On This Day in History
November 16
Founding of UNESCO Marked as International Day for Tolerance
The United Nations declared November 16 as the International Day for Tolerance to promote respect and appreciation for diversity worldwide.
First Space Shuttle Launch of Columbia (STS-2)
NASA launched Columbia on its second mission, marking the first time a crewed spacecraft was reused in spaceflight history.
Founding of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China's national scientific institution for research and innovation, was established in Beijing.
UNESCO Founded to Promote Peace Through Education, Science, and Culture
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded to foster international collaboration in education, science, and culture.
First Battle of the Atlantic Ends in WWII
The first phase of the Battle of the Atlantic concluded, marking a temporary lull in German U-boat attacks against Allied shipping.
First Use of the Electric Shaver Patented
Jacob Schick patented the first successful electric razor, revolutionizing personal grooming technology.
First Issue of *Life* Magazine Published
*Life* magazine published its first issue, revolutionizing photojournalism and becoming a major influence in media.
First Use of Chlorine Gas in WWI by German Forces
German troops used chlorine gas for the first time on the Eastern Front during World War I, marking a grim development in chemical warfare.
Founding of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the largest and most influential of the U.S. Federal Reserve Banks, began operations.
Oklahoma Becomes the 46th State of the United States
Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th U.S. state, uniting Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory.
Opening of the New York Stock Exchange Building on Wall Street
The New York Stock Exchange moved into its iconic building on Wall Street, solidifying its role in global finance.
Birth of Paul Hindemith, German Composer
Paul Hindemith, influential German composer, violist, and conductor known for his modernist works, was born.
Death of Louis Riel, Leader of Canadian Métis Rebellion
Louis Riel, leader of the Métis people and central figure in Canadian resistance movements, was executed for treason.
Birth of W. C. Handy, Father of the Blues
W. C. Handy, known as the 'Father of the Blues' for popularizing blues music, was born in Alabama.
Battle of Camarón: French Foreign Legion's Heroic Stand
The French Foreign Legion made a legendary last stand at the Battle of Camarón during the French intervention in Mexico.
Opening of London’s Waterloo Station
Waterloo Station, now one of London's busiest railway terminals, officially opened to the public.
Opening of the First School for the Blind in the U.S.
The New England Asylum for the Blind, later known as Perkins School for the Blind, opened as the first school for blind students in the U.S.
First Congressional Session Held in U.S. Capitol Building
The United States Congress met for the first time in the partially completed Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Death of Edward V, One of the Princes in the Tower
Edward V of England, one of the famous Princes in the Tower, was presumed murdered, a mystery that remains unsolved.
Death of Henry the Navigator, Portuguese Explorer
Prince Henry the Navigator, key figure in early Portuguese exploration and maritime discoveries, died in Sagres.