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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 16, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for July.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on July 16 throughout history
Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission (Mission San Diego de Alcalá). It eventually evolves into the city of San Diego, California.
The District of Columbia is established as the capital of the U.S. after the Residence Act is signed by President George Washington. The Act stipulated that the U.S. President select a site on the Potomac River as the permanent capital of the country.
President Abraham Lincoln orders Union troops to begin a 25-mile march into Virginia, resulting the first major land battle of the Civil War (First Battle of Bull Run).
David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in U.S. Navy to hold an admiral rank.
The first Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place at Treasure Island on the Delaware River to honor American Boy Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law.
The world's first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The meter cost a nickel per hour to park
The Manhattan Project performs the first test detonation of an atomic bomb. The test explosion vaporized the 100-foot steel test tower, melted the surrounding desert sand into a green glassy residue, and produced a massive mushroom cloud that soared 40,000 feet into the air.
Author of The Catcher in the Rye.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus perform their last performance under a canvas tent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The "Big Tent" show ended due to changing economics.
The Apollo 11 lunar landing mission is launched from Cape Kennedy in Florida. The space flight was the first to land humans on the Moon.
John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette die in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Kennedy was piloting the plane.
People born on July 16
American actor and comedian known for his starring roles in Elf, Step Brothers, Daddy's Home, and Anchorman, to name a few.
American judge who was the first African-American woman to practice law before the United States Supreme Court on January 29, 1926.
Model and actress who with roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, and Drop Dead Fred.
Founder Orville Redenbacher's
Former NFL end and punter for the Green Bay Packers. He is best known for his seven receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, scoring the first touchdown in the first Super Bowl.
Religious leader and author who founded The Church of Christ, Scientist. She has been referred to as the Mother Church of the Christian Science movement.
Co-founder Wikipedia and Citizendium.
Co-founder of the Comcast Corporation and Comcast Ventures.
Professional outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the early 20th century. His .356 career batting average is one of the highest in major-league history.
American journalist and activist who was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
80s actor with award-winning roles in Gremlins, The Goonies, and Stand by Me.
Model and actress who won the Miss America pageant in 1945, becoming the first Jewish women to win the crown. Her achievement was seen as an promise to Jewish people in America because the win occurred in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Playwright and theatre manager who is considered the first stage director in America.
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