On this day

On this day: The first successful climb of an 8000m mountain

On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal completed the first successful ascent of a mountain over 8,000m - Annapurna I. It would be 20 years until the feat was repeated. They received grand acclaim for their…

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Tuesday, 3rd June 2014

On this day: The only presidential marriage to take place at the White House

On June 2, 1886, Grover Cleveland became the only US President to marry in the White House when he wed Frances Folsom in the Blue Room. We can't imagine it happening today, but apparently in the late 19th century it…

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Monday, 2nd June 2014

On this day: The Rideau Canal Opened

On May 30, 1832, the Rideau Canal opened between Kingston and Ottawa, providing British forces with a safe supply route away from the US border. These days it is a summer boating attraction for locals and tourists, and designated a…

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Friday, 30th May 2014

On this day: The First Known Ascent of Everest

On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary made the first known ascent of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. The question of whether a 1924 expedition succeeded will remain a mystery forever. Since then, and particularly in the…

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Thursday, 29th May 2014

On this day: The Afsluitdijk Opened

On May 28, 1932, the (unpronounceable for those of us outside the Netherlands) Afsluitdijk opened. This 32km (20mile) dike is part of a larger flood-protection scheme. Near the mid point is a monument and viewing tower. On the inland side…

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Wednesday, 28th May 2014

On this day: The Golden Gate Bridge Opened

On May 27, 1937, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge opened, with around 200,000 people walking or roller-skating across on the first day before it was opened to traffic. Close to a million people visited for the 50th anniversary celebration in…

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Tuesday, 27th May 2014

Welcome to Google Sightseeing!

Google Sightseeing takes you on a tour of the world as seen from satellite or street views using Google Maps. Our team of authors present weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

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