1. On March 16, 1820, the first Constitution of Alabama was adopted, officially making the state a member of the United States. The Constitution established the functions and powers of the state government, including the creation of three branches of government - executive, legislative, and judicial.

2. In 1912, famed author, Helen Keller, delivered a speech in Birmingham, Alabama on March 16, where she spoke about issues facing the blind and advocated for their rights. Keller became blind and deaf as a child but went on to become a prolific writer, activist and lecturer.

3. On March 16, 1968, the My Lai Massacre occurred in Vietnam where American soldiers killed over 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including women and children. One of the soldiers involved in the incident, Sergeant Hugh Thompson, risked his own life to stop the killings and was later honored for his bravery.

4. On March 16, 1994, the Alabama Legislature passed a law creating the Office of the Women's Health Coordinator, making it the first state in the US to do so. The office was established to develop public health programs and services that would address the unique health needs of women in Alabama.

5. In 1999, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that the state's method of funding public education was unconstitutional as it was not adequately providing for a "system of free public schools." This decision led to reforms in how Alabama funds public education, including the creation of the Alabama Reading Initiative which has helped improve literacy rates in the state.