Feb
March 2025
Apr
On This Day 4 mins Read

March 16: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, March 16, 1926, the world's first liquid-fueled rocket was launched?

Fact Checked Human Written Verified Sources Regularly Updated

March 16th is No Selfies Day & Lips Appreciation Day.

Congratulations you’ve made it past the halfway point in March! Today is the 75th day of 2025.

Here you’ll find some of fascinating historical events that all happened on this very day, as well facts about history, and your favorite celebrities.

Did you know that on this day, March 16, 1926, the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket was launched? The rocket reached an altitude of 41 feet in 2 seconds, averaging 60 mph.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about March 16th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on March 16 in history? Keep reading to find out!

The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced the single-largest point drop in history.

Falling by 2,997.10 and at a percentage drop of 12.93%, it was also the second-largest percentage drop in history. The event, now known as Black Monday II, was a greater crash than the 1929 Black Monday.

George Clooney and Martin Luther King III were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC.

OTD in 2012: George Clooney and Martin Luther King III were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington

The arrest happened amid protests against the government in Khartoum. George Clooney said he was expecting to be arrested when he planned the protest.

Mississippi formally ratified the Thirteenth Amendment and became the last state to approve the abolition of slavery.

The Thirteenth Amendment was officially ratified in 1865.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono were served deportation papers for overstaying in the US.

Democratic Senator Robert F. Kennedy started his presidential campaign.

OTD in 1968: Democratic Senator Robert F. Kennedy started his presidential campaign.

Van’s opened its first store at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California.

The world record for rainfall dumped 6.1 feet (1.87m) of rain on Cilaos, Island of Réunion.

The US celebrated its very first National Book Awards.

British bomber planes obliterated 89% of Würzburg, Germany, within just 20 minutes.

The world’s first liquid-fueled rocket was launched.

OTD in 1926: The world's first liquid-fueled rocket was launched.

The rocket was created by Robert H. Goddard and reached 41 feet in just 2 seconds.

Nelly Saunders and Rose Harland fought in America’s first public women’s boxing match.

The first African American newspaper called “Freedom’s Journal” was published in the US.

King Gustav III of Sweden was shot during a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera Hall in Stockholm.

OTD in 1792: King Gustav III of Sweden was shot during a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera Hall in Stockholm.

Samoset became the first Native American to make contact with the Plymouth colony.

A chieftain of an Eastern Abenaki tribe, Samoset had learned a few words in English from a nearby English fishing camp. When he contacted the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony, he simply walked into their camp and said hello, before requesting beer and staying the night.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with Lauren Graham! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1988

Jhené Aiko

American Singer

Age

37 years old

Born IN

California, USA

1967

Lauren Graham

American Actress

Age

58 years old

Born IN

Hawaii, USA

1751

James Madison

American President

Died On

Jun 28, 1836 (Age 85)

Born IN

Virginia, USA

1971

Alan Tudyk

American Actor

Age

54 years old

Born IN

Texas, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

For those of you who were born on March 16th, your star sign is Pisces.

Water is the element given to Pisces, and the symbol used is two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the division of Pisces’s attention between fantasy & reality.

People born in March all have the Aquamarine birthstone. Aquamarine is the first spring birthstone and is associated with tranquility, serenity, clarity, and harmony.

March’s primary birth flower, the daffodil, represents renewal and the promise of fresh beginnings, mirroring the bright spirit of those born this month. The secondary birth flower, the jonquil, expresses affection and heartfelt desire.

If you were lucky enough to be born on this day, you were likely conceived around June 23rd, the year before.

A baby that is conceived on March 16, 2025, will be born around December 7, 2025.

Special Holidays

Looking for a reason to celebrate? Well, here's a few! These unique holidays are sure to bring some enjoyment to your day.

United States

No Selfies Day

Did you know that the average person takes a staggering estimated 450 selfies every year? So with today being No Selfies Day, why not put down that phone and just enjoy a selfieless life - or rather for just one day.

United States

Lips Appreciation Day

When it comes to faces, eyes seem to always draw our attention. Today on Lips Appreciation Day, it’s time to lower our gaze a little and appreciate lips, great or small. You could even appreciate your own lips today by applying some lip balm or lipstick!

Fact Of The Day

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • St Patrick's Day

    1 day

  • April Fool's Day

    16 days

  • Earth Day

    37 days

  • Cinco de Mayo

    50 days

  • Halloween

    229 days

  • Christmas Day

    284 days

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of FactstoryHub. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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