Discover what happened on March 16 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.
What Happened on March 16 in History?
Important events on this day include Lansing being designated the capital of Michigan, the launch of the first liquid-fuel rocket by Robert H. Goddard, and the Dow Jones crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time.
MARCH 16 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1802 – Congress established the West Point Military Academy in New York, NY.
1847 – Lansing was designated the State Capital of Michigan.
1850 – The novel “The Scarlet Letter,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was published for the first time.
1867 – The City of Grand Haven, MI was incorporated.
1882 – The Senate approved a treaty allowing the United States to join the Red Cross.
1883 – Susan Hayhurst graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy to become the first woman pharmacy graduate.
1912 – The Metal Office Furniture Company was organized after Peter Wege moved to Grand Rapids, MI. The company would eventually become known as Steelcase.
1915 – The Federal Trade Commission began operations.
1926 – The first liquid-fuel rocket was launched by physicist Robert H. Goddard at Auburn, MA.
1950 – Congress voted to remove federal taxes on oleo-margarine.
1958 – The Ford Motor Company produced its 50 millionth automobile — the Thunderbird. The company averaged almost a million cars a year since their founding.
1964 – Paul Hornung and Alex Karras were reinstated to the NFL after an 11-month suspension for betting on football games.
1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson submitted to Congress a $1 billion war on poverty program.
1968 – General Motors produced its 100 millionth automobile — the Oldsmobile Toronado.
1968 – U.S. troops in Vietnam destroyed a village consisting mostly of women and children. The event is known as the My-Lai massacre.
1974 – The new Opryland auditorium in Nashville, TN was dedicated.
1984 – William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, was kidnapped by gunmen. He died while in captivity.
1985 – Terry Anderson, an Associated Press newsman, was taken hostage in Beirut. He was not released until December 4, 1991.
1988 – Indictments were issued for Lt. Colonel Oliver North, Vice Admiral John Poindexter of the National Security Council, and two others for their involvement in the Iran-Contra affair to defraud the United States.
1993 – In France, ostrich meat was officially declared fit for human consumption.
1994 – In Portland, OR, Tonya Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution for covering up the attack on her skating rival Nancy Kerrigan. As punishment, she was fined $100,000 and banned from amateur figure skating.
1995 – NASA astronaut Norman Thagard became the first American to visit the Russian space station Mir.
1999 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time. By the day’s end, the stock market slipped back to 9,939.
1999 – The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) presented the first Diamond Awards. The awards are given in recognition of albums and singles that have sold 10 million copies or more. The initial recipients included The Beatles, The Eagles, ZZ Top, Boston, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Guns n’ Roses, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Elton John, Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd.
2020 – Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, ordered bars, restaurants, theaters and casinos to close and restricted gatherings to less than 50 people. She also expanded unemployment benefits as the number of infected cases in the state rose to 54.
2020 – The Holland, MI Tulip Time Festival, scheduled for May 2nd-10th, was cancelled.
2020 – Major League Baseball suspended the remainder of Spring Training and delayed the start of the regular season due to COVID-19.
2020 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted by almost 3,000 points. The single day crash was greater than the one that kicked off the Great Depression.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 16:
S. Stillman Berry – 139 years old (1887) – Marine zoologist (1984)
Sanford I. Weill – 93 years old (1933) – Banker, financier, and philanthropist
Ursula Goodenough – 83 years old (1943) – Biologist, zoologist, and author
Andrew S. Tanenbaum – 82 years old (1944) – Computer scientist and academic
J. Z. Knight – 80 years old (1946) – New Age teacher and author
Michael Owen Bruce – 78 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Erik Estrada – 77 years old (1949) – Actor
Elliott Murphy – 77 years old (1949) – American-French singer-songwriter and journalist
Ray Benson – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Joe DeLamielleure – 75 years old (1951) – Football player
Richard Stallman – 73 years old (1953) – Computer scientist and programmer
Tim O'Brien – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Nancy Wilson – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and actress
Bob Ley – 71 years old (1955) – Sports anchor and reporter
Ozzie Newsome – 70 years old (1956) – Football player and executive
Clifton Powell – 70 years old (1956) – Actor, director, and producer
Jorge Ramos – 68 years old (1958) – Mexican-American journalist and author
Michael J. Bloomfield – 67 years old (1959) – Astronaut
Sebastian Currier – 67 years old (1959) – Composer and educator
Flavor Flav – 67 years old (1959) – Rapper and actor
Charles Hudson – 67 years old (1959) – Baseball player
Steve Marker – 67 years old (1959) – Musician
Patty Griffin – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter
Gore Verbinski – 62 years old (1964) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Steve Armstrong – 61 years old (1965) – Wrestler
Cindy Brown – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player
Tracy Bonham – 59 years old (1967) – Singer and violinist
John Darnielle – 59 years old (1967) – Musician and novelist
Lauren Graham – 59 years old (1967) – Actress and producer
Ronnie McCoury – 59 years old (1967) – Bluegrass mandolin player, singer and songwriter
Judah Friedlander – 57 years old (1969) – Comedian and actor
Alan Tudyk – 55 years old (1971) – Actor
Tim Kang – 53 years old (1973) – Actor
Vonda Ward – 53 years old (1973) – Boxer
Blu Cantrell – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Brooke Burns – 48 years old (1978) – Fashion model, television personality, and actress
Tyler Arnason – 47 years old (1979) – Ice hockey player
Rashad Moore – 47 years old (1979) – Football player
Todd Heap – 46 years old (1980) – Football player
Danny Brown – 45 years old (1981) – Rapper
Curtis Granderson – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Julia Letlow – 44 years old (1982) – Politician
Brian Wilson – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Stephen Drew – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Brandon League – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Tramon Williams – 43 years old (1983) – Football player
Levi Brown – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Alexandra Daddario – 40 years old (1986) – Actress
Toney Douglas – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Kenny Dykstra – 40 years old (1986) – Wrestler
T. J. Jordan – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Jhené Aiko – 38 years old (1988) – Singer-songwriter and rapper
Blake Griffin – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player
Josh Johnson – 36 years old (1990) – Comedian and writer
Andre Young – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player
Chris Boswell – 35 years old (1991) – Football player
Reggie Bullock – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player
Wolfgang Van Halen – 35 years old (1991) – Bassist
Tim Hardaway Jr. – 34 years old (1992) – Basketball player
Brett Davern – 34 years old (1992) – Actor
Sierra McClain – 32 years old (1994) – Actress
Ajiona Alexus – 30 years old (1996) – Actress and singer
Tyrel Jackson Williams – 29 years old (1997) – Actor
Jalen Smith – 26 years old (2000) – Basketball player
Kyle Hamilton – 25 years old (2001) – Football player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 16:
- Black Press Day: Black Press Day celebrates the rich tradition of African American journalism. This day recognizes the essential role Black newspapers play in amplifying voices that mainstream media often overlook. It honors the bold efforts of early Black journalists who founded publications to challenge stereotypes and report on issues that deeply affected...
- Curl Crush Day: National Curl Crush Day celebrates natural curls in all their springy, spiraled, coiled, and wavy varieties, encouraging people to embrace and share their unique hair textures with pride. Created by Carol’s Daughter, a brand known for catering to curly, coily, and wavy hair, this day nudges everyone toward a simple...
- Wellderly Day: Wellderly Day celebrates the vibrancy and well-being of older adults, emphasizing that age need not limit one’s ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life. It shines a friendly spotlight on the idea of “health span” rather than simply “life span,” encouraging people to focus on the years that feel...
- Robert Goddard Day: Robert Goddard Day celebrates the life and achievements of Robert H. Goddard, a pioneer in rocketry. Known as the "father of modern rocketry," Goddard's innovative work laid the foundation for space exploration. His passion for science and engineering led to the creation of the first liquid-fueled rocket, marking a significant...
- Act Happy Day: Some days push people to pause and lift their mood on purpose, and Act Happy Day is one of them. It invites everyone to smile more, laugh freely, and brighten someone else’s moment, even if only for a little while. Instead of waiting for joy to arrive, this day encourages stepping...
- National Panda Day: Nature's cuddly ambassadors, with a diet that's 99% bamboo and an unmistakable appearance that's sure to melt your heart.
- National No Selfies Day: Put down the camera and take a look around, capture memories in your mind, not just on your phone. Enjoy the moment!
- Driving Instructor Day: Guiding new road adventurers, instilling confidence and safety, these mentors empower the journey to skilled and responsible driving.
- Everything You Do is Right Day: Everything You Do is Right Day is a lighthearted occasion dedicated to embracing a positive mindset. It encourages people to overcome self-doubt and fully trust their instincts. On this day, the focus shifts to believing that whatever choices you make, no matter how small, will turn out well. It’s a...
- National Freedom Of Information Day: Unleashing knowledge — allowing sunlight into the darkest corners — and enabling awareness and empowering decisions for all.
- St. Urho’s Day: Part of the story of the United States begins with the immigration of different cultures. In the U.S., various holidays celebrate these kinds of cultures. Among those cultures, the Finnish have traditions that keep them proud of their heritage. Stories inspired one of those holidays, and you guessed it, it’s about the...
- National Lips Appreciation Day: Admiring the unique curve that adds personality to a smile, appreciating the canvas that speaks without words—lips have their own story.
- National Artichoke Day: Green and spiky, a culinary delight with tender hearts concealed, waiting to be savored, offering a taste of earthy goodness.
- Benito Juarez Day: Why Benito Juárez Day still matters is tied to what he achieved during a time of conflict and change. He helped shape Mexico’s laws and pushed to limit the power of the military and the church in politics. His leadership supported equal rights and pushed for public education. Many saw...
- National Agriculture Week: National Agriculture Week shines a spotlight on the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who fill our plates and fuel our lives. Behind every meal and everyday product is someone who works hard, from dawn to dusk, to ensure we all have what we need. This week connects us to the...
- International Teach Music Week: International Teach Music Week is a vibrant celebration that lights up every year's third week of March, and unites over 750 music schools and various organizations globally. They offer free 30-minute lessons to new students, encouraging everyone from kids to adults to explore the joy of music. It's a time when...
- Global Money Week: Every year, Global Money Week (GMW) kicks off excitedly, focusing on enhancing financial awareness among the young. This vibrant event is organized by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, the launch brings together participants from around the world to share knowledge and strategies for managing finances safely and responsibly. How...
- National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: While education about drugs, alcohol, and addiction has been going on for many decades, a great deal of misinformation around the topic has continued to pervade culture, particularly among young people. The aim of this important event is to bring together teens and scientific experts, working to shatter myths about...
- Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
- American Chocolate Week: American Chocolate Week is a delightful celebration of one of America's most beloved treats: chocolate. This week-long event allows people to indulge their sweet tooth and explore different ways to enjoy chocolate in its many forms. From creamy milk chocolate to rich dark varieties, there's something for everyone. People take the...
- National Fragrance Week: Scent has the remarkable power to shape moods and spark memories. National Fragrance Week celebrates this magic by inviting everyone to explore the world of fragrance. Throughout the week, fragrance experts share insights, and companies offer special promotions, making it the perfect time to discover new scents or deepen appreciation...
- Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Understanding diverse minds, embracing unique perspectives, neurodiversity celebrates the richness of human cognition and experiences.
- National Clean Out Your Closet Week: National Clean Out Your Closet Week is a fun and practical event that encourages everyone to tidy up their closets. It’s the perfect time to sort through clothes, shoes, and accessories, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. This activity not only helps you organize your space but also gives...
- National Animal Poison Prevention Week: National Animal Poison Prevention Week highlights the hidden dangers our pets face from everyday household items. Many substances that seem harmless to us can be toxic for our furry friends. Things like certain plants, human medications, and even some foods can cause severe health issues if ingested by pets. This week...
- National Introverts Week: Introverts often have an amazing inner world — they make great listeners and thinkers, adding depth to any conversation.
- National Bubble Week: National Bubble Week celebrates the joy of bubbles, offering a lighthearted break that everyone can enjoy. This fun event showcases the mesmerizing beauty of bubbles as they drift through the air, glowing in soft colors and popping with gentle splashes! How to Celebrate National Bubble Week National Bubble Week is all about...
- European-wide Action Week Against Racism: European-wide Action Week Against Racism connects communities across borders to take a clear stand against hate. It’s not just a campaign—it’s a shared effort. Schools, community groups, and everyday citizens take part. They speak out in their own way, using clear messages and public spaces to reject racism. The focus stays...
- Schools Library Media Center Week: Schools Library Media Center Week highlights the invaluable role of library media centers in schools across the nation. These centers are much more than book collections; they are dynamic spaces that connect students to a world of knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Through their unique blend of traditional books and digital...
- National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week: National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is a critical event dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of inhalant abuse and accidental poisonings. During this week, communities emphasize the risks associated with everyday household items that can be abused for their fumes. Many people don’t realize that common products like...
- National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
- National Button Week: National Button Week invites people to celebrate the charm and versatility of buttons. This week shines a spotlight on these small but significant items, often overlooked in daily life. Buttons play many roles, from fastening clothing to adding a touch of style or even showing a little personality. During National Button...
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week celebrates the remarkable work of nurse practitioners who specialize in children's health. These professionals play a unique role in pediatric healthcare, providing not only routine checkups but also managing chronic conditions, guiding families, and responding to a wide range of health issues from infancy through...
- Wellderly Week: Wellderly Week is a special time set aside each year to celebrate and focus on the well-being of our senior community, and is dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age. The celebration highlights the significant role that seniors play in our society...
- National Anonymous Giving Week: National Anonymous Giving Week highlights a unique form of generosity. This week, people focus on acts of kindness without the need for public praise. The idea is simple: help others without expecting thanks. Whether it’s a donation to a local charity, food for a shelter, or funds for a community...
- World Folktales & Fables Week: World Folktales & Fables Week sweeps us into the timeless magic of storytelling. This week invites everyone to dive into tales that have traveled across generations and lands, from clever tricksters to brave heroes and magical creatures. Learn More About World Folktales & Fables Week These stories capture universal ideas—love, courage...
- Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.
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