March 1849

Saturday 03:

The U.S. Congress passes the Gold Coinage Act allowing the minting of gold coins.

Sunday 04:

America goes without a President for one day. The expiration of James K. Polk's term occurred at 12pm, but Zachary Taylor was not sworn in until the next day. Although rejected by constitutional experts, some believe that David Rice Atchison, the President pro tempore of the United States Senate at the time, was the "acting president".

Monday 05:

Zachary Taylor is inaugurated as the 12th President of the United States.

Thursday 22:

The Austrians defeat the Piedmontese at the Battle of Novara.

Thursday 29:

The United Kingdom annexes the Punjab