1. On March 16, 1751, the first official public library in America was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the Philadelphia Library Company became an important resource for scholars and the general public alike.

2. March 16, 1861, is also significant in Pennsylvania history as it marks the day that the state's legislators voted to remain in the Union at the start of the American Civil War. This decision ensured that Pennsylvania would play a vital role in the Union's war effort.

3. In 1933, on March 16, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania became the site of the first commercial radio station in the world to broadcast a daily weather report. Radio station KDKA's weather forecasts were provided by the US Weather Bureau and quickly became a popular feature for listeners.

4. On March 16, 1968, a major industrial fire broke out in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, destroying multiple buildings and causing over $2 million in damages. The fire, which was caused by a welding accident, burned for several days and required the assistance of over 30 fire departments from surrounding areas.

5. March 16, 1992, marked the day that Pennsylvania officially adopted its state flag, which features a blue field with the state coat of arms in the center, surrounded by Pennsylvania's colors of gold and blue. The coat of arms includes a bald eagle, a ship representing commerce, a plow representing agriculture, and three wheat stalks representing fertile fields.