📅 Today in HistoryApril 30

The Diocletianic Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire ends.

Enguerrand de Marigny is hanged at the instigation of Charles, Count of Valois.

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.

Juan de Oñate begins the conquest of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.

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 $15 million, more than doubling the size of the young nation.

The Territory of Orleans becomes the 18th U.S. state under the name Louisiana.