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On This Day

Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

The word "today" was generally written as two words until the 16th Century, then as "to-day" until the early 20th Century.

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Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

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Daily Facts

Learn something about everything with our daily dose of bite-sized facts!

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Today is Monday, March 16, 2026. It’s the 75th day of the year, and we’re on week 12.

Every day is special for some reason, and today is no different! Here you’ll find some interesting facts & events that happened today in history, as well as The Fact Site’s Fact of the Day!

Learn what special holiday falls on this day and how to celebrate it. You’ll also find out what famous people celebrate their birthdays today!

We update this page daily, so if you have a few minutes spare, check out these events & facts that all help to make today a special day!

Historical Events

The world is full of things happening – all day, every day. But here are some notable events that happened today in history.

George Clooney and Martin Luther King III were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC.

OTD in 2012: George Clooney and Martin Luther King III were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington

The arrest happened amid protests against the government in Khartoum. George Clooney said he was expecting to be arrested when he planned the protest.

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Democratic Senator Robert F. Kennedy started his presidential campaign.

OTD in 1968: Democratic Senator Robert F. Kennedy started his presidential campaign.
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The world’s first liquid-fueled rocket was launched.

OTD in 1926: The world's first liquid-fueled rocket was launched.

The rocket was created by Robert H. Goddard and reached 41 feet in just 2 seconds.

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King Gustav III of Sweden was shot during a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera Hall in Stockholm.

OTD in 1792: King Gustav III of Sweden was shot during a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera Hall in Stockholm.
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These are just our highlighted events, but if you'd like to learn more about what happened on this day, you can check out the link below!

March 16: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Famous Birthdays

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, you're not the only one! Here are a few famous people that were also born on this day.

1988

Jhené Aiko

American Singer Jhené Aiko was born on March 16, 1988, in California, USA. She is 38 years old today!

1967

Lauren Graham

American Actress Lauren Graham was born on March 16, 1967, in Hawaii, USA. She is 59 years old today!

1971

Alan Tudyk

American Actor Alan Tudyk was born on March 16, 1971, in Texas, USA. He is 55 years old today!

Today's Holidays

Every day has special holidays that are celebrated throughout the world, and today is no different! Here's two of today's special holidays you can participate in.

United States

No Selfies Day

Did you know that the average person takes a staggering estimated 450 selfies every year? So with today being No Selfies Day, why not put down that phone and just enjoy a selfieless life - or rather for just one day.

United States

Lips Appreciation Day

When it comes to faces, eyes seem to always draw our attention. Today on Lips Appreciation Day, it’s time to lower our gaze a little and appreciate lips, great or small. You could even appreciate your own lips today by applying some lip balm or lipstick!

Shower Thoughts

Don't you just love it when you're taking your morning shower, and that little voice in your head asks, "how many balloons would it take to float a human?"

We all have these strange thoughts at random times - and here are our shower thoughts of the day.

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors? Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Why Are There Cat Islands in Japan? Why Are Women’s Pockets So Small?

Fact Of The Day

Elvis Presley with his natural blond hair in a ruffled, light-colored shirt

Elvis was originally blond. He started dyeing his hair black for an edgier look. Sometimes, he would touch it up himself using shoe polish.

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Fast Facts About Today

Facts & Historic Events That Happened on March 16

  • Day of Week

    Monday

  • Day of Year

    Day 75

  • Week Number

    Week 12

  • Decade

    2020s

  • Leap Year

    2026 is not a leap year

  • Zodiac Sign

    Pisces

  • Birthstone

    Aquamarine

  • Birth Flower

    Daffodil

FInal Thoughts

Every date has its own story. From headline-making moments in history to notable birthdays, seasonal traditions, and small daily curiosities, this page is a quick reminder that there’s always something worth learning.

Check back anytime you want a fresh snapshot of what makes today truly unique.

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References

MLA

Ward, Luke. "Facts & Events That Happened Today In History." The Fact Site, 3 Feb. 2023, www.thefactsite.com/day/today/. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

APA

Ward, L. (2026, March 15). Facts & Events That Happened Today In History. The Fact Site. https://www.thefactsite.com/day/today/

Chicago

Ward, Luke. "Facts & Events That Happened Today In History." The Fact Site, March 15, 2026. https://www.thefactsite.com/day/today/.

About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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