HISTORY

Kali Reis and Jodie Foster star in ‘True Detective: Night Country.’

The Two Historical Mysteries That Inspired ‘True Detective: Night Country’

To create the newest season of ‘True Detective,’ showrunner Issa López went all the way back to 1872. And 1959.

Only three of Henry VIII's four legitimate children—Mary I, Edward VI, and Elizabeth I—ever reigned.

The Royal Rundown on King Henry VIII’s Children

Only three out of Henry VIII's four legitimate children reached adulthood. Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I each went on to reign and leave their mark on English history.

A Freedom Rider getting kicked out of a bus depot, 1961.

11 Facts About the Freedom Riders

Hundreds of civil rights activists calling themselves Freedom Riders bravely held the nation accountable to its rules against segregation in 1961. Here are the facts you need to know.

A pirate flag with the distinctive eyewear.

Why Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?

Did pirates wear eye patches to see better in the dark? Find out the truth behind the iconic style choice.

Cravings, Rabbits, and Witches: The Creepy Retro Explanations for Birthmarks

According to some strange old theories about the origins of birthmarks, a blemish on your behind meant you had the mark of the devil.

How Ireland Became the ‘Emerald Isle’

The origins of Ireland's ‘Emerald Isle’ nickname trace back to the 18th-century physician, poet, and activist who penned the poem “When Erin First Rose.”

One Florida town experienced a golf ball rain.

8 Weird Disasters from History

From beer floods to meat showers, history is full of peculiar—and putrid—disasters.

The Nude Statue That Shocked Victorian England

Bodybuilder Eugen Sandow delighted Victorian audiences with his toned physique and weightlifting skills. But his statue at the British Museum didn’t last long.

4 Famous Cases of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a bad idea in any setting, but some of history’s most vaunted writers have been caught stealing.

The long-snouted fellow in the center is a very slithy tove.

‘Wug,’ ‘Gostak,’ and 8 Other Weird Old Nonce Words

Nonce words are only meant to serve one particular purpose—here are some of the best examples.

You've probably been within spitting distance of a nuclear warhead without even realizing it.

See How the U.S. Government Transports Its Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. government is constantly moving its nuclear weapons from one facility to another, which means you may have passed one on the highway without even realizing it.

The 100 Most Popular Baby Names From 100 Years Ago

The 1924 list of most popular baby names has a few (but not many) things in common with today's trends.

Elizabeth Fry, the 'Angel of Prisons'

Elizabeth Fry championed prison reform, particularly for women and children, in 19th-century England.

Why Is ‘February’ Spelled So Strangely?

Why is February spelled the way it is? Delve into the linguistic evolution of the month’s name and its journey from Latin to modern English.

Winston Churchill needed a good dentist.

For Sale: Winston Churchill’s Gold-Mounted Dentures

Plagued by oral issues, the British prime minister carried two sets of dentures with him at all times.

10 Facts You Should Know About Robert Burns and Burns Night

Robert Burns was voted the greatest Scot over iconic warrior William Wallace in a 2009 poll.

Is the call really coming from inside the house?

15 Origins of Urban Legends

From what inspired Candyman and the Mothman to the tales about alligators in the sewers and killers calling from inside the house, we're breaking down the origins of popular urban legends.

The birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas influenced the timing of Black History Month.

7 Facts About Black History Month

We celebrate Black History Month every February to recognize the amazing impact African American people have had on our culture. Read on for more about this tradition's origins.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 'The Sandpiper' (1965).

9 Unforgettable Breakup Letters From History

These famous couples (and some lesser famous ones) didn’t mince words in their breakup letters.

Why Was February Chosen to Celebrate Black History Month?

Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated in February—and it's because of two specific dates on the calendar.

He inspired a lot more than just Burns Night.

8 Things Named After Scottish Poet Robert Burns

Burns Night isn't the only thing named after Robert Burns. Streets, towns, and monuments throughout the world were christened in his honor.

Why Do We Call Them Bobby Pins?

There’s a surprisingly rich history at the root of this hair accessory.

An Edison phonograph exhibit with a talking doll in Paris, 1889.

Listen to Thomas Edison’s Eerie Talking Dolls Speak After More Than a Century of Silence

Modern technology has helped these dolls find their voices—and when they speak, it’s downright creepy.

Churchill knew how to tackle those midday slumps.

10 Famous Modern and Historical Nappers

Did you know that famous figures like Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí were avid nappers? Learn more about their unique napping habits and the benefits they experienced here.

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