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Sistine Chapel

(Encyclopedia)Sistine Chapel sĭsˈtēn [key] [for Sixtus IV], private chapel of the popes in Rome, one of the principal glories of the Vatican. Built (1473) under Pope Sixtus IV, it is famous for its decorations. ...

Armstrong, John, 1717?–1795, American pioneer

(Encyclopedia)Armstrong, John, 1717?–1795, American pioneer, known as the “hero of Kittanning,” b. Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. He laid out the town of Carlisle, Pa. In 1756 he led the expedition that destroyed Ki...

Laval, town, France

(Encyclopedia)Laval, town (1990 pop. 53,478), capital of Mayenne dept., NW France, in Maine. It has been noted for its linen products since the 14th cent. Among its other industrial products are textiles, shoes, fu...

minutemen

(Encyclopedia)minutemen, in the American Revolution, colonial militiamen or armed citizens who agreed to turn out for service at a minute's notice. The term minutemen is used especially for the men who were enrolle...

Fanning, David

(Encyclopedia)Fanning, David, c.1755–1825, American Loyalist in the American Revolution, b. Amelia co., Va. He led raids on the colonials in the Carolinas and wrote (1790) an account of his adventures in The Narr...

War of Independence

(Encyclopedia)War of Independence: 1 In Spanish history, see Peninsular War, 1808–14. 2 In U.S. history, see American Revolution. ...

Bound Brook

(Encyclopedia)Bound Brook, borough (2020 pop. 10,030), Somerset co., N central N.J., on the Raritan River; settled 1681, inc. 1891. Largely residential, it produces c...

Syme, Sir Ronald

(Encyclopedia)Syme, Sir Ronald, 1903–89, British historian. After studying and teaching at Oxford, he served the British government in Belgrade and Ankara during World War II and taught (1942–45) at İstanbul U...

Laurens, Henry

(Encyclopedia)Laurens, Henry lôrˈənz, lärˈ– [key], 1724–92, political leader in the American Revolution, b. Charleston, S.C. A wealthy merchant and planter, he was, in the years preceding the Revolution, a...

Floridablanca, José Moñino, conde de

(Encyclopedia)Floridablanca or Florida Blanca, José Moñino, conde de hōsāˈ mōnyēˈnō kōnˈdā dā flōrēˈᵺä blängˈkä [key], 1728–1808, Spanish statesman. After the expulsion of the Jesuits from S...