October 31

Leiden University Library opened its doors on October 31, 1587 as the first university library in the Netherlands. Although the university was founded in 1575, assembling a comprehensive collection took over a decade. The opening ceremony underscored Leiden's commitment to scholarly excellence during the Dutch Revolt. The library quickly became a magnet for thinkers, housing manuscripts and early printed books from across Europe. Its establishment helped usher in the Dutch Golden Age of science and culture.

Construction of Mount Rushmore began in 1927 under sculptor Gutzon Borglum and involved hundreds of workers carving four presidential portraits into granite. The project aimed to celebrate American history and democracy by depicting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Overcoming challenges such as harsh weather and dangerous working conditions, the team used dynamite and precise drilling techniques. The final face, Lincoln’s, was completed on October 31, 1941, marking the end of the mammoth endeavor. Though plans for additional sculptures were curtailed by funding shortages and the onset of World War II, the monument became a symbol of national pride. Mount Rushmore has since drawn millions of visitors and remains an enduring testament to American artistry and patriotism.