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What Happened on May 16?

Discover 15 historical moments on May 165 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.

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Hero image inspired by: Park Chung Hee

Historical Events on May 16(5)

1961 Event

South Korean Military Coup

Led by Park Chung-hee, the Military Revolution Committee carried out a bloodless coup against the government of Yun Posun in Seoul, ending the Second Republic of Korea.

politicswar
1975 Event

Sikkim Annexed by India

Based on the results of a referendum, the Kingdom of Sikkim abolished its monarchy and was annexed to become the 22nd state of India.

politics
1977 Event

First Chuck E. Cheese Opens

The first Chuck E. Cheese location opened in San Jose, California. It was the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade.

entertainmenttechnology
2014 Event

Nairobi Market Bombings

At least 12 people were killed and 70 others injured when two bombs exploded in a market in Nairobi, Kenya.

disasterwar

Famous Birthdays on May 16(5)

1996🎂 Birth

Louisa Chirico

Louisa Chirico is an American tennis player.

sports
2000🎂 Birth

Luis Garcia

Luis Garcia is a Dominican-American baseball player.

sports

Notable Deaths on May 16(5)

2021🕊️ Death

Bruno Covas

Bruno Covas was a Brazilian lawyer and politician.

politicslaw
2023🕊️ Death

Norm Green

Norm Green was an American long-distance runner.

sports
2024🕊️ Death

Dabney Coleman

Dabney Coleman was an American actor.

entertainment
2024🕊️ Death

Eddie Gossage

Eddie Gossage was an American public speaker and businessman.

economics
2025🕊️ Death

Domingos Maubere

Domingos Maubere was an East Timorese Catholic priest and activist.

religionpolitics

May 16 in History

May 16 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1961 to the present day.

Major Events on May 16

Among the most notable events on May 16: South Korean Military Coup (1961), Sikkim Annexed by India (1975), Junko Tabei Reaches Everest Summit (1975). View all events →

Famous Birthdays on May 16

Notable figures born on May 16 include Kathinka von Deichmann, Elizabeth Ralston, Louisa Chirico. View all birthdays →

Notable Deaths on May 16

Remembered figures who died on May 16 include Bruno Covas, Norm Green, Dabney Coleman. View all →

Browse what happened on May 15 or May 17, explore the full month of May, or discover a random historical fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 16?
May 16 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
What is the most notable event on May 16?
One of the most notable events on May 16 is: South Korean Military Coup.
Who was born on May 16?
Famous figures born on May 16 include Kathinka von Deichmann, Elizabeth Ralston, Louisa Chirico.
How many historical events happened on May 16?
Our collection records 5 historical events on May 16, spanning centuries of world history.
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