On This Day in History
Discover key historical events within the Genesis range (1950–2049) that occurred on this calendar day, and claim their commemorative registry plaques.
May 16
9 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a supersonic interceptor aircraft, set a world flight airspeed record of 1,404.012 mph (2,259.538 km/h).
Wikipedia: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
The Tritons' Fountain in Valletta, one of Malta's most important Modernist landmarks, was turned on for the first time.
Wikipedia: Tritons' Fountain
American physicist Theodore Maiman operated the first working laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu.
Wikipedia: Theodore Maiman
Led by Park Chung Hee, the Military Revolution Committee carried out a bloodless coup against the government of Yun Po-sun in Seoul, ending the Second Republic of Korea.
Wikipedia: Park Chung Hee
A gas explosion in Ronan Point (collapse pictured) causes a corner of the building to collapse, leading to a loss of public confidence in high-rise residential buildings.
Wikipedia: Gas explosion
Based on the results of a referendum held about one month earlier, the Kingdom of Sikkim (flag pictured) abolished its monarchy and was annexed to become the 22nd state of India.
Wikipedia: Kingdom of Sikkim
Japanese climber Junko Tabei (pictured) became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Wikipedia: Junko Tabei
The first Chuck E. Cheese location, the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment (example pictured), and an indoor arcade, opened in San Jose, California.
Wikipedia: Chuck E. Cheese
At least 12 people were killed and 70 others injured when two bombs exploded in a market in Nairobi, Kenya.
Wikipedia: Gikomba bombings