Fact 1: The Iconic Hollywood Sign was unveiled on May 16, 1929
The Hollywood Sign, one of the most iconic symbols of the American entertainment industry, was officially unveiled on May 16, 1929. Initially, the sign was meant to advertise real estate in the Hollywood Hills and read “Hollywoodland,” but the last four letters were removed in the late 1940s.
Fact 2: On May 16, 1866, the U.S Congress Eliminated the Half-Dime Coin
It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when the United States had a half-dime coin. However, on May 16, 1866, Congress decided to eliminate the half-dime and instead, introduced the five-cent piece we know today as the nickel.
Fact 3: The First Academy Awards Ceremony Was Held on May 16, 1929
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held their first awards ceremony on this day. The dinner event, hosted by Douglas Fairbanks, had an audience of just over 270 people and the awards were presented in 15 minutes.
Fact 4: The U.S. Military’s First Bombing Was Authorized on May 16, 1918
On May 16, 1918, during World War I, a U.S. brigadier general authorized the first military bombing. The mission was aimed against the Tondern, a German-held airship base, and is regarded as an important part of aerial warfare history.
Fact 5: The Oldest University in the Americas was Established on May 16, 1538
The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, founded on May 16th, 1538 by a royal decree issued by Charles V, King of Spain, is the oldest university in North America.
Fact 6: Kyoto Protocol Was Adopted by Canada on May 16, 2002
Canada showed its commitment towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting the Kyoto Protocol on May 16, 2002. The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that sets binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Fact 7: The United Nations' First Ever Session Started on May 16, 1946
The United Nations, the foremost international advocacy body for peace and stability, kick-started its first session on May 16, 1946. This momentous occasion marked a new chapter in the history of global diplomacy and multilateralism.
Fact 8: The First Woman Ascended Mount Everest on May 16, 1975
Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountaineer, stepped into history books when she became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 16, 1975. This feat was a groundbreaking achievement in sports and gender equality.
Fact 9: May 16 Marks the Discovery Day of Cape Verde
On May 16, 1460, the Portuguese discovered the uninhabited islands of Cape Verde in West Africa. Today, this day marks a significant moment in the island nation's history, known as Discovery Day, and is widely celebrated.
Fact 10: Liberia Became Africa’s First Independent Republic on May 16, 1847
On May 16, 1847, Liberia declared its independence, making it the first independent republic in Africa. Liberia is unique as it was founded, colonized, and controlled by freed American slaves.
Fact 11: The Eurovision Song Contest was Won by Sweden for the First Time on May 16, 1974
On this day in 1974, the Swedish pop group ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with their iconic hit “Waterloo”, making Sweden the competition winner for the first time.
Fact 12: The U.S. Supreme Court Made a Landmark Decision on May 16, 1980
On this day, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of Diamond v. Chakrabarty, ruling that living, man-made microorganisms are patentable. This ruling paved the way for advancements in biotechnology.
Fact 13: First Woman was Appointed as U.S. Treasurer on May 16, 1873
Pioneer for women in finance, Frances E. Spinner was appointed the first female treasurer of the United States on May 16, 1873. Not only did she manage to establish her credibility in a male-dominated field, but she also became a role model for future generations of women in finance.
Fact 14: Doctor Who’s 100th Story Was Aired On May 16, 1976
Called “The Hand of Fear”, it was the last regular appearance of Sarah Jane Smith, one of the show’s most-popular companions.
Fact 15: Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge Began on May 16, 1933
Today recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the construction of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge began on May 16, 1933.
Fact 16: Illinois Became a Slave Free State on May 16, 1818
On May 16, 1818, Illinois passed its first constitution, making it illegal to bring slaves into the state. This marked the beginning of Illinois’s path to becoming a free state and contributed to the abolitionist movement nationally.
Fact 17: Louis XVIII Returned to Paris on May 16, 1814
After the first abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte, King Louis XVIII returned to Paris on May 16, 1814. His return marked the beginning of the Bourbon Restoration, which reestablished the monarchy in France.
Fact 18: The First U.S. Nickel Coin was Minted on May 16, 1866
The U.S. five-cent piece commonly known as a nickel was minted for the first time on this day, replacing the silver half-dime that was previously in circulation.
Fact 19: The World’s First Electric Tram Went into Service on May 16, 1881
The world’s first electric tram, designed by Werner von Siemens, went into service in Lichterfelder, a suburb of Berlin, Germany.
Fact 20: The Final Episode of 'Star Trek' Was Aired on May 16, 2013
On May 16, 2013, the final episode of 'Star Trek: Enterprise' was aired. Titled “These Are the Voyages…”, this ended an 18-year continuous production run of 'Star Trek' series started in 1987.