34 fun facts for September, 16

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
On September 16, several significant events have taken place, including the start of Mexico's War of Independence in 1810 and the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The day also marks various national and international celebrations like Mexico's Independence Day, National Guacamole Day in the United States, and International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
34 Fun facts
  1. On September 16, 1810, Mexico's War of Independence from Spain began. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell and made the call to arms known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores). Today, this event is celebrated as Mexico's Independence Day.
  2. September 16 is National Guacamole Day in the United States. This day celebrates the delicious and nutritious avocado-based dip, which has its origins in ancient Aztec culture.
  3. "La Mer" by Claude Debussy had its world premiere on October 15, 1905, in Paris. This beautiful and atmospheric orchestral piece is now considered one of the most important works in the French impressionist music style.
  4. American astronaut Anne McClain was born on September 16, 1979. She participated in Expedition 58/59 on the International Space Station, where she conducted many scientific experiments and participated in several spacewalks.
  5. On September 16, 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed. This international treaty aimed to protect the Earth's ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The treaty has been very successful in reducing the amount of these harmful chemicals in the atmosphere.
  6. September 16 is National Play-Doh Day in the United States, celebrating the iconic children's modeling clay. Play-Doh was initially created as a wallpaper cleaner but was later repurposed as a toy for children.
  7. September 16 is National Collect Rocks Day in the United States. This day encourages people to go outside and start or add to their rock collection, appreciate the beauty and variety of different rock formations, and learn about their geological origins.
  8. On September 16, 1893, the Oklahoma Land Run, also known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run, took place. Over 100,000 settlers raced to claim land that had been made available in what is now Oklahoma.
  9. English biologist, comparative anatomist, and paleontologist Sir Richard Owen was born on September 16, 1804. He is best known for coining the term "dinosaur" and for his work on the classification of vertebrates.
  10. On September 16, 1992, the British pound sterling was forced to leave the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, which was aimed at maintaining stable currency exchange rates among European countries. This event came to be known as Black Wednesday.
  11. Famous American novelist, short story writer, and essayist James Alan McPherson was born on September 16, 1943. He became the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1978 for his short story collection, "Elbow Room."
  12. September 16 is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 and aims to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the ozone layer.
  13. On September 16, 1972, the popular American TV series "M*A*S*H" premiered on CBS. The series, which was set during the Korean War, focused on the lives of personnel at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and ran for 11 seasons.
  14. Peter Falk, famous for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series "Columbo", made his first appearance as the iconic detective on September 16, 1968, in the TV film "Prescription: Murder."
  15. September 16th is National Working Parents Day in the United States, a day meant to show appreciation and support for parents who work full or part-time while raising their children.
  16. On September 16, 1908, the General Motors Corporation was founded by William C. Durant. The global automotive company is now headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and continues to be one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world.
  17. American songwriter and record producer Fred DeRuvo was born on September 16, 1940. He is best known for co-writing and producing hit songs for multiple artists, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.
  18. The first successful liquid-fueled rocket engine test was conducted by American engineer Robert H. Goddard on September 16, 1926. This breakthrough paved the way for modern rocket propulsion and space exploration.
  19. September 16 is National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day in the United States, a day to enjoy this tasty and popular baked good that combines the flavors of cinnamon and raisins in a soft, delicious loaf.
  20. On September 16, 1965, the Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, announced plans to increase the country's commitment to the Vietnam War. This marked a major turning point in Australia's involvement in the conflict.
  21. September 16 is celebrated as Malaysia Day, commemorating the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963. The holiday marks the joining of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to form the country of Malaysia.
  22. On September 16, 1959, the Xerox 914, the first plain-paper copier, was introduced at a demonstration in New York City. This invention revolutionized office work and document reproduction.
  23. American composer and pianist Marc Blitzstein was born on September 16, 1905. Blitzstein was known for his contributions to musical theater, including his critically acclaimed play, "The Cradle Will Rock."
  24. On September 16, 1941, singer and musician Joe Butler was born. He is best known as a founding member of the popular 1960s band The Lovin' Spoonful, known for hits such as "Do You Believe in Magic" and "Summer in the City."
  25. In 1620, the Mayflower ship set sail from Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers and crew members, bound for the New World. This historic voyage carried the Pilgrims, who would later establish the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts.
  26. On September 16, 1925, blues musician B.B. King was born. Recognized as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, he was known for his emotive playing style and signature guitar, "Lucille."
  27. On September 16, 1956, the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser implemented the National Charter, which aimed for Arab unity, economic development, and social justice, marking the beginning of the modern Egyptian republic.
  28. September 16, 1948, is the birthday of American pianist and composer Mark Snow. He is known for composing the haunting theme music for the TV series “The X-Files” as well as music for other popular shows.
  29. Chick Hearn, the legendary American sportscaster and longtime voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, was born on September 16, 1916. His play-by-play commentary, lasting over four decades, made him a beloved sports personality.
  30. On September 16, 1940, the United States enacted the Selective Training and Service Act, the country's first-ever peacetime draft. This required men aged 21-36 to register for military service as the country prepared for possible involvement in World War II.
  31. Celebrated Irish playwright and director Samuel Beckett's play "Krapp's Last Tape" premiered on September 16, 1958, in London. The one-act play explores themes of memory, aging, and the passage of time.
  32. On September 16, 1932, iconic American actor and comedian Curly Howard made his first appearance with The Three Stooges in the short film "Ted Healy and His Stooges." Curly, is best known for his slapstick comedy and energetic performances.
  33. September 16 is National Stepfamily Day in the United States, aimed at acknowledging and supporting the unique challenges and experiences that come with blending families.
  34. On September 16, 1994, the Major League Baseball (MLB) strike led to the cancellation of the entire postseason and World Series. This marked the first time in 90 years that the World Series was not played.

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