On this day

On this day: The First Academy Awards

On May 16, 1929, the first Academy Awards (Oscars) took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. 270 people paid $5 for dinner and the ceremony took all of 15 minutes - a far cry from the bloated excess of the…

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Friday, 16th May 2014

On this day: The City of Las Vegas was Founded

On May 15, 1905, the city of Las Vegas was founded with the auction of half a square kilometre of land owned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Initially a pioneer stopover, the first casinos in…

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Thursday, 15th May 2014

On this day: Talyllyn Railway

On May 14, 1951, the Talyllyn Railway became the first line in the world to be preserved as a heritage railway by volunteers. Trains doubtless run closer to schedule than any other railway in the UK.

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Wednesday, 14th May 2014

On this day: Construction Started on Delhi’s Red Fort

On May 13, 1638, construction began on Delhi's Red Fort. After completion 10 years later the fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for a couple of centuries. These days the main residents are a flock of green…

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Tuesday, 13th May 2014

On this day: Florence Nightingale was Born

On May 12, 1820, Florence Nightingale was born in the Italian city which she was named after. Known as 'the lady with the lamp' for her night-time nursing rounds during the Crimean War, there are several statues in her honour,…

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Monday, 12th May 2014

On this day: Lincoln Cathedral was Consecrated

On or around May 9, 1092, Lincoln Cathedral was consecrated (dates from almost a millennium ago are a bit vague). After spending 4 years overseeing its construction, Bishop Remigius died two days before the consecration. It suffered through fires and…

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Friday, 9th May 2014

Welcome to Google Sightseeing!

Google Sightseeing takes you on a tour of the world as seen from satellite or street views using Google Maps. Our team of authors present weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

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