This Day in History

Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor: A Defining Moment in European History

TDIH

On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte made history by crowning himself Emperor of the French in a grand ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Unlike traditional coronations, where a monarch is crowned by a religious leader, Napoleon took the crown from Pope Pius VII and placed it on his own head, symbolizing his belief […]

Aaron Burr Slays Alexander Hamilton in Duel

On July 11, 1804, one of the most infamous duels in American history took place between Aaron Burr, the sitting Vice President, and Alexander Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury. The duel occurred in Weehawken, New Jersey, on a secluded ledge along the Hudson River, a popular dueling ground of the time. The confrontation […]

Lewis and Clark Set Out on Their Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, began its journey westward from St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired western portion of the United States and to find a practical route across the […]