March 16: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1926, the foundations of modern space travel were laid when Robert Goddard successfully launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket.
Quick Facts for March 16
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Day of year: 75
About March 16
March 16 has long been a day of monumental leaps, whether through technological innovation or individual athletic prowess. While Robert Goddard’s pioneering rocket launch in Massachusetts paved the way for the space age, centuries later, the world of sports witnessed a similar kind of transcendence. In 2012, the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar achieved the impossible, becoming the first player to ever record 100 international centuries.
Beyond these massive milestones, the day offers unique cultural niches. For Finnish-descended communities in North America, it is a time to celebrate Saint Urho's Day, while in Lithuania, the Day of the Book Smugglers honors a unique piece of literary history. Whether we are celebrating scientific breakthroughs or quirky national observances like National Artichoke Heart Day, this date consistently proves that human achievement comes in many different forms.
Holidays & Observances on March 16
- Day of the Book Smugglers (Lithuania)
- Remembrance day of the Latvian legionnaires (Latvia)
- Saint Urho's Day (Finnish Americans and Finnish Canadians)
Fun & National Days on March 16
- Act Happy Day — Make a conscious effort to spread positivity and smile through your interactions today.
- Everything You Do is Right Day — Walk with extra confidence today, knowing you can't make a single mistake.
- National Artichoke Heart Day — Celebrate this delicious vegetable by enjoying a gourmet artichoke-themed meal.
- Lips Appreciation Day — Take a moment to celebrate your smile and the importance of healthy lips.
- Dribble to Work Day — Add a little basketball flair to your morning commute if you can.
- Black Press Day
- Curlew Day
- Freedom of Information Day
- Goddard Day
- National Curl Crush Day
On This Day in History
- -597 — The Neo-Babylonian Empire successfully concluded its first siege of Jerusalem, resulting in the city's surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar II.
- 1621 — An Abenaki man named Samoset arrived at the Plymouth Colony to offer a friendly welcome to the English settlers.
- 1802 — The United States established the Army Corps of Engineers to manage and run the West Point Military Academy.
- 1872 — Wanderers F.C. secured victory in the inaugural FA Cup tournament, defeating the Royal Engineers by a score of 1–0.
- 1898 — Representatives from five different Australian colonies met to adopt a constitution, creating the framework for the future Commonwealth.
- 1926 — The history of rocketry was forever changed when Robert Goddard debuted the first rocket powered by liquid fuel.
- 1935 — In a direct breach of the Treaty of Versailles, Adolf Hitler issued orders for German rearmament and the return of conscription.
- 1945 — While the main Battle of Iwo Jima concluded, several small groups of Japanese forces continued to resist in the Pacific.
- 1966 — Astronauts David Scott and Neil Armstrong participated in the Gemini 8 mission, achieving the first orbital docking of two spacecraft.
- 1988 — The Kurdish town of Halabja suffered a devastating chemical attack by the Iraqi government, resulting in thousands of casualties.
- 2012 — Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar made history by becoming the first batsman to reach the milestone of 100 international centuries.
Famous Birthdays on March 16
- 1750 — Caroline Herschel, A pioneering German-English astronomer who made significant discoveries in the night sky.
- 1751 — James Madison, The fourth President of the United States and a key architect of the American political system.
- 1789 — Georg Ohm, A prominent German mathematician and physicist who formulated the fundamental law of electricity.
- 1953 — Richard Stallman, An influential American computer scientist and a leading figure in the free software movement.
- 1953 — Isabelle Huppert, An acclaimed French actress renowned for her extensive and diverse film career.
- 1994 — Joel Embiid, A dominant Cameroonian-American professional basketball player in the NBA.