Also on This Day in History May 16
Discover what happened on May 16 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.
Births on This Day, May 16
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1801
William H. Seward (1801-1872)
American politician (Secretary of State, 1861-69, Governor of New York, 1839-42)
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1830
David Edward Hughes
Welsh-American scientist and inventor of the microphone and teleprinter
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1986
Megan Fox
American actress and model
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1925
Nancy Roman
NASA's first chief of astronomy 'Mother of the Hubble'
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1929
Adrienne Rich
American feminist writer
Deaths on This Day, May 16
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1956
H.B. Reese
American candy maker who created Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
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1920
Levi Parsons Morton
American politician and 22nd U.S. Vic President from 1889-1893
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1891
John Banvard
American artist who painted worlds largest painting (3 mile canvas)
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2019
Bob Hawke
Australian politician and 23rd Prime Minister of Australia
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1994
Phani Majumdar
Indian film director
1939
Food stamps are 1st issued
The first food stamps in the United States were issued on May 16, 1939. This initiative was part of a pilot program designed to help low-income families purchase food and to support the agricultural economy during the Great Depression.
1910
The U.S. Bureau of Mines was formed
The U.S. Bureau of Mines was formed on May 16, 1910. This federal agency was established to conduct scientific research and to promote safer and more efficient mining practices in the United States.
1866
Charles Elmer Hires invents root beer
Charles Elmer Hires introduced his root beer to the public on May 16, 1876, at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. This date marks the beginning of the commercial availability of root beer.
1874
1st recorded dam disaster in US
The 1st recorded dam disaster happens in the U.S. when a flood on the Mill River in Massachusetts destroys