23 Interesting Facts About March 16: Events On This Day

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

Diving into the significant facts about March 16 reveals a date that witnessed both remarkable technological triumph and profound human tragedy, most notably Robert Goddard’s successful launch of the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926, forever changing space exploration.

This date also carries the somber memory of the 1968 My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, a tragic event that sparked international outrage and reshaped America’s perception of the conflict. Want to explore this day’s historical events? Let’s begin.

March 16 Facts At-a-Glance

Historical Significance: First Liquid-Fueled Rocket Launch (1926)
Famous Birthdays: James Madison, Jerry Lewis
Cultural Observances: National Panda Day
Notable Event: My Lai Massacre (1968)
Scientific Achievement: First Liquid-Fueled Rocket (1926)
Numerological Position: 75th day of the year
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Historical Events and Turning Points

March 16 stands as a crucial date that has witnessed both technological innovation and human tragedy.

  1. On March 16, 1926, Robert Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts, pioneering modern rocketry. The rocket reached a height of 41 feet during a 2.5-second flight.
  2. On March 16, 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point was established. The institution focuses on technical training and leadership development, producing distinguished officers for military and civilian leadership roles.
  3. On March 16, 1912, Lawrence Oates, a member of Scott’s South Pole expedition, walked out of his tent to his death, famously saying, “I am just going outside and may be some time.”
  4. On March 16, 1935, Adolf Hitler announced German rearmament in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, a significant step toward World War II.
  5. On March 16, 1968, U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War.
  6. On March 16, 1978, the oil tanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground off the coast of Brittany, causing one of the largest oil spills in history.
  7. On March 16, 1988, the Kurdish town of Halabja was attacked with chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War, killing thousands.
  8. On March 16, 1995, Mississippi formally ratified the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, 130 years after it was adopted.
  9. On March 16, 2005, Israel formally transferred control of Jericho to Palestinian authorities. Jericho is considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
  10. On March 16, 2020, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 3,000 points, its largest one-day point drop in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable Births and Achievements

March 16 has marked the birth of influential figures who have shaped politics, entertainment, and science.

  1. On March 16, 1751, James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia, later becoming the fourth U.S. President and and “Father of the Constitution.”
  2. On March 16, 1789, Georg Simon Ohm was born in Bavaria, later discovering Ohm’s Law, a fundamental principle of electrical circuits.
  3. On March 16, 1926, Jerry Lewis was born in Newark, New Jersey, later becoming a legendary comedian, actor, and humanitarian.
  4. On March 16, 1940, Bernardo Bertolucci was born in Parma, Italy, later directing acclaimed films including “The Last Emperor.”
  5. On March 16, 1942, folk musician Jerry Jeff Walker was born. Walker became famous for composing “Mr. Bojangles,” which achieved significant popularity in folk music circles.

Scientific and Technological Milestones

March 16 marks several significant advances in science and technology that expanded human capabilities.

  1. On March 16, 1966, NASA’s Gemini 8 mission conducted the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit. It quickly faced a critical emergency, forcing an early return to Earth.
  2. On March 16, 2003, the World Health Organization issued a global alert about a mysterious pneumonia, later identified as SARS.

Political and Social Movements

March 16 has witnessed significant political decisions and social movements that have shaped nations.

  1. On March 16, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for U.S. President, just days after President Johnson’s poor showing in the New Hampshire primary.
  2. On March 16, 1978, Italian politician and former Prime Minister Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades terrorist group. After 55 days in captivity, Moro was murdered by his captors.
  3. On March 16, 2014, Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia in a disputed referendum.
  4. On March 16, 2018, Slovakia commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia that was forcibly ended by Soviet invasion.

Modern Significance and Observances

Today, March 16 continues to hold special significance through various observances and commemorations.

  1. On March 16th annually, National Panda Day raises awareness about conservation efforts for these beloved black and white bears. With fewer than 2,000 giant pandas remaining in the wild, this day highlights the importance of protecting their bamboo forest habitats and supporting breeding programs that have helped improve their conservation status.
  2. On March 16th annually, the United States celebrates National Artichoke Hearts Day. Enthusiasts honor this occasion by enjoying the tender central portion of this thistle-like vegetable.

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