May 16

On May 16, 1842, a group of 100 pioneers set out from Elm Grove, Missouri, on what became the first large-scale wagon train bound for the Oregon Country. Led by Captain William H. Russell of the Bellevue traders and including influential travelers like Robert Shortess, the expedition established key routes and camping sites for future emigrants. Their journey demonstrated the viability of overland travel to the Pacific Northwest, inspiring thousands to follow in subsequent decades. The success of the 1842 train spurred organized emigration, contributing to the westward expansion of the United States. The trip tested the pioneers’ endurance against harsh terrain, river crossings, and limited supplies. The establishment of supply depots and relationships with Native American tribes during this expedition eased travel for later settlers. This event is regarded as the birth of the Oregon Trail as a major migration pathway.

On May 16, 2005, Kuwait’s National Assembly approved women’s suffrage by a 35–23 vote. This decision enfranchised female citizens, allowing them to vote and stand in elections. It followed decades of advocacy by women’s rights activists and civil society groups. The reform marked a significant step toward gender equality in the Gulf region. In the subsequent 2006 elections, women voted for the first time, though none were initially elected. The move laid the groundwork for greater female political participation in Kuwait.