1793
Science
Execution by guillotine in Paris
Convicted of high treason, Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine at Place de la Révolution, symbolizing the fall of the French monarchy.
View detailsThis Day
16October
27 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1793
Politics
Execution by guillotine in Paris
Conviction and execution by guillotine at the Place de la Révolution in Paris.
View details1831
Activism
Birth of Lucy Stanton in Cleveland, Ohio
Lucy Stanton, future abolitionist and educator, was born free in Cleveland, Ohio to abolitionist parents.
View details1879
Activism
Elected national president of the WCTU
Frances Willard is elected president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
View details1900
Science
Founded Inghinidhe na hÉireann (Daughters of Ireland)
Maud Gonne founded Inghinidhe na hÉireann, a revolutionary women's nationalist organization, becoming its first president.
View details1902
Science
Forcibly ejected from an Austin, Texas saloon
Carrie Nation was physically thrown out of a saloon during a confrontation in Austin, Texas.
View details1903
Literature
Birth of Cécile de Brunhoff
Cécile de Brunhoff was born on October 16, 1903, in Paris, France.
View details1916
Science
Opens first birth control clinic in the United States
Sanger, with Ethel Byrne and Fania Mindell, opened the first U.S. birth control clinic in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
View details1936
Literature
International breakthrough with prize-winning novel Katrina
Salminen's debut novel Katrina won a major Scandinavian publishers' novel competition, propelling a former housemaid to sudden international literary stardom.
View details1939
Literature
Publication of "Pale Horse, Pale Rider" volume
Porter's acclaimed novella "Pale Horse, Pale Rider" was published in book form by Harcourt, Brace, solidifying her reputation as a major writer.
View details1939
1947
Arts
Received Women's National Press Club Award
President Truman awarded Grandma Moses a high honor.
View details1949
Sports
NASCAR start at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Finished 12th at North Wilkesboro Speedway during NASCAR’s inaugural season, contributing to her 13th-place points finish.
View details1963
Science
Death of Salme Dutt in London
Salme Pekkala Dutt, Finnish-born communist activist and long-serving Comintern functionary, died in London on 16 October 1963.
View details1971
Activism
John F. Kennedy International Award
Mother Teresa receives the John F. Kennedy International Award.
View details1978
Exploration
Annapurna expedition fatalities of Alison Chadwick-Onyszkiewicz and Vera Watson
Alison Chadwick-Onyszkiewicz and Vera Watson die on Annapurna during Blum’s American Women’s Himalayan Expedition.
View details1988
Medicine
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Gertrude B. Elion received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on October 16, 1988, for her remarkable contributions to drug development.
View details1992
Activism
Announcement of Nobel Peace Prize to Rigoberta Menchú Tum
Norwegian Nobel Committee announces Rigoberta Menchú Tum as the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her work for Indigenous rights.
View details2002
Science
Named Global Ambassador for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Warwick was named a global Ambassador for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, reflecting her humanitarian advocacy.
View details2002
Activism
Introduction of Luminous Mysteries in Rosary
Pope John Paul II adds Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary.
View details2006
2013
2014
Aviation
First U.S. female four-star commander of combat forces (PACAF)
Robinson assumed command of Pacific Air Forces, becoming the first U.S. female four-star commander of combat forces.
View details2015
Science
Filed U.S. application for production and isolation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
U.S. patent application (publication 20170233363) filed for a process to produce and isolate 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, naming Catia Bastioli as inventor.
View details2017
Science
Gerard P. Kuiper Prize Award Ceremony
AAS's DPS awarded Gerard P. Kuiper Prize to Margaret G. Kivelson.
View details2018
Science
Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award Presentation
Doudna received the 2018 Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science, presented in New York.
View details2019
Politics
USPS announces Megan J. Brennan’s retirement
USPS officially announced Megan Brennan's retirement plans on October 16, 2019.
View details