This Day in History
Today: April 30, 2026
311
The Diocletianic Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire ends.[1]
1315
Enguerrand de Marigny is hanged at the instigation of Charles, Count of Valois.
1492
Spain gives Christopher Columbus his commission of exploration. He is named admiral of the ocean sea, viceroy and governor of any territory he discovers.[2]
1513
Edmund de la Pole, Yorkist pretender to the English throne, is executed on the orders of Henry VIII.
1598
Juan de Oñate begins the conquest of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.
1598
Henry IV of France issues the Edict of Nantes, allowing freedom of religion to the Huguenots.
1636
Eighty Years' War: Dutch Republic forces recapture a strategically important fort from Spain after a nine-month siege.
1789
On the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City, George Washington takes the oath of office to become the first President of the United States.
1803
Louisiana Purchase: The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, more than doubling the size of the young nation.
1812
The Territory of Orleans becomes the 18th U.S. state under the name Louisiana.
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