Sept 16 in History: General Motors to Robert Redford
September 16 marks a diverse array of global observances, including the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and Female Condom Day. It also signals the start of European Mobility Week, a time dedicated to sustainable urban travel.
Historical Milestones
In 1850, a pivotal moment in American history occurred as the slave trade was officially prohibited in Columbia. Five years later, in 1855, Portugal entered the digital age of its time with the inauguration of its first electric telegraph network, a 25-kilometer line connecting key government buildings in Lisbon.
In the world of business, 1908 saw William Durant found General Motors in Flint, Michigan, creating a titan of the automotive industry. Decades later, in 1962, the United Nations expanded its global reach by admitting Rwanda, Burundi, Tobago, and Jamaica.
Tragedies and Triumphs
This date also carries the weight of darker historical events. In 1920, a TNT bomb exploded on Wall Street in front of JP Morgan & Co., killing 39 people. In 1982, the world was shocked by the massacre of Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Shatila camps in West Beirut.
In the sporting world, 2018 was a year of legends as Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge shattered the world marathon record in Berlin with a time of 2:01:40. More recently, in 2022, Olympian João Costa claimed the European 50-meter pistol championship title in Poland.
Losses in Arts and Leadership
September 16 has seen the passing of several cultural icons. In 1973, Chilean singer and political activist Víctor Jara was murdered by the Pinochet dictatorship. The opera world lost the legendary Maria Callas in 1977, and the scientific community mourned Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in 1980.
The world of cinema also honors the memory of Peter Falk (born this day in 1927), famous for his role as Detective Columbo. In 2025, the industry mourned the death of Robert Redford at age 89, the celebrated actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival.
Political Shifts
In 2009, José Manuel Durão Barroso secured a second term as President of the European Commission. The following year, Pope Benedict XVI made history with the first state visit by a Pope to the United Kingdom in 500 years. In 2020, Japan saw a change in leadership as Yoshihide Suga was designated Prime Minister following the resignation of Shinzo Abe.
“No one is equal to anyone else. Every human being is a unique stranger.” — Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazilian poet.
Image: Pexels – Christina & Peter
