robert Ford in Missouri.

In the arts, 1917 saw photographer Alfred Stieglitz host the first solo exhibition of painter Georgia O'Keeffe at his New York gallery.

Scientific progress followed in 1926, when rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard conducted the second successful flight of a liquid-fueled rocket, an early step toward modern space exploration.

More events on this day:

• 1948: Harry S. Truman signed the Marshall Plan aiding post-war Europe.
• 1972: Film legend Charlie Chaplin returned to the United States after two decades abroad.
• 1984: John Thompson became the first African-American coach to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship.