Historical eventMarch 221871

William Woods Holden

William Woods Holden, Governor of North Carolina, became the first U.S. state governor to be removed from office through impeachment.

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In context

When
Wednesday, March 22 1871155 years ago
Category
Historical eventA dated happening — a battle, treaty, launch, discovery, disaster or decision — recorded on this calendar day.
Era
19th century · 1870s
Recorded from
Wikipedia “On this day” feed

Russia, Greece and some other countries used the Julian calendar into the early 20th century, so local records may show a date up to 13 days earlier.

At a glance

Dates: From 1871.

Type: human.

What happened

William Woods Holden was an American politician who served as the 38th and 40th governor of North Carolina. He was appointed by President Andrew Johnson in 1865 for a brief term and then elected in 1868. He served until 1871 and was the leader of the state's Republican Party during the Reconstruction Era.

March 22 through the years

Other entries on the same calendar day, in order.

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Also in 1871

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  • December 26Thespis (opera)Thespis, the first comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, premiered at the Gaiety Theatre in London.
  • October 26Edward James RoyeLiberian president Edward James Roye was overthrown in modern Africa's first coup d'état.
  • December 24AidaAida, one of Giuseppe Verdi's most popular operas, made its debut in Cairo, Egypt.
  • November 10Henry Morton StanleyJournalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley (pictured) located missing missionary and explorer David Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika in…
  • July 30Staten Island FerryThe boiler of the Staten Island Ferry Westfield II exploded at South Ferry in New York City, killing at least 45 people.
  • October 8Great Chicago FireThe Great Chicago Fire (pictured), began and proceeded to destroy much of the city's central business district, killing 300 people and le…
  • April 2Creatures of ImpulseCreatures of Impulse, by W. S. Gilbert (pictured), premiered at the Court Theatre in London.

Everything we record for 1871 →

Sources

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“William Woods Holden”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/event/william-woods-holden-1871-march-22, accessed October 28, 2026.

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Questions about this entry

When did William Woods Holden happen?

March 22 1871 — 155 years ago, on a Wednesday.

Where does this text come from?

Wikipedia “On this day” feed. Summaries are short adaptations that link back to the source, not reprints.

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