Written by Selina
Modified & Updated: 09 Sep 2023
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
The 197th day of the year, July 16th is a special one. It is a day marked by numerous events, discoveries, and milestones throughout history. One might even suggest that July 16th is a momentous day for science since it was the day Apollo 11 was launched. Keep reading as we cover some of the most noteworthy occurrences that took place on this day. From the first nuclear detonation to the publication of The Catcher in the Rye, come learn all there is about July 16th.
Historical Discoveries
622: The Islamic prophet Muhammad began his migration, or Hijrah, from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. This pivotal event in Islamic history established the foundation for the growth and development of the Muslim community.
Scientific Breakthroughs
1935: The world’s first parking meter, also known as the Park-O-Mter no.1 is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
1945: The Trinity Test took place, marking the world’s first-ever detonation of a nuclear weapon by the United States. Conducted in the New Mexico desert at 5.29 am, the test was a crucial step in the development of the atomic bomb and had far-reaching implications for the future of warfare and international relations.
1969: Apollo 11, the historic spaceflight that would ultimately land humans on the Moon for the first time, was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission was led by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. We consider this as one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
2018: Twelve new moons were discovered on Jupiter using telescopes in Hawaii and Chile. This brings the total of moons on Jupiter to 92, beating the previous record holder, Saturn.
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Image from Adobe Stock
Political Milestones
1790: The District of Columbia was established as the permanent capital of the United States. The decision to create a separate federal district was a compromise between Northern and Southern states and played a significant role in shaping the development of the U.S. government today.
1918: The Romanov family was executed by Bolshevik forces during the Russian Revolution. The brutal murder of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife, and their children brought the end of the three-century-old Romanov dynasty. This signaled a turning point in Russian history.
Cultural Events
1951: The novel The Catcher in the Rye by American author J.D. Salinger was published. The controversial coming-of-age story quickly became a classic of American literature and has had a lasting impact on generations of readers.
1988: The animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released, blending live-action and animation to create a groundbreaking cinematic experience. The film received widespread acclaim and inspired numerous other hybrid productions.
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Image from Disney Plus
Notable Birthdays
All of these people born on July 16th have the zodiac sign of Cancer and a birthstone of ruby.
- Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) – An American religious leader and founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Eddy’s teachings and writings, particularly her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, have profoundly influenced the development of the Christian Science movement.
- Ginger Rogers (1911–1995) – An American actress, dancer, and singer who peaked during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was one of the highest-paid actresses in the 1940s, winning several awards including the Academy Awards for Best Actress at The Oscars.
- Miguel Indurain (1964) A Spanish professional cyclist and five-time winner of the Tour de France. Indurain’s dominance in the sport during the 1990s earned him widespread recognition and admiration among cycling enthusiasts.
- Will Ferell (1967) – An American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He has won many notable awards, including the Emmy award for his writing on “Saturday Night Live”.
- Corey Feldman (1971) – An American actor and musician. He is best known for his roles in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, the Gremlins, and The Goonies.
Final Word
As we celebrate and remember the events of July 16th, we honor the achievements and sacrifices of those who have come before us and appreciate the progress and innovations that have stemmed from these historical moments. Truly, this is a day to reflect on our shared history and acknowledge the people and events that have shaped our world!
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