What happened on June 16th?

Happy Sunday everyone!

It’s almost the official beginning of summer, and boy was this a big day in modern history. 

On this day in 1903, a revolution in transportation began with the founding of the Ford Motor Company. Established by Henry Ford, this iconic company would go on to revolutionize the automotive industry, making cars more accessible to the masses with the introduction of the Model T. 

Keep reading for more interesting facts from the past!

🚗1903: The Ford Motor Company Was Founded

The Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford and a group of investors. This marked the beginning of one of the most influential and successful automotive companies in history. Ford's vision was to make automobiles affordable for the average person, which he achieved through the introduction of mass production techniques such as the assembly line. The company's first mass-produced car, the Model T, revolutionized the automotive industry and paved the way for the widespread adoption of automobiles around the world. Read more about the assembly line and Ford’s contributions to the world in Who Invented the Assembly Line? Henry Ford and the History of the Assembly Line and Fast Moving: Henry Ford’s Contributions to America.

⚔️1862: Union Forces Thwarted at the Battle of Secessionville

Union forces were thwarted at the Battle of Secessionville during the American Civil War. This battle, fought on June 16, was part of a larger campaign to capture Charleston, South Carolina. Union troops attempted to seize the Confederate fortifications on James Island but were repelled by determined Confederate defenders. The failed assault resulted in significant Union casualties and marked a setback in their efforts to gain control of the strategically important city of Charleston. Read more about Civil War battles an people involved in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

🎢1884: First Roller Coaster in America Opened

In 1884, the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island, New York. Known as the Switchback Railway, it was designed by LaMarcus Thompson. The ride featured gentle hills and reached a top speed of six miles per hour, providing a thrilling experience for its time. This pioneering attraction marked the beginning of the amusement park industry in the United States and set the stage for the development of more advanced roller coasters in the future.

🖥️1911: International Business Machines Corporation Was Incorporated

Initially named the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), the company was formed through the merger of four different businesses that specialized in punch card data processing equipment. Under the leadership of Thomas J. Watson, the company was renamed IBM in 1924 and grew to become a global leader in technology and business solutions, known for its innovations in computer hardware, software, and services.

📜1932: The Lausanne Conference Opened

The Lausanne Conference opened, aiming to address and revise the reparations imposed on Germany following World War I under the Treaty of Versailles. Held in Lausanne, Switzerland, representatives from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Italy convened to discuss Germany's financial obligations amidst the global economic depression. The conference resulted in the Lausanne Agreement, which effectively suspended reparations payments, acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by Germany and the broader international community. Read more about the Treaty of Versailles in Tough Terms: The Treaty of Versailles.

🏦1933: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Was Created

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created in response to the widespread bank failures during the Great Depression. Established as part of the Banking Act of 1933, the FDIC aimed to restore trust in the American banking system by providing federal insurance for bank deposits. This insurance guaranteed that depositors would be protected up to a certain amount if their bank failed, thus promoting stability and confidence in the financial system.

🧑‍🚀1963: First Woman in Space

In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. On June 16, she launched aboard Vostok 6, a Soviet spacecraft, and orbited the Earth 48 times during her nearly three-day mission. Tereshkova's historic flight marked a significant achievement in the space race and highlighted the Soviet Union's commitment to advancing human space exploration.

🎶1965: Bob Dylan Recorded “Like A Rolling Stone”

In 1965, Bob Dylan recorded "Like a Rolling Stone," a song that would become one of his most iconic and influential works. The recording took place on June 16 at Columbia Records' Studio A in New York City. With its distinctive sound, biting lyrics, and six-minute runtime, "Like a Rolling Stone" broke away from conventional pop music formats of the time. The song marked a significant moment in Dylan's career, transitioning him from folk music to a more rock-oriented sound, and it remains a landmark in the history of popular music.

Born on This Day in History

1613: John Cleveland, English Poet

Cleveland became known for his satirical and politically charged poetry during the English Civil War, where he sided with the Royalists. His witty and often biting verses earned him significant popularity and influence, making him one of the most well-known poets of his time. Despite facing imprisonment for his Royalist sympathies, Cleveland continued to write and remained a notable literary figure until his death in 1658.

1938: Joyce Carol Oates, Author

Joyce Carol Oates is a prolific and acclaimed American author. Oates has written a vast array of works, including novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essays, garnering numerous awards and critical acclaim throughout her career. Known for her intense and often unsettling themes, she explores the complexities of American society, identity, and the human psyche. Some of her most notable works include "Them," "Blonde," and "We Were the Mulvaneys."

1971: Tupac Shakur, Rapper and Actor

Tupac Shakur is an influential rapper, actor, and activist, known for his poetic lyrics, raw emotion, and social commentary, Tupac rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop music. His albums, including "2Pacalypse Now," "All Eyez on Me," and "Me Against the World," explored themes of social injustice, urban life, and personal struggles, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Died on This Day in History

1858: John Snow, British Physician

John Snow, a British physician, made significant contributions to the field of epidemiology with his groundbreaking work on the transmission of cholera. Through meticulous investigation and mapping of cholera cases in London's Soho district during the 1854 outbreak, Snow identified contaminated water from a public pump as the source of the disease. Snow's pioneering research laid the foundation for modern epidemiology and public health practices, saving countless lives.

1977: Wernher von Braun, Engineer

Wernher von Braun was a pioneering engineer and space architect. He played an important role in the development of rocket technology and space exploration, particularly during his time with Nazi Germany's V-2 rocket program and later as director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. He was instrumental in the development of the Saturn V rocket, which powered the Apollo missions to the Moon.

2017: John G. Avildsen, Director and Cinematographer

John G. Avildsen was an esteemed director and cinematographer, best known for his work on iconic films such as "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid," which became cultural touchstones and earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.

Told you it was a big one. If you head out in your car to take a ride this Sunday, know that it’s possible thanks to something that happened 121 years ago, today.

Talk tomorrow, 

Matt