On July 13, 1793, Charlotte Corday, a Royalist sympathizer, stabbed to death Jean Paul Marat, one of the most outspoken leaders of the French Revolution. Regarding Marat an an arch enemy of France, she planned to kill him at the Bastille Day parade on July 14. Those plans fell through when the festivities were canceled. On July 13, she gained an audience with Marat, who, due to a skin condition, was working in his bath. Corday pulled a knife and stabbed him; he died almost immediately. Corday waited calmly for the police to come and arrest her and was guillotined four days later.
On a cheerier, note, this year Milwaukee celebrates the 30th anniversary of Bastille Days, North America's largest outdoor French themed festival. From July 14 - July 17, come down to Cathedral Square to enjoy entertainment, food, and activities for children and adults.
