BLReed
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2009
- Messages
- 1,676
Washington, D.C. is known for the numerous museums that document the history of our great nation. Many of these museums are owned by the Smithsonian Institution, named for British scientist James Smithson whose fortune created the largest museum complex in the world. Smithsonian never visited America, and numerous questions remain about why he would will such a large sum, half a million dollars, to a country he wasn’t native to or visited. Some speculate family squabbles, while others say it was Smithsonian’s love of knowledge, but whatever the reason this donation can be considered among America’s greatest treasures. Celebrating its 169thbirthday today, the Smithsonian boasts over 18 million visitors so far this year, and continues to be one of the most frequented attractions in the world.