What does this have to do with American history? you ask. Queen Elizabeth saw some value in exploring and colonizing these distant lands. She sponsored Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, and others. The state of Virginia is named after her.
1775 - The Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet of two ships. This day is considered the birthday of the U.S. Navy.
Note: This was well before the Declaration of Independence. The U.K. had one of the most powerful navies in the world, and the fledgling U.S. was going to take it on.
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1792 - The cornerstone of the White House was laid (by Masons).
Acutally, it's not clear whether the event occurred on the 12th or 13th or was reported on the 13th.
1845 - Texans voted overwhelmingly to ratify the first of several state constitutions and join the U.S.
- Jim
