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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