What Happened on September 16?

September 16 is Mexican Independence Day — remembering Hidalgo's 1810 Grito de Dolores — on the same date the Mayflower left England in 1620, General Motors was founded in 1908, and nations signed the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer in 1987.

• 1620 — The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England, for America

  On September 16, 1620 (New Style date), the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims who later founded Plymouth Colony. Read the full story →

• 1810 — Miguel Hidalgo issues the Grito de Dolores, starting Mexico's independence movement

  On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo called people of Dolores to rise against Spanish rule — the cry that began Mexico's War of Independence. Read the full story →

• 1908 — William C. Durant founds General Motors

  On September 16, 1908, William C. Durant incorporated General Motors in New Jersey — creating a company that would dominate much of the auto century. Read the full story →

• 1963 — Malaysia is formed as a new federation

  On September 16, 1963, the Federation of Malaysia came into being, uniting Malaya with Sabah, Sarawak, and (initially) Singapore. Read the full story →

• 1975 — Papua New Guinea gains independence from Australia

  On September 16, 1975, Papua New Guinea became an independent nation after years as an Australian-administered territory. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

B.B. King (1925–2015) · Lauren Bacall (1924–2014) · Amy Poehler (1971) · Nick Jonas (1992)

Days & observances

Mexican Independence Day · International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer · National Guacamole Day · Collect Rocks Day