On this day: February 16
1779 – Captain James Cook killed in Hawaii
On February 16, 1779, Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer, was killed in Hawaii during a skirmish with the native Hawaiians. Cook had been exploring the Pacific Ocean and had already made several significant discoveries, including mapping the coast of Australia and New Zealand. His death was a tragic end to a remarkable career.
1862 – Fort Donelson falls to Union forces
On February 16, 1862, the Confederate stronghold of Fort Donelson in Tennessee fell to Union forces after a fierce battle. The capture of the fort was a significant victory for the Union during the Civil War, as it opened up the strategic Cumberland River and paved the way for further advances into the South.
1923 – Howard Carter unseals the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun
On February 16, 1923, British archaeologist Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Inside, Carter discovered a treasure trove of artifacts, including the famous golden mask of the young pharaoh. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb was one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
1959 – Fidel Castro becomes Prime Minister of Cuba
On February 16, 1959, Fidel Castro was sworn in as Prime Minister of Cuba after leading a successful revolution against the government of Fulgencio Batista. Castro’s rise to power marked the beginning of decades of Communist rule in Cuba and strained relations with the United States.
1968 – The first 911 emergency telephone system is launched in the United States
On February 16, 1968, the first 911 emergency telephone system was launched in Haleyville, Alabama. The system allowed citizens to dial a single number for emergency assistance and revolutionized the way that emergency services were provided in the United States.
2005 – The Kyoto Protocol comes into force
On February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, came into force. The treaty was a significant step in the global effort to combat climate change, although its effectiveness has been debated by some critics.
2018 – The Winter Olympics begin in Pyeongchang, South Korea
On February 16, 2018, the Winter Olympics officially began in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The games featured athletes from around the world competing in a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey. The event was a showcase of international sportsmanship and competition.
