Day In History
This Day in History
Today: February 16, 2026
1249
Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khagan of the Mongol Empire.
1270
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeats the Livonian Order in the Battle of Karuse.
1630
Dutch forces led by Hendrick Lonck capture Olinda in what was to become part of Dutch Brazil.
1646
Battle of Torrington, Devon: The last major battle of the First English Civil War.
1699
First Leopoldine Diploma is issued by the Holy Roman Emperor, recognizing the Greek Catholic clergy enjoyed the same privileges as Roman Catholic priests in the Principality of Transylvania.
1742
Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, becomes British Prime Minister.[1]
1796
Colombo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) falls to the British, completing their invasion of Ceylon.[2]
1804
First Barbary War: Stephen Decatur leads a raid to burn the pirate-held frigate USS Philadelphia.
1862
American Civil War: General Ulysses S. Grant captures Fort Donelson, Tennessee.
1866
Spencer Compton Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington becomes British Secretary of State for War.
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