This day in history - April 21

[seamusTX]

1649 - Maryland passed the Toleration Act, which allowed freedom of worship for all Christians.

This act is often viewed as an early predecessor of the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. However, it called for the death penalty for anyone who blasphemed or denied certain Christian creeds. It also set fines for religious name-calling.

http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.ed ... _1649.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

1789 - John Adams was sworn in as the first vice president under the new Constitution, nine days before Pres. Washington. Washington was delayed by the longer travel time between New York and Mount Vernon.

1836 - Gen. Sam Houston's troops defeated a larger force of Mexicans at the Battle of San Jacinto.

A re-enactment of the battle will be held Saturday at the San Jacinto Battleground: http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/About_ ... _Day_2009/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

1918 - The "Red Baron," Manfred Von Richthofen, died when a Canadian pilot shot him down over France.

- Jim

[bryang]

Today is a very interesting day.

I sure would like to be able to attend the re-enactment of the battle of San Jacinto.

And the "Red Baron" met his Waterloo on this day, also. I hadn't realized that it was a Canadian pilot that shot him down.

Thanks, Jim, I always enjoy these history lessons.

-geo

[seamusTX]

You're welcome.

I could not have told you what happened to the Red Baron. That's why I write these articles.

- Jim

[RiverRat]

Happy San Jacinto Day.

Mrs. RiverRat is off to a Daughters of the Republic lunch.

[XDgal]

A couple of years ago, PBS's Nova did an in depth forensic study of the event, and came to the conclusion that the Red Baron was most likly shot down by an Austrailian named Cedric Popkin, Sergeant Machine Gunner, from the ground. Here is a link to the transcript of the show http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcript ... baron.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Happy San Jancinto Day!!

[seamusTX]

1836 - Gen. Sam Houston's troops defeated a larger force of Mexicans at the Battle of San Jacinto.

This probably is the most important single day in Texas history.

- Jim

[texanron]

Today should be a State of Texas holiday! I'm going to celebrate today by heading to the gun range to make some noise on my lunch hour!
God Bless Texas!

[seamusTX]

Today should be a State of Texas holiday!

Um, it is. All state agencies are on minimal staffing.

- Jim

[texanron]

I did not know that Jim. Thanks for the information. I learned something new today.

On a side note....the range was packed today! I'm going to have to start going during the middle of the week instead of at the end of it.