1. In 1964, a major earthquake struck Alaska on May 16, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. This remains the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America and caused widespread damage and loss of life.

2. May 16, 1869, marked the beginning of a historic expedition led by John Wesley Powell, who led a team of 10 men down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This was the first recorded successful passage of the river.

3. In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic on May 16. She completed the journey in just under 15 hours and won international acclaim for her achievement.

4. On May 16, 1958, a plane carrying 10 members of the Boy Scouts of America crashed in Alaska, killing all on board. The tragedy sparked a massive search and rescue effort and became one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Alaska history.

5. May 16, 1912, saw the arrival of the US Army Signal Corps in Alaska to establish telegraph lines and communication systems throughout the territory. This marked the beginning of significant modernization efforts in Alaska that would continue for years to come.