1800s / 19th century history on the 16th of June

1819 : Rann of Kutch EARTHQUAKE hit the Kutch district of western India, and triggered a tsunami, which all caused at least 1,543 deaths. The major earthquake also caused an 80 kilometre subsidence ridge that was 6 kilometres wide, and 6 metres high, which was known as the Allah Bund (Dam of God).

1884 : The 1st ROLLER COASTER in America* opened at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. The roller coaster, originally known as a switchback railway, was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, travelled approximately six miles per hour. The new entertainment cost a nickel to ride, was an instant success, and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around America. *Note : The 1st purpose built, and patented roller coaster in America. See the video about Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway, a Pennsylvania rail-line converted into a thrill ride a decade earlier in the 1870s.

1900s / 20th century history on the 16th of June

1903 : The Ford Motor Company was incorporated. Official website : Ford.com

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