Historical Fun Facts About September 16th – How Many Do you Know Suncoast?

September 16th isn’t just any day—it’s a day of legendary happenings, world-changing events, and yes, my birthday! As I celebrate my special day, I couldn’t resist diving into the history books to see what else makes September 16th so amazing (besides my presence, of course). Turns out, a lot of incredible, wild, and even bizarre things have gone down on this exact date throughout history. From epic battles for independence to some of the most random yet fascinating moments in time. So grab your party hats, pop the confetti, and let’s take a fun trip through the historical highlights that make September 16th a day worth celebrating (you’re welcome).

1620 – The Mayflower Sets Sail: The Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims who would establish one of the first colonies in the New World, in what would become Plymouth, Massachusetts.

1810 – Mexican War of Independence Begins: Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, rang the church bell in the town of Dolores, calling for independence from Spanish rule. This event is commemorated as the start of Mexico’s struggle for independence.

1908 – General Motors is Founded: William C. Durant founded General Motors in Flint, Michigan. GM would become one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world.

1920 – The Wall Street Bombing: A horse-drawn wagon filled with explosives was detonated on Wall Street in New York City, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. The perpetrators were never identified, but it was believed to be an act of terrorism.

1975 – Papua New Guinea Gains Independence: Papua New Guinea on September 16, 1975 became independent from Australia on this day, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance.

1976 – The Episcopal Church Ordains First Female Priest: The Episcopal Church of the United States ordained 11 women to the priesthood, challenging the traditional male-only priesthood and marking a significant change in the church’s history.

1992 – Black Wednesday in the UK: The British government was forced to withdraw the pound from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) due to pressure from currency speculators, leading to financial turmoil.

2007 – United Nations Approves the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: This declaration was adopted to protect the rights of indigenous peoples around the world, addressing issues such as self-determination, land rights, and preservation of culture.

2013 – Gunman Opens Fire at Washington Navy Yard: A shooting on September 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard resulted in the deaths of 12 people, with several others injured. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about workplace violence and gun control in the U.S.

2020 – Tropical Storm Sally Hits Gulf Coast: Hurricane Sally made landfall on the Gulf Coast of the United States, causing widespread flooding, damage, and power outages in several states, including Alabama and Florida.

So, there you have it—September 16th, a date packed with historic highs, wild surprises, and the undeniable brilliance of my birthday! From revolutions to pop culture, it’s clear that this day was destined for greatness. Whether you’re celebrating with cake, confetti, or just soaking up the epic vibes of this legendary date, remember: you’re in great company. Here’s to making history—one fabulous September 16th at a time! 🎉

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos, Pixaby (additional photos)