October 13th, 2008

Today in History

54:
Roman Empire emperor Claudius I dies after being poisoned by his wife Agrippina.

1775:
The United States Continental Congress orders the establishment of the Continental Navy (later renamed the United States Navy).

1792:
In Washington, DC, the cornerstone of the United States Executive Mansion (known as the White House since 1818) is laid.

1812:
On the Niagara frontier in Ontario, Canada, United States forces under General Stephen Van Rensselaer are repulsed from invading Canada by British and native troops led by Sir Isaac Brock.

2003:
The Public Library of Science commences publication of an open-access scientific journal, PLoS Biology.