Turning our focus to the St. Louis Metro Area, May 11, 1904, is a day of cultural significance.

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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra was founded on this day, laying the foundations for what would become one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the United States. The orchestra's establishment marked a significant development in the cultural landscape of St. Louis, enriching its arts scene tremendously.

Starting with a pivotal global event, May 11, 1997, witnessed a landmark in the field of artificial intelligence and chess. It was on this day that IBM's Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match. This victory marked the first time a computer system won a chess match against a reigning world champion under standard chess tournament conditions. The event not only highlighted the strides made in computational power but also sparked a discussion about the future implications of AI in various fields.

Moving back to the early 19th century, on May 11, 1812, an event of significant political importance occurred in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Spencer Perceval was assassinated by John Bellingham in the lobby of the House of Commons. This remains the only assassination of a British Prime Minister. The incident had a profound impact on British politics, leading to immediate turmoil and eventual changes in security measures within the parliament.

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In the realm of science, May 11, 1857, marks the establishment of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States. The academy was pivotal in promoting scientific research and education at a time when science was still burgeoning as a formal field of study. This event reflects the growing interest and investment in scientific inquiry in the 19th century.

During World War II, on May 11, 1943, U.S. forces completed their capture of Attu Island from Japanese forces. The Battle of Attu, part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign, was one of the only two battles fought on North American soil during WWII. It was a strategic victory for the U.S., reducing the threat of Japanese invasion of the mainland United States and showcasing the harsh conditions soldiers faced in Arctic warfare.

On a lighter note in entertainment history, May 11, 1965, witnessed the launch of the iconic sitcom 'I Dream of Jeannie' at NBC's studios. The show would go on to become a beloved classic, showcasing the comedic talents of Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, and leaving a lasting impact on American television comedy.

Back in St. Louis on May 11, 2001, the city celebrated the opening of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. This modern art museum, founded by philanthropist Emily Rauh Pulitzer, was designed by famous architect Tadao Ando. Its opening was a notable event for the St. Louis art community, providing a new, dynamic platform for contemporary art and cultural dialogue.

In more recent developments, May 11, 2018, saw the inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi's 'Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Dutch Golden Age' exhibition. This event marked a significant moment in global cultural exchange, bringing masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age to a new audience in the Middle East and highlighting the universal appeal and significance of European art history.

Lastly, a nod to local advancements, May 11, 2022, was an important day for technology in St. Louis as the city launched its first public electric vehicle charging station in Forest Park. This step towards sustainable development reflects the growing trend of environmental consciousness in urban planning and infrastructure in the region.

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