Osun Defender History Corner: February 16 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

February 16, 600

Pope Gregory the Great decrees saying “God bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze

February 16, 116

Emperor Trajan sends laureata to Roman Senate at Rome

February 16, 1249

Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols

February 16, 1699

1st partition of Poland, between Austria, Prussia & Russia

February 16, 1741

Benjamin Franklin’s General Magazine (2nd US Mag) begins publishing

February 16, 1804

1st Barbary War: Stephen Decatur leads a raid to burn the pirate-held frigate USS Philadelphia

February 16, 1862

Confederate Constitution & presidency are declared permanent

February 16, 1918

Lithuania proclaims independence

February 16, 1923

Howard Carter opens the inner burial chamber of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb and finds the sarcophagus

February 16, 1936

1st National Football League draft (Eagles take Jay Berwanger)

February 16, 1943

German tank leader von Rundstedt promoted to field marshal

February 16, 1959

Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on January 1

February 16, 1968

In Haleyville, Alabama, the first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system goes into service.

February 16, 1977

Janani Luwum, Anglican archbishop of Uganda, is murdered by Idi Amin’s regime

February 16, 1986

The Soviet liner MS Mikhail Lermontov runs aground in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.

February 16, 1999

Across Europe, Kurdish rebels take over embassies and hold hostages after Turkey arrests one of their rebel leaders, Abdullah Öcalan.

February 16, 2005

The Kyoto Protocol comes into force, following its ratification by Russia.

February 16, 2011

In the wake of the Arab Spring, protests break out in Libya, eventually leading to civil war and the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi.

February 16, 2018

A gunman opens fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others.

February 16, 2021

NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully lands on Mars, beginning its mission to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for potential return to Earth.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 16. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.