On this day in history
January 16
American
2003The Space Shuttle Columbia launches on its final mission; it disintegrates during reentry 16 days later, killi…
The Space Shuttle Columbia launches on its final mission; it disintegrates during reentry 16 days later, killing all seven astronauts aboard.
Source: Chronicles of History
1786The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson, is adopted, establishing the separati…
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson, is adopted, establishing the separation of church and state as law.
Source: Library of Virginia
1865General William T. Sherman issues Special Field Order 15, setting aside land along the southern coast for sett…
General William T. Sherman issues Special Field Order 15, setting aside land along the southern coast for settlement by formerly enslaved families, the origin of the phrase forty acres and a mule.
Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia
1919The 18th Amendment is ratified when Nebraska becomes the 36th state to approve it, establishing nationwide Pro…
The 18th Amendment is ratified when Nebraska becomes the 36th state to approve it, establishing nationwide Prohibition of alcohol.
Source: Wikipedia
1883The Pendleton Civil Service Act is signed, creating a merit based federal civil service and ending the spoils …
The Pendleton Civil Service Act is signed, creating a merit based federal civil service and ending the spoils system for many government jobs.
Source: Wikipedia
1938Benny Goodman and his band play the first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall.
Benny Goodman and his band play the first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall.
Source: On This Day
World
27The Roman Senate grants Octavian the title Augustus, traditionally dated to this day, marking the beginning of…
The Roman Senate grants Octavian the title Augustus, traditionally dated to this day, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.
Source: KidsKonnect
1412The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy, a foundation of its later power.
The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy, a foundation of its later power.
Source: On This Day
1547Ivan IV is crowned the first Tsar of Russia in Moscow, centralizing power under the title of autocrat.
Ivan IV is crowned the first Tsar of Russia in Moscow, centralizing power under the title of autocrat.
Source: Wikipedia
1793France's National Convention sentences King Louis XVI to death during the French Revolution.
France's National Convention sentences King Louis XVI to death during the French Revolution.
Source: On This Day
1979Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi flees Iran amid the revolution that topples his monarchy, going into exile.
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi flees Iran amid the revolution that topples his monarchy, going into exile.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica
1556Philip II becomes king of Spain upon the abdication of his father, Charles V, ruling over a global empire.
Philip II becomes king of Spain upon the abdication of his father, Charles V, ruling over a global empire.
Source: KidsKonnect
1920The Council of the League of Nations holds its first meeting in Paris, beginning the organization's work as a …
The Council of the League of Nations holds its first meeting in Paris, beginning the organization's work as a forum for international diplomacy.
Source: Pop-Culture.net
1969The Soviet spacecraft Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5 achieve the first docking of two manned spacecraft in orbit, with co…
The Soviet spacecraft Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5 achieve the first docking of two manned spacecraft in orbit, with cosmonauts transferring between them.
Source: Pages of History
2006Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is sworn in as president of Liberia, Africa's first elected female head of state.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is sworn in as president of Liberia, Africa's first elected female head of state.
Source: On This Day