Major events that occurred on July 16

Nicosia, Cyprus. July 16 has seen significant developments in transport, space exploration, politics, culture and public life.

Historical events

In 1935, the world’s first parking meters were installed in Oklahoma City.

King Leopold III of Belgium abdicated in 1951.

Apollo 11 launched in 1969 on its mission to land men on the moon, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.

Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan died in 1989.

In 1999, a plane carrying John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife and her sister crashed off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, killing everyone aboard.

Political and public developments

Juan Antonio Samaranch retired as president of the International Olympic Committee in 2001 after serving in the role since 1980. He was succeeded by Belgian surgeon Jacques Rogge.

In 2003, the government of Sao Tome and Principe was overthrown in a military coup while the president of the potentially oil-rich island state was abroad.

Martha Stewart was sentenced to prison in 2004 after a stock sale.

Publishing

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the sixth book in the Harry Potter series, went on sale in 2005. It sold more than 8.9 million copies in the United States and Britain during its first 24 hours, becoming the fastest-selling book in history.