The Smithsonian Institution was established August 10, 1846, by an act of congress. This premier institution of American learning owes its existence to an Englishman, James Smithsonian, who never set foot in America, when he willed his estate of $508,318.46 to the United States to create "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." The Institutes first building was the "Castle", built in 1855. Edition limited to production between May 1 & December 31, 1996.