The US. purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million. The purchase was formalized on October 18, 1867. The state was an incorporated territory on August 24, 1912, before finally achieving statehood on January 3, 1959.
National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 16, 2027. Plus historical events and birthdays.

May 16, 2027 celebrates National Barbecue Day, plus 10 more. Each year on May 16 we celebrate National Barbecue Day. Whether you grill at home or grab some takeout, you will find Americans across the country enjoying an assortment of mouthwatering barbeque (BBQ) flavors and sauces.
Read the full story →National Mimosa Day on May 16 gets its name from the Mimosa, a yellow flowering plant. This simple mixture of orange juice and champagne or sparkling wine resembles those flowers in color, however, the flavor adds a kick to most any brunch!
Read the full story →Today is May 16 and we are celebrating National Classic Movie Day by reminiscing about the movies we have seen on the big screen. Grab some popcorn, a drink, and find a cozy chair to relax in as we celebrate National Classic Movie Day.
Read the full story →You can never fail when following the Golden Rule "love your neighbor as yourself." National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day on May 16 encourages each of us to take a moment during our interaction with others and ask ourselves, how would I like to be treated right now?
Read the full story →Kids, you work hard every day. It's time to show your parents just how hard you work. After all, your primary job is to play, and the third Sunday in May is National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day!
Read the full story →National Love a Tree Day on May 16 celebrates the joys of life provided by trees. Whether you love reading in the shade or taking a bite out of a fresh fruit pie, National Love a Tree Day encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy a tree. Of course, planting trees for future generations to love is beneficial too.
Read the full story →On May 16th we celebrate National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day. This delicious food holiday is your reminder to try this tasty dish on a day you may not think about any other time of the year!
Read the full story →On May 16 each year, many of us celebrate fond childhood memories for National Sea Monkey Day. As we look back to our aquariums filled with these magical little creatures that hatched and grew before our eyes.
Read the full story →National Piercing Day on May 16 Day promotes piercing. Whether you have your ears pierced or your nose and lip, this day celebrates the unique choices people are entitled to make for them and only them!
Read the full story →Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 16 recognizes the thousands of people in the LGBT community who have paved the way for access and social acceptance. Today, take the opportunity to explore, learn and support equality for all LGBT people.
Read the full story →On May 16 honors National Biographer's Day as a day to commemorate the anniversary of the first meeting of Samuel Johnson, an English writer, and his biographer James Boswell in London, England on May 16, 1763. Dr. Johnson was a famous biographer, playwright, poet, moralist, essayist, literary critic, editor, and lexicographer.
Read the full story →Events that occurred on May 16 throughout history
The US. purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million. The purchase was formalized on October 18, 1867. The state was an incorporated territory on August 24, 1912, before finally achieving statehood on January 3, 1959.
President James A. Garfield appointed Frederick Douglass as the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia. Douglass held the position for five years (1881 to 1886) and used his position to push for equal treatment of African Americans in D.C. and to staff his office with Black employees.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum) is published in the U.S. The book sold all 10,000 copies that were printed before the official release date. The book is considered America's first great fairy tale, written to create a "modernized" story for children.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was founded on May 17, 1792, when 24 stockbrokers signed the "Buttonwood Agreement" under a buttonwood tree at 68 Wall Street in New York City. This agreement established a structured, centralized market for securities trading with set commissions to promote public confidence. The brokers pledged to "not buy or sell from this day for any person whatsoever, any kind of Public Stock, at a less rate than one quarter percent Commission"
Longer-running observances that include this date.
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