Europa
- Mayflower Sets Sail (1620)
On September 16, 1620, English colonists aboard the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, heading for America, where they would later found Plymouth Colony. This event marked a significant moment in European emigration and colonial history. - Death of Charles V of France (1380)
Charles V, King of France from 1364, died on this day in 1380. He is remembered for leading France through a crucial recovery during the Hundred Years’ War. - Owain Glyndŵr Declared Prince of Wales (1400)
On September 16, 1400, Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his followers, igniting the Welsh revolt against English rule. - James Francis Edward Stuart, the ‘Old Pretender’ (1701)
On this day in 1701, James Francis Edward Stuart, known as the “Old Pretender,” became the Jacobite claimant to the thrones of England and Scotland, a key moment in the Jacobite succession disputes. - Solar Eclipse Observed by John Flamsteed (1662)
A solar eclipse was witnessed in Derby, England, by John Flamsteed, who would become the first Astronomer Royal. This event inspired his lifelong passion for astronomy.
America
- Mexican Independence Day (1810)
On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the Grito de Dolores (“Cry of Dolores”), calling for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico. This event marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and is commemorated annually as Mexican Independence Day. - Battle of Harlem Heights (1776)
During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Harlem Heights was fought on this day in New York City. It was a morale-boosting victory for George Washington’s Continental Army after previous defeats. - Wall Street Bombing (1920)
A bomb exploded in front of the J.P. Morgan building on Wall Street, New York City, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. The perpetrators were never conclusively identified, and it remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history up to that time. - General Motors Founded (1908)
The General Motors Corporation, destined to become one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, was founded in Flint, Michigan. - Franco-American Siege of Savannah (1779)
The Franco-American Siege of Savannah began during the American Revolutionary War, with French and American troops attempting to retake the city from the British. - Hurricane Ivan Landfall (2004)
Hurricane Ivan made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 3 hurricane, causing significant destruction along the Gulf Coast. - 1854: Commander David G. Farragut took possession of Mare Island, California, establishing a major U.S. naval shipyard.
- 1880: The first issue of The Cornell Daily Sun, the oldest continuously independent college daily in the U.S., was published in Ithaca, New York.
- 1959: The first successful photocopier, the Xerox 914, was demonstrated live on television in New York City.
- 1961: Project Stormfury: U.S. scientists attempted to weaken Hurricane Esther by seeding it with silver iodide, reducing wind speeds by 10%.
Asia
- End of Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong (1945)
On September 16, 1945, the Japanese garrison in Hong Kong formally surrendered, marking the end of Japanese occupation that began during World War II. This event was part of the broader Allied victory over Japan and the restoration of British colonial administration in Hong Kong. - Creation of Malaysia (1963)
September 16, 1963, marks the official formation of Malaysia. On this day, the Federation of Malaya united with North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore to create the new nation of Malaysia. This was a pivotal moment in Southeast Asian history, though Singapore would leave the federation two years later. - Tabas Earthquake in Iran (1978)
A devastating earthquake struck Tabas, Iran, on September 16, 1978. With a magnitude of 7.7, it killed more than 11,000 people and caused widespread destruction, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Iranian history. - Sabra and Shatila Massacre, Lebanon (1982)
Beginning on September 16, 1982, a right-wing Lebanese Christian militia massacred between 1,500 and 3,000 Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Shatila camps in Beirut. This tragic event remains a symbol of the brutality of the Lebanese Civil War. - Death of Jahanara Begum (1681): The eldest daughter of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Jahanara Begum, died on this day.
- Strategic Move by Bhutan (2003): Bhutan assured India that its territory would not be used against Indian interests, reflecting ongoing regional security cooperation.
- Vishwakarma Award in India (2008): The Vishwakarma Award was presented to employees of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), recognizing excellence in engineering.
Africa
- Martyrs’ Day in Libya
September 16 is observed as Martyrs’ Day in Libya, a national holiday commemorating those who died fighting for the country’s freedom. - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
The United Nations marks September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, a global observance with significant environmental relevance for Africa and the world. - Eliud Kipchoge’s Marathon Record (2018)
On September 16, 2018, Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge broke the marathon world record at the Berlin Marathon, a major achievement celebrated across Africa and globally. - Oil Tanker Explosion in South Sudan (2015)
On this day in 2015, an oil tanker explosion in Maridi, South Sudan, killed 170 people, highlighting ongoing challenges with infrastructure and safety in parts of Africa. - Ebola Crisis in West Africa (2014)
On September 16, 2014, the United States announced it would send thousands of troops to West Africa to help build Ebola clinics and train health workers, as the region faced a devastating Ebola virus epidemic.
This day in history: 16 september