Curious Minute answer

Whose bequest supplied the funds used to establish the Smithsonian Institution?

The answer

James Smithson

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Why it's right

British scientist James Smithson left his estate to the United States to create an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge."

Did you know?

Smithson never visited the United States, yet his bequest became the foundation of the Smithsonian.

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Sources: si.edu