Written by Emlyn Larue
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
September 16th is a significant date in history, filled with notable events and fascinating facts. It is a day that has witnessed remarkable milestones, pivotal moments, and influential figures across various fields. From politics and science to arts and sports, September 16th holds a treasure trove of historical significance.
By delving into the events and occurrences of the past, we gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in today and the progress we have made as a society. In this article, we will explore the significant facts and events that have taken place on September 16th throughout history. From pivotal battles to groundbreaking inventions, we will uncover the rich tapestry of human history that has unfolded on this remarkable date.
Key Takeaways:
- September 16th marks Mexico’s independence, GM’s founding, and the first heart transplant. It’s a day of historical triumphs and tragedies that shaped our world.
- On September 16th, the first practical typewriter was patented, the Montreal Protocol was signed, and the TV series “Lost” premiered. It’s a day of scientific and cultural milestones.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1810: Mexico officially declares its independence from Spain.
- 1908: General Motors is founded in Flint, Michigan, United States.
- 1940: The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 is signed into law, establishing the first peacetime military draft in the United States.
- 1975: Papua New Guinea gains independence from Australia.
- 2007: The United States Department of Defense announces the establishment of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1875: The first practical typewriter is patented by Christopher Latham Sholes.
- 1920: First successful sustained radio transmission of an image using the mechanical television system is accomplished by John Logie Baird.
- 1968: The first successful heart transplantation is performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa.
- 1987: The Montreal Protocol is signed, leading to worldwide efforts to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.
- 2009: The Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, is inaugurated in Switzerland.
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1893: The largest land run in history, known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run, takes place in Oklahoma, United States.
- 1975: The Cape Verde Islands gain independence from Portugal.
- 1982: The massacre of Sabra and Shatila takes place in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese Civil War.
- 1992: The trial of the deposed Panamanian dictator, Manuel Noriega, begins in the United States.
- 2011: The Occupy Wall Street movement begins in New York City, sparking similar protests worldwide.
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1544: The Italian painter and architect Michelangelo Buonarroti dies in Rome, Italy.
- 1983: Vanessa Williams becomes the first African-American to be crowned Miss America.
- 1991: The film “The Commitments,” directed by Alan Parker, is released in the United States.
- 2004: The TV series “Lost” premieres on ABC, captivating audiences with its mysterious plot and ensemble cast.
- 2013: The Metropolitan Opera in New York City opens its 2013-2014 season with a new production of “Eugene Onegin” conducted by Valery Gergiev.
BIRTHS
- 1888: T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, British archaeologist, writer, and military officer.
- 1925: B.B. King, American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
- 1948: Susan Ruttan, American actress known for her role as Roxanne Melman on “L.A. Law”.
- 1956: David Copperfield, American illusionist and magician.
- 1981: Alexis Bledel, American actress known for her role as Rory Gilmore in the TV series “Gilmore Girls”.
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1498: Tomás de Torquemada, Spanish Dominican friar and first Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition.
- 1701: James II of England, Scotland, and Ireland, deposed king during the Glorious Revolution.
- 1977: Maria Callas, Greek-American soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century.
- 1992: Anthony Perkins, American actor best known for his portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”.
- 2010: Eddie Fisher, American singer and actor, known for his pop music success in the 1950s.
Conclusion
September 16th has been marked by significant historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, and the births and deaths of notable individuals. From Mexico’s declaration of independence in 1810 to the founding of General Motors in 1908, and from the successful heart transplant in 1968 to the inauguration of the Large Hadron Collider in 2009, this date holds a diverse range of important occurrences. It is a day that has witnessed both triumphs and tragedies, shaping our world in various ways.
FAQs
Q: What are the historical events that happened on September 16th?
A: Some of the historical events that happened on September 16th include Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, the founding of General Motors in 1908, and Papua New Guinea gaining independence from Australia in 1975.
Q: Are there any significant scientific breakthroughs associated with September 16th?
A: Yes, there have been notable scientific breakthroughs on September 16th, such as the patenting of the first practical typewriter in 1875 and the first successful heart transplantation in 1968.
Q: Have any political milestones occurred on September 16th?
A: Yes, significant political milestones include the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, aiming to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances, and the start of the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011.
Q: Are there any cultural events associated with September 16th?
A: Yes, cultural events include the release of the film “The Commitments” in 1991 and the premiere of the TV series “Lost” in 2004.
Q: Who were born on September 16th?
A: Notable individuals born on September 16th include T. E. Lawrence (1888), also known as Lawrence of Arabia, and B.B. King (1925), the renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Q: Who died on September 16th?
A: Notable individuals who passed away on September 16th include Tomás de Torquemada (1498), the first Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition, and Maria Callas (1977), one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century.
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