HISTORY

Why America Obsesses Over the President’s First 100 Days in Office

Would you want to be compared to the man who legalized beer in his first 100 days in office?

America’s entry into the space Olympics.

The Secret Cold War History of the Missile That Launched America’s First Satellite

On January 31, 1958, the United States became a space-faring nation with the Explorer-1 satellite.

11 Surprising Facts About Windsor Castle

Over the past 900-plus years, more than 30 monarchs have called Windsor Castle home. It has also been the site of several royal weddings—including Prince Harry's 2018 nuptials to Meghan Markle.

12 Amazing Underground Destinations to Visit

Discover some of the world’s most amazing underground tourist destinations, from the Edinburgh Vaults to the Basilica Cistern in Turkey.

Where Does the Phrase ‘Going to Hell in a Handbasket’ Come From?

A popular myth says that the phrase originated due to the use of the guillotine during French Revolution—but here’s the real deal.

15 Memorable Slang Terms From the Vietnam War

Military slang grew by leaps and bounds during the Vietnam War. Here are some terms worth knowing.

That Sugar Rush Is All in Your Head—But Here’s Why It Happens

Scientists claim that sugar rushes aren’t actually as real as you might think, but the origins of this myth go back deep into American history.

Tomatoes can be either fruit or vegetable, depending on who you talk to.

Is a Tomato a Fruit?

One vendor’s dispute against a 19th-century import tariff led the U.S. Supreme Court to classify the tomato as a vegetable. But botanists disagree.

A mounted police officer in New York City.

Why Do City Cops Ride Horses?

Police horses, though they may seem outdated, actually serve several important purposes.

10 Questions About the Vietnam War, Answered

The Vietnam War was a highly controversial conflict. We break down some of the most common questions about the war, from why the U.S. entered the conflict to who ultimately won.

Here‘s a scenic view of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch glacier in Switzerland.

The 10 Most Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

These underrated World Heritage Sites offer history, beauty, and adventure away from the crowds.

Why Is the Vlasic Pickles Mascot a Stork?

Vlasic has used a stork to market its pickles for decades. But how did a bird known for bringing babies suddenly start selling pickles?

6 of History’s Silliest Wars

Sometimes, wars end when someone’s kettle gets broken.

Dead whales were once thought to have health benefits.

Blubber Bath: When Dead Whale Carcasses Were Used as Health Cures

In 1890s Australia, chronic pain sufferers flocked to a cure: a rotting whale corpse.

Abbie Hoffman was a controversial and influential figure.

10 Revolutionary Facts About Abbie Hoffman

Abbot “Abbie” Howard Hoffman was a bombastic and theatrical figure who often used absurd media stunts to get his points across.

Senator Joseph McCarthy (center) and Roy Cohn (right) during the Army-McCarthy Hearings in June 1954.

10 Suspicious Facts about McCarthyism

McCarthyism advertised itself as a response to national security threats created by the Cold War, including Soviet espionage. But the movement was bigger than Senator Joseph McCarthy.

The Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian” was banned not once, but twice.

11 Classic Pop Songs Banned for Unusual Reasons

Reasons for banning some of these pop, rock, and punk classics range from alleged nudity to offending the queen of England.

The “Tortoise and the Hare“ is a popular fable.

Fable vs. Folktale vs. Myth: What’s the Difference?

These narrative forms are similar, but not exactly the same.

10 April Fools’ Pranks That Went Horribly Awry

Everyone loves a good April Fools’ prank—unless it results in armed law enforcement surrounding your home.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 8: Dashing Dillinger

Sunita Mani (Spirited, Glow) joins Arturo through a slew of gangster-riddled escapades as they peel back the pages of history surrounding the most “dashing” criminal of the 1930s, John Dillinger.

9 Bizarre Things People Found Inside Their Walls

From valuable paintings to dirty underwear, there’s no telling what could be lurking behind the sheetrock.

Why Are Some Towns Called “Bedroom Communities”?

These planned communities became popular in the U.S. after World War II.

7 Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Know Were Spies

What do Julia Child, Paul Revere, and Harriet Tubman all have in common? Each played a crucial role in the clandestine world of espionage and intelligence.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 7: The Empty Raft of Alcatraz

JD Pardo (Mayans M.C., The Terminal List) tags along for Arturo’s tale of three escape artists (Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin) who attempted to break out of one of the most infamous prisons of all time: Alcatraz.