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A Day in History: The Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, the Monument to the Founders of the USA, and the 125th Anniversary of the Cruiser Varyag
October 31
Today marks the anniversary of several significant events in history:
The founding of the Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum in 1811, a prestigious educational institution that produced many notable alumni, including Alexander Pushkin.
The dedication of the Washington Monument in 1884, a towering obelisk honoring the first president of the United States.
The launch of the protected cruiser Varyag in 1899, a Russian warship that became famous for its heroic defense against a Japanese squadron during the Russo-Japanese War.
The Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum
The Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum was founded by Tsar Alexander I in 1811 as a boarding school for the education of young noblemen. The lyceum was located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, just outside of St. Petersburg. The curriculum was rigorous and included a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, mathematics, and foreign languages.
Many of the lyceum's graduates went on to distinguished careers in government, the military, and the arts. Some of the most famous alumni include the poet Alexander Pushkin, the composer Mikhail Glinka, and the statesman Count Sergei Witte.
The lyceum was closed in 1918 after the Russian Revolution. The building that housed the lyceum is now a museum dedicated to the school's history.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located in Washington, D.C., honoring George Washington, the first president of the United States. The monument was designed by Robert Mills and was completed in 1884.
The Washington Monument is the tallest stone structure in the world and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. The monument is open to the public and offers visitors stunning views of the city.
The Cruiser Varyag
The protected cruiser Varyag was a Russian warship that was launched in 1899. The Varyag was one of the most powerful warships in the Russian navy and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.
In 1904, the Varyag was attacked by a Japanese squadron during the Russo-Japanese War. The Varyag fought bravely but was eventually sunk. The ship's heroic defense became a symbol of Russian patriotism and courage.
The wreck of the Varyag was raised in 1905 and was returned to Russia. The ship was later sold to Japan and was used as a training vessel. The Varyag was sunk again in 1945 during World War II.