Smithson's Dream, America's Education

So what makes a British scientist named John Smithson bequeath all his earthly estate to the United States?  No one really knows.  I realize that's neither an answer to my question nor informative in any way, but this historical fact just fascinates me.  Not so much that he did it - but that no one knows why.  What would make someone do that?  That's what fascinates me.  Now, technically the estate only went to America if his heir and nephew had no heirs.  But that's exactly what happened, and you know what was birthed?  (This one I know).  The Smithsonian Institution.  (Photo courtesy of Mr. T in DC on Flickr).

Smithson specifically said he wanted the money to go to an "establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."  I can't help but wonder what he would think of the Smithsonian Institution that was eventually established.  There are 19 facilities, most of them in Washington D.C., all devoted to Smithson's cause.  The Smithsonian facilities are a great place to visit during Washington D.C. educational tours.  There is such a variety of museums and exhibits, something for literally everyone.   They are all on the same grounds with an information center to get you started, affectionately called the Castle.

What do you love?  History?  Science?  Art?  The study of the earth?  It's all there.   The Smithsonian even has a zoo.  They call it the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, because they're kind of wordy like that - and because, being one of the Smithsonian facilities, it's dedicated to a lot more than animals on display.  The Smithsonian Institution is a fully American, educational icon.  And it all started with one British man who did something no one can explain.  It's just cool to me.