Originally a late-twelfth or early-thirteenth-century fortress in Paris, it became the main residence of the French kings in 1546. After Louis XIV moved his main residence to Versailles, it became a place to store the royal collection and later home to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. The French National Assembly decreed it should become a museum and it opened in 1793. It is now the world's largest art museum.
The Louvre
Fact of the Day
Before signing the trade embargo against Cuba, John F. Kennedy got his press secretary to buy him 1,000 Cuban cigars.
Quote of the Day
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
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~ John F. Kennedy
On This Day
1040 Duncan I of Scotland was killed by Macbeth (or Macbeth's men) near Elgin.
1941 The Atlantic Charter was signed by Churchill and Roosevelt, stating their post-war goals for a new world.
1947 Pakistan achieved independence from Britain.
1967 The Marine Broadcasting Offences Act became law, banning offshore 'pirate' radio stations from broadcasting.
1969 British troops arrived in Northern Ireland in what was planned to be a short-lived, 'limited operation'. They stayed there for the next thirty-eight years.