Admiral Porter’s Fleet Running the Rebel Blockade of the Mississippi at Vicksburg, April 16th 1863.

“At half past ten P.M. the boats left their moorings & steamed down the river, the Benton, Admiral Porter, taking the lead — as they approached the point opposite the town, a terrible concentrated fire of the centre, upper and lower batteries, both water and bluff, was directed upon the channel, which here ran within one hundred yards of the shore. At the same moment innumerable floats of turpentine and other combustible materials were set ablaze. In the face of all this fire, the boats made their way with but little loss except the transport Henry Clay which was set on fire & sunk.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

In 1924, Dr. Willis T. Lee of the National Geographic Society, alongside Stephen T. Mather, prepared for a significant exploration of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Tasked with mapping the vast limestone cave system, Dr. Lee descended into the caverns, contributing to their scientific documentation and eventual recognition as a national park. This expedition helped reveal the caverns’ geological wonders to the world.

Image dated April 16, 1924 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

The U.S. Post Office placed books of stamps on sale for the first time on April 16, 1900.

The first U.S. booklets of stamps were 2 cent stamps.

Image of a book of 2 cent U.S. stamps featuring Frank Lloyd Wright from 1966 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

American Infantrymen of the 255th move down a street in Waldenburg to root out the enemy toward the end of WWII

– Image dated April 16, 1945

via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

“For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man.”

– Wilbur Wright, who was born on April 16, 1867 in
Millville, Indiana.

Photo of Orville and Wilbur Wright (right) in 1908 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 16, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act.

The act, signed eight and a half months before the Emancipation Proclamation, ended slavery in the District of Columbia.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 16, 1912, American aviatrix Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.

The year earlier Harriet Quimby became the first woman in the U.S. to earn a pilot’s certificate from the Aero Club of America.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Charlie Chaplin with Harry Houdini in 1919

Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On today’s date April 16, 1945, American Forces liberated Colditz Castle in Germany which was used as a prisoner of war camp for Allied officers during WWII.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

“Flags of the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, Pa., which reported for duty at Harrisburg, Pa., April 16, 1861. Entered the city of Washington, D.C., April 18, 1861”

The top of the Stars and Stripes says
“First Flag for The War.”
The Ringgold Light Artillery was among the first units to respond to President Abraham Lincoln’s call for arms during The American Civil War.

Image via LOC, no known restrictions

A U.S. Army critical care nurse from Massachusetts sits aboard a Black Hawk that provides medical evacuation and care for the wounded in Afghanistan

Image dated April 16, 2012
via Wikimedia, public domain

On April 16, 1908, Natural Bridges National Monument was designated by Theodore Roosevelt. All three of park’s bridges – Kachina, Sipapu, and Owachomo (shown) have Hopi names. Natural Bridges is also an International Dark-Sky Park, known for having some of the darkest and clearest skies in the US.

Image from Laban712 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

Henry Mancini, American composer of songs such as “Moon River” and “The Pink Panther Theme,” was born on April 16, 1924 in Maple Heights, Ohio.

Image circa 1990 of famed musical composer Henry Mancini and wife Ginny leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles via Shutterstock

On April 16, 1881, Bat Masterson fought his last gun battle.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 16, 1789, George Washington departed Mt. Vernon and began his over 230 mile Inaugural Journey to New York City to take the oath of office later that month.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain