August 16 is the 228th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 137 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about August 16th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about August 16th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Airborne Day
- National Bratwurst Day
- Tell a Joke Day
- National Rum Day
- National Roller Coaster Day
- International Wave at the Surveillance Cameras Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – August 16
1987: First Day of Harmonic Convergence
The largest worldwide meditation event lasted for 2 days and was organized by new-age author José Argüelles. The dates for the event were chosen because of their astrological significance – on these days the Sun, the Moon and 6 of the planets were aligned in a triangular position as seen from the Earth.
1960: Cyprus Attains Freedom From the British
The mediterranean island country first came under British control in the early 20th century as a strategic British outpost. In 1925, it was formally added to the British Empire. the London and Zurich Agreements signed in February 1959 gave independence to Cyprus and set up a system of governance based on ethnicity.
1954: First Issue of Sports Illustrated Hits the Newsstands
The sports magazine which is famous for its annual swimsuit issue was not profitable for the first few years of its existence. The boost in spectator sports eventually helped it become successful.
1898: Patent for Loop-the-Loop Roller Coaster is Awarded
The United States’ patent office awarded the patent for the loop-the-loop roller coaster to American inventor Edwin Prescott. First installed in Coney Island, New York, the roller coaster was able to carry only 4 people at a time.
1858: The First Transatlantic Telegraph Message is sent
The message sent by Britain’s Queen Victoria to American President James Buchanan, read ‘Europe and America are united by telegraphic communication. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill to men.’ The cable, which cut down the time of communication between the two continents was successful only for a few months. Technical difficulties led to the cable being closed in October of 1858.
1946: Vultures and corpses in the street of Calcutta, India after the “Direct Action Day Riots”, August 1946.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, August 16
1991: G.E.M., Hong Kong singer-songwriter, actress
1958: Madonna, American singer-songwriter, actress, producer, director
1954: James Cameron, Canadian film director, screenwriter, producer
1913: Menachem Begin, Israeli politician, 6th Prime Minister of Israel, Nobel Prize laureate
1815: John Bosco, Italian priest, educator
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, August 16
2003: Idi Amin, Ugandan dictator
2002: Abu Nidal, Palestinian militant leader
1977: Elvis Presley, American singer, guitarist, actor
1959: William Halsey, Jr., American Admiral
1938: Robert Johnson, American singer-songwriter, guitarist
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