April 24 in American History

April 24, 1800 — the Library of Congress is founded

Congress established a library for its own use with a $5,000 appropriation. After the British burned it in 1814, Thomas Jefferson sold the nation his personal library to rebuild it. Today it's the largest library in the world — a vast, shared national memory open to any American who asks.

Common Questions

What happened on April 24 in American history?

In 1800: the Library of Congress is founded. Congress established a library for its own use with a $5,000 appropriation.

Why is April 24 significant?

Congress established a library for its own use with a $5,000 appropriation. After the British burned it in 1814, Thomas Jefferson sold the nation his personal library to rebuild it. Today it's the largest library in the world — a vast, shared national memory open to any American who asks.

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