Today in history

1792: King Louis XVI was taken into custody by mobs during the French Revolution. He was executed the following January after being put on trial for treason.

1809: Ecuador began its fight for independence from Spain.

1821: Missouri became the 24th state to join the Union.

1846: The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the U.S. Congress. The “Nation’s Attic” was made possible by $500,000 given by scientist Joseph Smithson.

1859: In Boston, Mass., the first milk inspectors were appointed.