What Happened on May 16?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MAY 16
Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 16, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
United States Congress
Year:
1866
The United States Congress establishes the nickel.
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United States Senate
Year:
1868
The United States Senate fails to convict President Andrew Johnson by one vote.
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American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: During the Vicksburg campaign, the decisive Union victory by Ulysses S. Grant at the Battle of Champion Hill drives the Confederate army under John C. Pemberton back towards Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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Juan Godoy
Year:
1832
Juan Godoy discovers the rich silver outcrops of Chañarcillo sparking the Chilean silver rush.
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Greek War of Independence
Year:
1822
Greek War of Independence: The Turks capture the Greek town of Souli.
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Mill River (Northampton, Massachusetts)
Year:
1874
A flood on the Mill River in Massachusetts destroys much of four villages and kills 139 people.
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16 May 1877 crisis
Year:
1877
The 16 May 1877 crisis occurs in France, ending with the dissolution of the National Assembly 22 June and affirming the interpretation of the Constitution of 1875 as a parliamentary rather than presidential system. The elections held in October 1877 led to the defeat of the royalists as a formal political movement in France.
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2025 Somerset–London tornado
Year:
2025
A devastating EF4 tornado kills nineteen people in Southeast Kentucky, hitting the towns of Somerset and London.
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BIRTHS ON MAY 16
Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 16, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Pierre Gilliard
Year of birth:
1879
Pierre Gilliard, Swiss author and academic (died 1962)
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Friedrich Schorlemmer
Year of birth:
1944
Friedrich Schorlemmer, German Protestant theologian (died 2024)
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Danny Trejo
Year of birth:
1944
Danny Trejo, American actor
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Kay Andrews, Baroness Andrews
Year of birth:
1943
Kay Andrews, Baroness Andrews, English politician
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Billy Cobham
Year of birth:
1944
Billy Cobham, Panamanian-American drummer, composer, and bandleader
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Robert Fripp
Year of birth:
1946
Robert Fripp, English guitarist, songwriter and producer
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Nazareth (band)
Year of birth:
1947
Darrell Sweet, Scottish drummer (died 1999)
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Margaret Fountaine
Year of birth:
1862
Margaret Fountaine, English lepidopterist and diarist (died 1940)
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DEATHS ON MAY 16
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 16, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Nigger (dog)
Year of death:
1943
Nigger, black labrador retriever belonging to Wing Commander Guy Gibson of the Royal Air Force, and the mascot of No. 617 Squadron.
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Alfred Hoche
Year of death:
1943
Alfred Hoche, German psychiatrist and academic (born 1865)
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Filip Mișea
Year of death:
1944
Filip Mișea, Aromanian activist, physician and politician (born 1873)
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George Ade
Year of death:
1944
George Ade, American journalist, author, and playwright (born 1866)
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Joseph Strauss (engineer)
Year of death:
1938
Joseph Strauss, American engineer, co designed The Golden Gate Bridge (born 1870)
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Leonidas Paraskevopoulos
Year of death:
1936
Leonidas Paraskevopoulos, Greek general and politician (born 1860)
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Henri-Edmond Cross
Year of death:
1910
Henri-Edmond Cross, French Neo-Impressionist painter (born 1856)
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Louis Perrier
Year of death:
1913
Louis Perrier, Swiss architect and politician (born 1849)
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HOLIDAYS ON MAY 16
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 16 around the world.
May 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: May 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Ubald
Christian feast day: Ubald (see Saint Ubaldo Day)
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Simon Stock
Christian feast day: Simon Stock
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Christianity in Sudan
Martyrs of Sudan (Episcopal Church (USA))
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Mass graves in Iraq
Mass Graves Day (Iraq)
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List of Teachers' Days
Teachers' Day (Malaysia)
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National day
National Day, declared by Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan)
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Margaret of Cortona
Christian feast day: Margaret of Cortona
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