22 fun facts for November, 16
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
November 16th is a day that marks various historical events and milestones, such as Oklahoma becoming a state, the announcement of Disney World's construction, and the release of the first Harry Potter film. Other notable happenings include the "Singing Revolution" in Estonia, the establishment of the San Diego Trolley, and numerous achievements in the arts and entertainment industry.
22 Fun facts
- In 1889, the Oahu Railway begins operating in Hawaii. The Oahu Railway and Land Company began operations on this day, with the first train leaving from Honolulu to Aiea, serving as a vital transportation link for the island's sugar and pineapple industries.
- In 1904, John Ambrose Fleming patented the vacuum tube. This invention became a key component of many electronic devices, including televisions and radios, and it laid the foundation for modern electronics.
- In 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state of the United States. Oklahoma had previously been part of Indian Territory and had a large Native American population, eventually becoming a state on this day.
- In 1914, the Federal Reserve Bank officially opened in the United States. This institution, established by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, works to help stabilize the U.S. economy and ensure a safe and stable financial system.
- In 1933, the United States and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations for the first time. This event marked a significant step towards warmer relations between the two superpowers during the 20th century.
- In 1959, The Sound of Music, a famous musical, opened on Broadway in New York City. The production went on to win five Tony Awards and enjoy a run of 1,443 performances.
- In 1960, Academy Award-winning actor Clark Gable passed away. Gable starred in iconic films such as Gone with the Wind and was one of the most famous and popular actors of his time.
- In 1965, Walt Disney announced plans to build Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This major tourist destination now encompasses several theme parks and resorts, making it one of the most visited attractions globally.
- In 1973, US President Richard Nixon signed the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, enabling the construction of an 800-mile-long pipeline used to transport oil from Alaska's North Slope to the port of Valdez.
- American musician Billy Joel released his sixth studio album, "52nd Street," on November 16, 1978. This critically acclaimed album won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
- In 1979, the first line of the San Diego Trolley, an electric railway system, began operations in San Diego, California.
- In 1981, Canadian actor Luke Hemsworth was born. Luke is the oldest brother of fellow actors Chris and Liam Hemsworth and has appeared in TV shows and films such as Westworld and Infini.
- In 1988, Estonians took part in the "Singing Revolution," a massive, peaceful pro-independence demonstration where they sang patriotic songs and expressed their desire for freedom. This event played a significant role in helping Estonia gain independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- In 1990, American producer and songwriter Timbaland was born. Timbaland has worked with many world-famous artists such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna, and Aaliyah, producing chart-topping hits throughout his career.
- In 2001, The first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone in the US), was released. This film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's bestselling book series became a massive international success and launched a popular film franchise.
- In 2004, NASA's Stardust spacecraft successfully performed a flyby of Comet 81P/Wild, collecting dust samples. These samples were later returned to Earth in 2006 for scientific study.
- In 2005, Australia defeated Uruguay to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 32 years. Australia won a penalty shootout, securing their place in the 2006 World Cup tournament in Germany.
- In 2008, Venezuela moving its clocks ahead by 30 minutes, the time change was proposed by President Hugo Chávez, aiming to create a "more fair distribution of sunlight" and to help combat energy shortages.
- In 2009, Google announced the release of the Android operating system for smartphones, which would go on to become a major competitor to Apple's iOS-based devices.
- In 2011, The United States and Australia announced a new defense pact. This agreement established a rotational presence of up to 2,500 U.S. Marines in Australia to enhance regional security and collaboration between the two countries.
- In 2013, Hawaii became the 15th US state to legalize same-sex marriage, providing equal rights and benefits for same-sex couples.
- In 2016, "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to theater, music, and television.