A Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of its land under the rule of the king of Castile.
Hernando Cortés
Fact of the Day
The man who built the town stocks in Boston, Massachusetts charged so much that he became the first man to be put in them.
Quote of the Day
"People in high or in distinguished life ought to have a greater circumspection in regard to their most trivial actions. For instance, I saw Mr [Alexander] Pope...to the best of my memory, he was picking his nose.
"
~ William Shenstone
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.