24 fun facts for October, 16
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
October 16th is a notable day in history, with events like World Food Day, National Boss' Day in the United States, the foundation of the Walt Disney Company, and the first successful use of anesthesia in surgery. Other significant events include the election of Pope John Paul II, the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Marie Antoinette's execution.
24 Fun facts
- World Food Day: World Food Day is celebrated on October 16th to commemorate the foundation of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the United Nations in 1945. This day raises awareness on issues such as hunger, poverty, and the importance of a sustainable food system.
- National Boss’ Day (United States): On October 16th, Americans celebrate National Boss’ Day, which was first registered by Patricia Bays Haroski in 1958. The purpose of the day is to show appreciation for good leaders and strengthen the bond between employees and their supervisors.
- In 1846, the world's first surgery with anesthesia took place: On October 16th, ether anesthesia was successfully used for the first time during surgery by Dr. William T.G. Morton, a dentist from Massachusetts. This transformed surgical practices and made complex surgeries possible.
- In 1923, the Walt Disney Company was founded: On October 16th, 1923, Walt and Roy Disney signed a contract with M.J. Winkler to produce a series of Alice Comedies, marking the official founding of the Walt Disney Company.
- In 1793, Marie Antoinette was executed: The infamous French queen was executed by guillotine on October 16th, 1793 during the French Revolution, facing charges of treason.
- In 1964, China conducted its first nuclear test: On October 16th, 1964, China carried out its first successful test of a nuclear bomb, becoming the fifth country with nuclear weapons capability.
- In 1978, Pope John Paul II was elected: On October 16th, 1978, Karol Józef Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the second longest-serving pope in history.
- In 1962, Cuban Missile Crisis began: On October 16th, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis began when US President John F. Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs revealed Soviet missile bases in Cuba. This event brought the world to the brink of a nuclear conflict.
- National Liqueur Day (United States): October 16th is National Liqueur Day in the US, where people celebrate and enjoy a variety of sweet liqueurs with friends and family.
- In 1946, Nuremberg Trials verdicts were executed: On October 16th, 1946, ten prominent leaders of Nazi Germany were executed by hanging for their war crimes as a result of the Nuremberg Trials.
- In 1984, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Jaroslav Seifert: Czech poet Jaroslav Seifert won the Nobel Prize in Literature on October 16th, 1984 for his immense contribution to poetry, which was a reflection of the freshest aspects of human experience.
- In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute: During the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics on October 16th, 1968, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously raised their fists in a Black Power salute to protest racial inequality.
- In 1859, John Brown led a raid on Harpers Ferry: On October 16th, 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a group of 21 men in a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to start an armed revolt against slavery.
- In 1926, novelist David Brin was born: Science fiction writer David Brin, best known for his Uplift Universe series, was born on October 16th, 1926.
- In 1916, Margaret Sanger founded the first birth control clinic: On October 16th, 1916, American nurse and activist Margaret Sanger opened the country's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York, which later evolved into Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
- In 1931, the George Washington Bridge opened: On October 16th, 1931, the George Washington Bridge, connecting New York City and New Jersey, officially opened to traffic.
- In 1950, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was published: C.S. Lewis' famous fantasy novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was published on October 16th, 1950, beginning the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series.
- In 1969, the New York Mets won the World Series: On October 16th, 1969, the New York Mets won their first World Series, defeating the Baltimore Orioles.
- In 2007, Drew Barrymore donated $1 million to the World Food Programme: On October 16th, 2007, actress Drew Barrymore donated $1 million to the United Nations World Food Programme to help provide school meals for children in Africa.
- In 1901, Leon Czolgosz was executed: On October 16th, 1901, Leon Czolgosz, the anarchist who assassinated US President William McKinley, was executed by electrocution at Auburn State Prison in New York.
- In 1959, William Boeing passed away: William Boeing, the founder of the Boeing Company that played a prominent role in the development of the aviation industry, passed away on October 16th, 1959.
- In 2004, an asteroid was named after Kenji Miyazawa: On October 16th, 2004, asteroid 9137 was officially named after Japanese poet and author Kenji Miyazawa, known for his works like Night on the Galactic Railroad and Matasaburō of the Wind.
- In 1995, the Million Man March took place in Washington, D.C.: On October 16th, 1995, a large gathering of African-American men known as the Million Man March took place in Washington, D.C. The event aimed to promote unity and family values among the African-American community.
- In 1987, "Baby Jessica" was rescued from a well: On October 16th, 1987, 18-month-old Jessica McClure was rescued after being trapped in a well for 58 hours in Midland, Texas. The dramatic rescue effort gained national attention.