What Happened on June 16?

June 16 is the International Day of the African Child — honoring youth across the continent — on the same date the 1976 Soweto uprising began, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, America's first roller coaster opened at Coney Island, and Abraham Lincoln delivered his House Divided speech.

• 1858 — Abraham Lincoln warns 'A house divided against itself cannot stand'

  Accepting the Illinois Republican nomination on June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln declared the nation could not survive half slave and half free. Read the full story →

• 1884 — America's first roller coaster opens at Coney Island

  La Marcus Thompson's Switchback Railway opened at Coney Island, New York, on June 16, 1884 — America's first purpose-built roller coaster. Read the full story →

• 1903 — Henry Ford incorporates the Ford Motor Company

  On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford and investors founded the Ford Motor Company in Detroit — launching the automaker that would put millions on the road. Read the full story →

• 1961 — Ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev defects in Paris

  Soviet ballet star Rudolf Nureyev slipped away from KGB minders at Le Bourget Airport on June 16, 1961, seeking asylum in the West. Read the full story →

• 1963 — Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space

  Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova orbited Earth 48 times aboard Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963 — the first woman to fly in space. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Tupac Shakur (1971–1996) · Joyce Carol Oates (1938) · Laurie Metcalf (1955) · Stan Laurel (1890–1965)

Days & observances

International Day of the African Child · Fresh Veggies Day · National Fudge Day · Youth Day (South Africa)