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22 Facts About September 16th

Owen Fairclough

Written by Owen Fairclough

Modified & Updated: 05 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Ohmyfacts.com

September 16th might seem like just another day, but it holds a treasure chest of interesting events and facts. Did you know that Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on this date? It's a day filled with parades, fireworks, and patriotic fervor. On a different note, in 1620, the Mayflower set sail from England, carrying Pilgrims to the New World. Fast forward to 1908, and you'll find that General Motors was founded on this day, revolutionizing the automobile industry. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, September 16th is packed with moments that shaped our world. Ready to dive into more intriguing facts?

Key Takeaways:

  • September 16th marks the start of Mexico's fight for independence, the birth of influential figures like B.B. King and David Copperfield, and significant events in science, sports, and culture.
  • On September 16th, history was made with the Mayflower setting sail, General Motors founded, and milestones in Malaysia and the Montreal Protocol. It's also a day to celebrate guacamole, the ozone layer, and Play-Doh!
Table of Contents
01Historical Events on September 16th
02Birthdays of Famous People on September 16th
03Cultural and Social Milestones on September 16th
04Scientific and Technological Advances on September 16th
05Sports Achievements on September 16th
06Miscellaneous Facts about September 16th
07The Final Countdown

Historical Events on September 16th

September 16th has witnessed many significant events throughout history. Here are some notable ones:

  1. 1810 – Mexican War of Independence Begins: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, issued the "Grito de Dolores," marking the start of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain.

  2. 1620 – Mayflower Sets Sail: The Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims seeking religious freedom in the New World.

  3. 1908 – General Motors Founded: William C. Durant established General Motors, which would become one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world.

  4. 1975 – Papua New Guinea Gains Independence: Papua New Guinea became an independent nation, breaking away from Australian administration.

Birthdays of Famous People on September 16th

Many influential figures were born on this day. Let's look at some of them:

  1. 1925 – B.B. King: The legendary blues guitarist and singer, known for hits like "The Thrill Is Gone," was born on this day.

  2. 1956 – David Copperfield: The famous magician and illusionist, known for his spectacular stage shows, celebrates his birthday on September 16th.

  3. 1968 – Marc Anthony: The American singer, actor, and producer, known for his Latin salsa music, was born on this day.

  4. 1971 – Amy Poehler: The comedian and actress, famous for her role in "Parks and Recreation," was born on September 16th.

Cultural and Social Milestones on September 16th

This date also marks some important cultural and social milestones. Here are a few:

  1. 1963 – Malaysia Formed: The Federation of Malaysia was established, uniting Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore (which later separated).

  2. 1978 – Earthquake in Iran: A devastating earthquake struck the Khorasan region in Iran, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

  3. 1987 – Montreal Protocol Signed: This international treaty aimed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

  4. 1992 – Black Wednesday: The British government was forced to withdraw the pound sterling from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, leading to a financial crisis.

Scientific and Technological Advances on September 16th

September 16th has also been a day of scientific and technological progress. Here are some key advancements:

  1. 1920 – Wall Street Bombing: A bomb exploded in the Financial District of New York City, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. It remains unsolved but led to increased security measures.

  2. 1959 – First Successful Photocopy: The first successful photocopy was made using the Xerox 914, revolutionizing office work and document management.

  3. 1979 – First European Space Agency Launch: The ESA launched its first satellite, Ariane 1, marking Europe's entry into the space race.

  4. 1994 – First Version of Netscape Navigator Released: This web browser played a significant role in popularizing the internet and the World Wide Web.

Sports Achievements on September 16th

Athletes have also made history on this day. Here are some remarkable sports achievements:

  1. 1972 – Mark Spitz Wins 7th Gold Medal: American swimmer Mark Spitz won his seventh gold medal at the Munich Olympics, setting a record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympic Games.

  2. 1988 – Florence Griffith-Joyner Sets World Record: At the Seoul Olympics, "Flo Jo" set the world record for the 100 meters, a record that still stands.

  3. 2000 – Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony: The 2000 Summer Olympics officially opened in Sydney, Australia, featuring a spectacular ceremony.

Miscellaneous Facts about September 16th

Here are some additional interesting facts about this day:

  1. National Guacamole Day: In the United States, September 16th is celebrated as National Guacamole Day, honoring the delicious avocado-based dip.

  2. International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer: The United Nations designated this day to promote activities that protect the ozone layer.

  3. National Play-Doh Day: This day celebrates the popular modeling compound loved by children and adults alike for its creativity and fun.

The Final Countdown

September 16th is packed with historical events, birthdays, and fun facts that make it a day worth remembering. From the signing of the Mayflower Compact to the birth of B.B. King, this date has seen its share of significant moments. It’s also a day to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day and reflect on the Montreal Protocol's impact on our environment. Whether you're a history buff or just love quirky trivia, September 16th offers something for everyone. So next time this date rolls around, you'll have plenty of interesting tidbits to share. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll always have a conversation starter ready. Happy fact-finding!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is September 16th a significant date globally?
Well, for starters, September 16th marks Mexico's Independence Day, known as Grito de Dolores. It's a day when Mexicans celebrate their country's independence from Spanish rule in 1810. Festivities are filled with fireworks, food, and parades, making it a vibrant and culturally rich celebration.
What famous personalities were born on September 16th?
Quite a few notable folks share this birthday. For instance, Amy Poehler, an American actress, comedian, and writer, lights her candles on this day. Then there's Nick Jonas, a member of the pop band Jonas Brothers, who's also a September 16th baby. Their talents have entertained millions, making their birthdays a fun fact for fans.
Are there any unique holidays or observances on September 16th?
Yep, besides Mexico's Independence Day, September 16th is also recognized as World Ozone Day. This day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and promoting actions to protect it. It's a global call to action for environmental preservation.
Has anything significant happened in history on September 16th?
You bet! On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims to the New World. This journey is a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of European settlement in North America.
What are some interesting facts about September 16th?
For sports fans, September 16, 1987, was when the Toronto Blue Jays hit a record 10 home runs in a single game against the Baltimore Orioles. Also, did you know that on September 16, 1908, General Motors Corporation was founded? It's a day that marks significant achievements across various fields.
How do people typically celebrate September 16th in Mexico?
Celebrations are lively and colorful, with streets filled with decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag. People enjoy traditional foods, music, and dancing. At night, the president rings a bell from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City, reenacting the historic cry for independence, followed by shouts of "Viva Mexico!"
Can September 16th be considered a lucky day?
Well, that might depend on who you ask, but in some cultures, numbers and dates carry specific meanings. For those born on September 16th, or for events that have occurred on this day, it could indeed be seen as special or auspicious. Plus, with it being a day of independence and celebration for an entire country, there's definitely some positive energy around it.

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