Rockets Launch, Battles End, and First Words!
Welcome to March 16th on History's Not Boring! Today in history, we launch into the future with science, witness the end of tough battles, and hear the very first words spoken to a new group of settlers. Get ready to blast off into these amazing stories from the past!
Imagine being the first person to say 'Hello' in a new language to a completely different group of people! That's what happened in 1621 when Samoset greeted the Pilgrims. Today shows how small moments—like a single rocket launch or one greeting—can kickstart huge changes in the world.
What Happened on This Day
First English Words Spoken to the Pilgrims
Imagine the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony being totally alone, then suddenly, a Native American named Samoset walks in! He had learned some English from fishermen. He bravely walked up and said, "Welcome, Englishmen!" before asking for some beer. This friendly first contact was a huge moment, helping the new settlers learn how to survive in this new land. It was a real peace offering!
West Point Military Academy is Founded
Did you know that one of America's most famous military schools got its start on this day? In 1802, the U.S. Congress decided they needed a place to train super-smart engineers and soldiers to keep the country safe and build cool stuff like bridges. That place became the United States Military Academy at West Point. It’s where future leaders learned everything from math to marching!
The Very First FA Cup Was Won!
Football (soccer) fans, listen up! On this day in 1872, the very first Football Association Cup Final was played in London. It’s the oldest football competition in the world! A team called Wanderers F.C. beat the Royal Engineers A.F.C. with a score of 1-0. Imagine being there, knowing you were watching history being made in the sport you love!
First Liquid-Fueled Rocket Takes Flight!
This is a big one for space travel! American scientist Robert Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. It wasn't a huge Saturn V, just a 10-foot tall experiment, but it worked! It flew for 184 feet. Think of it like the first tiny step for a baby that will one day run a marathon. This little blast-off paved the way for everything from satellites to moon missions!
Learn more
Iwo Jima Secured in World War II
After a brutal, month-long fight in World War II, the U.S. Marines finally declared the island of Iwo Jima secure on March 16, 1945. This island was super important because its airfields could help send planes to attack Japan. It was a huge victory for the Allied Forces, though the fighting was incredibly tough. It shows how much courage people can have when things get really hard.
Learn moreFun Facts About March 16
- Robert Goddard’s 1926 rocket reached a top speed of 60 mph!
- The first FA Cup final in 1872 was played in front of only 2,000 fans.
- Mississippi was the last state to formally ratify the amendment ending slavery in 1995!
- King Gustav III of Sweden was shot at a masquerade ball in 1792—but he didn't die immediately!
A Look Back in Time
March 16th has seen moments that truly change the course of history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, events like the founding of West Point and the shooting of a Swedish king show political and military shifts happening across the globe. By the 20th century, the date marks key moments in science—like the rocket launch—and the intense struggles of global conflict, such as securing Iwo Jima, reminding us that history is a constant mix of discovery, diplomacy, and drama.
Born on This Day
James Madison
He was the 4th U.S. President and is often called the 'Father of the Constitution' because he was so important in writing the rules for the United States government. He also led the country during the War of 1812!
Georg Ohm
This German scientist was the one who figured out the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in electricity. You know his discovery as 'Ohm’s Law'—it’s a fundamental rule for anything that uses electric power today!
Francisco Pizarro
Pizarro was a Spanish explorer who led the conquest of the vast Inca Empire in South America. Although his actions were controversial, he played a major role in the Age of Exploration and brought immense wealth (and conflict) back to Spain.
Learn more
Jerry Lewis
A comedy legend! Jerry Lewis was a famous actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his silly characters and slapstick humor in many classic movies. He was also a huge supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual Labor Day Telethon.