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TIL according to legend Thomas Nelson Jr., a Founding Father and Revolutionary War general, ordered his artillery to direct their fire on his own house during the siege of Yorktown because it was occupied by British General Cornwallis, offering five guineas to the first man who hit the house.

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neBvd TIL that the reason the US offers a lower max octane rating fuel (91AKI or 95RON) at petrol stations in some states, is due to the higher altitude, meaning that there is less available oxygen for combustion, and therefore a decreased chance of knocking with lower octane rated fuels.
NXG8b TIL that when former White House press secretary James Brady died in 2014, his death was ruled a homicide because it was ultimately caused by a gunshot wound he sustained in 1981, during the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan
d8xJB TIL: After returning from the moon the crew of Apollo 11 had to go through US customs at Honolulu airport after splashdown. Their declaration stated three crew, no passengers and moon rock and moon dust samples as cargo.
gMkEA TIL while Canada was officially neutral during the U.S. Civil War, between 33-55,000 Canadians volunteered and fought mostly for the Union. Over 29 Canadians received the Medal of Honor. The war led to change in governing philosophy in Canada, with more focus on federation instead of states rights.
X09e6 TIL, two people next to each will see the Andromeda Galaxy at different times (days apart) if one is walking toward the galaxy and the other is standing still or walking/moving away from it. This is called the Andromeda Paradox.