1904 Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Author and illustrator Theodor Geisel, who gained fame under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, holds a copy of his book, "The Cat in the Hat, " in his home in La Jolla, Calif., in this April 25, 1957 photo. (Gene Lester/Getty Images)

Author and illustrator Dr. Seuss (or Theodor Geisel) was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Mass.  Theodor Geisel first used the pseudonym "Seuss" on a cartoon he drew for Dartmouth College's humor magazine in 1925.

Geisel did work in advertising before gaining fame for his children's books.  His successful ad campaign for a bug spray brought the tagline "Quick, Henry, the Flit!" into homes across America.

In 1937, Seuss published his first children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street." His unique use of rhyming encouraged generations of kids (young and old) to read and play with words.  Other titles by Dr. Seuss include "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Fox in Sox."

Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2, has been designated Read Across America day.

Also on This Day in History:

2006 India Becomes a Nuclear Power

In a reversal of  previous American policy, President Bush stated it was economically necessary for India to use nuclear energy.  He explained that India's shift toward nuclear power could lessen its use of oil and help drive down global fuel prices.

Famous Birthdays

1931 Tom Wolfe

1942 John Irving

1942 Lou Reed

1943 Peter Straub

1955 Ken Salazar

1964 Laird Hamilton

1968 Daniel Craig

1977 Chris Martin

1981 Bryce Dallas Howard

1982 Ben Roethlisberger

1984 Elizabeth Jagger

1985 Reggie Bush

View more videos from This Month in History: March.