📅 Today in HistoryApril 30
Spain gives Christopher Columbus his commission of exploration. He is named admiral of the ocean sea, viceroy and governor of any territory he discovers.
Edmund de la Pole, Yorkist pretender to the English throne, is executed on the orders of Henry VIII.
Henry IV of France issues the Edict of Nantes, allowing freedom of religion to the Huguenots.
Eighty Years' War: Dutch Republic forces recapture a strategically important fort from Spain after a nine-month siege.
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.
Louisiana Purchase: The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France for $15Â million, more than doubling the size of the young nation.