On this day
On this day: Mount Pelée Erupted
On May 8, 1902, Martinique's Mount Pelée erupted. The lava flow from the volcano completely destroyed the town of St. Pierre, killing almost all of its 30,000 inhabitants.
On this day: The Palace of Versailles was Inaugurated
On May 7, 1664, the Palace of Versailles was inaugurated by King Louis XIV. It served as the centre of political and royal power until the start of the revolution in 1789. Given how opulent it is, and the living…
On this day: The Eiffel Tower Opened
On May 6, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was opened to the public. Serving as the entry gate to the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world for the next 41 years. With around 7…
On this day: Napoleon Died In Exile on Saint Helena
On May 5, 1821, Napoleon died on Saint Helena. Following his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo six years earlier, the British had imprisoned Napoleon on this South Atlantic island. As he still believed he was an emperor he complained…
On this day: Mary Queen of Scots escaped Loch Leven castle
On May 2, 1568, Mary Queen of Scots escaped from Loch Leven Castle. After having been imprisoned on this isolated island for close to a year, and having been forced to abdicate the throne, Mary escaped but promptly lost a…
On this day: The Empire State Building was dedicated
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated. The 103-storey skyscraper was the tallest building in the world - a record it held for almost 40 years. President Herbert Hoover turned on the building's lights with the push…
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