March 16 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

March 16 has witnessed several remarkable moments in history. On this day in 1802, the United States Military Academy was established at West Point, shaping the future of military education. In 1968, the U.S. Army’s My Lai Massacre occurred during the Vietnam War, marking a tragic chapter in history. Many notable figures share this date, including James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, and actress Alexandra Daddario. March 16 stands as a reflection of human achievements, lessons, and legacies across centuries.

Famous People Born on March 16

1751 James Madison, fourth President of the United States

1787 Georg Simon Ohm, German physicist known for Ohm's Law

1868 Maxim Gorky, Russian writer and political thinker

1926 Jerry Lewis, American comedian and actor

1940 Bernardo Bertolucci, Italian film director and screenwriter

1954 Nancy Wilson, American rock guitarist of the band Heart

1966 Erik Estrada, American actor known for the TV series CHiPs

1968 Jerome Flynn, English actor and singer

1972 Lauren Graham, American actress known for Gilmore Girls

1986 Alexandra Daddario, American actress

1988 Jhene Aiko, American singer and songwriter

Famous Events on March 16

1521 Ferdinand Magellan reached the Philippines during his historic circumnavigation voyage.

1751 James Madison, who later became the fourth U.S. President, was born in Virginia.

1802 The United States Military Academy was founded at West Point, New York.

1872 The first English FA Cup Final took place, with Wanderers defeating Royal Engineers.

1926 Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts.

1968 The My Lai Massacre occurred during the Vietnam War, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths.

1969 The Woodstock Music and Art Fair was announced to be held later that year in New York.

1978 Italy’s former Prime Minister Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades in Rome.

1988 Saddam Hussein’s forces carried out a chemical attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja.

2003 American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed in Gaza while protesting house demolitions.

2014 Crimea held a referendum to join Russia, a move widely condemned by the international community.

Famous People Who Died on March 16

37 Tiberius, Roman Emperor.

1190 Frederick I, German noble and Crusader.

1758 Jonathan Edwards, American revivalist preacher and theologian.

1797 François-Noël Babeuf, French political agitator.

1898 Aubrey Beardsley, English illustrator and author.

1930 Miguel Primo de Rivera, Spanish dictator and military officer.

1935 John James Richard Macleod, Scottish physiologist and Nobel laureate.

1940 Selma Lagerlöf, Swedish novelist and Nobel Prize winner.

1949 Umberto Saba, Italian poet and writer.

1957 Constantin Brâncuși, Romanian sculptor.

2006 Ray Meyer, American college basketball coach.

2016 Frank Sinatra Jr., American singer and conductor.

2019 Dick Dale, American guitarist known as the “King of the Surf Guitar.”

March 16 is a date that highlights a wide range of human experiences, from groundbreaking discoveries and artistic achievements to moments of struggle and reflection. It marks the birth and passing of influential figures who shaped politics, science, and culture. The events of this day remind us of humanity’s capacity for progress, creativity, and resilience through time.