Mayflower departs England
In 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth with around 102 passengers. They were heading to America in search of freedom and a new life. This journey later became a defining chapter in the story of the United States.
Mexican war of independence begins
On 16 September 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells in the town of Dolores. His speech, known as the ‘Grito de Dolores,’ called for an end to Spanish control. This moment sparked Mexico’s long fight for independence.
Suspected christian spy murdered
In 1845, Phineas Wilcox was killed in Nauvoo, Illinois. He was accused of being a Christian spy among the Mormon community. His murder revealed the deep mistrust and violence that marked that period.
Settlers race to claim land in Oklahoma
On 16 September 1893, more than 100,000 settlers rushed to claim land in the Cherokee Strip. It became the largest land run in American history. At the signal of a gunshot, men and women on horses and wagons charged forward to secure plots once owned by Native Americans.
William Durant creates general motors
In 1908, William C. Durant, a carriage maker who disliked cars but understood their promise, invested $2,000 to create General Motors. The company went on to become one of the biggest automakers in the world.
Wall street bombing
On 16 September 1920, a bomb exploded during lunchtime in New York City’s financial district. The blast killed over 30 people and injured 300 more. Although authorities suspected anarchists, no one was ever caught.
U.S. imposes the draft
In 1940, Congress passed the Burke-Wadsworth Act. It was America’s first peacetime draft, requiring men aged 21 to 36 to register for service. This marked the beginning of the Selective Service System.
Opera star Maria Callas dies
On 16 September 1977, world-renowned soprano Maria Callas died in Paris at the age of 53. Born in New York to Greek parents, she trained in Athens before rising to fame as one of history’s greatest opera singers.
Billy Carter gets his own beer
Also in 1977, Billy Carter, brother of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, launched “Billy Beer.” Marketed with his laid-back, folksy image, the beer became a quirky collector’s item.
Navy yard massacre in Washington, D.C.
On 16 September 2013, a gunman opened fire at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Twelve people were killed and several others injured before the shooter, Aaron Alexis, was shot dead. Alexis had been working as a computer contractor for the Navy.
September 16 is a reminder of how history combines discovery, struggle, invention, and loss. Each event leaves behind lessons that still echo in today’s world.
Also Read: What Happened on 10 September
