HISTORY

What’s the Origin of the Jack-O’-Lantern?

The first jack-o'-lanterns were made with turnips, not pumpkins.

Washington Irving, the Knicks' biggest fan.

The Disappearance of Diedrich Knickerbocker: How Washington Irving’s Clever Hoax Named the New York Knicks

‘Knickerbocker’ has many meanings. Without Washington Irving, it would likely only have one.

‘The Universe in 100 Colors: Weird and Wondrous Colors from Science and Nature’ (Sasquatch Books).

10 Historical Pigments—and Their Surprising Origins—from ‘The Universe in 100 Colors’

In their new book, Tyler Thrasher and Terry Mudge explore the origins of colors found rocks, animals, plants, and even space—including these 10 historical pigments with surprising histories.

‘B Dubs’: 10 Slang Terms for Popular Brand Names

Shoppers have been referring to Target as ‘tar-jay’ for over 60 years.

A Los Angeles high school turned out to be a hotbed for fossils.

Millions of Marine Fossils Discovered Beneath Los Angeles High School

Millions of fossils, from shells to the largest known shark species, were unearthed beneath San Pedro High School.

President Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest U.S. president.

Who Are the Youngest Presidents Ever Elected?

Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton are among the youngest U.S. presidents.

The crescent wrench has helped DIYers for decades.

Why Is It Called a “Crescent Wrench”?

A Swedish immigrant changed the face of wrenches forever.

7 Supposedly Haunted Artworks

From a weeping statue to painting that moves on its own, the stories behind these supposedly haunted pieces of art are downright spooky.

Members of Earth, Wind & Fire performing in 1978.

Do You Remember? 12 Memorable Events That Happened on September 21—the Internet’s Favorite Day of the Year

“Do you remember the 21st night of September?” Earth, Wind & Fire first asked the question in 1978. And in the years since, the date has taken on new meaning online.

The first horror film was already using a castle as the setting.

Watch the World’s First Horror Movie From 1896

'Le Manoir du Diable' has some pretty sweet special effects for the 19th century.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #8

This riddle from the book ‘Wit Newly Revived’ dates back to the 18th century—can you figure it out?

How David Bowie Helped Pave the Way For the Download Age

The groundbreaking artist made history in 1999 with his album ‘Hours’ when he sold it as an internet download before it hit stores: “Mark my words … we are not going back to record companies and through shops.”

10 Fascinating Facts About Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’

Hawthorne’s most famous novel—a mainstay on high school reading lists—has been the subject of some interesting myths and misconceptions.

Why Does Grover Cleveland Count as Two Presidents?

Historians suggest that while Grover Cleveland was but one person, he was actually two presidents thanks to his nonconsecutive terms.

Portraits of John Quincy Adams (left) and Andrew Jackson (right)

The Time Andrew Jackson Won the Vote But Lost the Presidency

In 1824, Jackson both won the popular vote and got the most votes in the electoral college, but lost the election anyway.

Peter’s poor wife did not have a good time.

The History—and Surprisingly Dark Theories—Behind ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’

‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ may not be the most kid-friendly nursery rhyme, as several interpretations of it involve murder.

People found the devil in some very unlikely places.

The Devil Made Them Do It: 8 Examples of Satanic Panic in the ‘80s

In the 1980s, media hysteria saw demonic undertones in everything from ‘Mister Ed’ to Pampers diapers.

Victoria Claflin Woodhull led a very interesting life.

The First Woman to Run For President Was a Spiritualist, Wall Street Broker, and Free-Love Advocate

Long before Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris launched their presidential campaigns, Victoria Claflin Woodhull ran as a third party candidate in the 1872 election.

‘Le Lyonnais’ (not pictured above) has been discovered after nearly 200 years.

‘Le Lyonnais,' a Long-Lost French Steamship, Has Been Discovered Off the Massachusetts Coast

The French vessel was the victim of a maritime hit and run.

These days, we use ‘GOP’ to refer to Republicans—but that wasn’t always the case.

What Does ‘GOP’ Stand For?

What ‘GOP’ means isn’t complicated—but its history is.

The signed archetype of the U.S. Constitution now up for auction.

Ultra-Rare Copy of the U.S. Constitution, Found in a Filing Cabinet, Heads to Auction

Bidding on the signed Constitution copy starts at $1 million—but it will likely sell for much, much more.

Nuclear Bunker, Land Lying To The East Of Longridge Lane SK17 8AE

Take a Virtual Tour of a Post-WWII Bunker Up for Sale in England

Now is your chance to own an important part of British history.

How the Bootleg Nintendo System ‘Dendy’ Took Over 1990s Russia

In the '90s, Russian kids coveted unauthorized Nintendo systems with an elephant mascot named Dendy.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #7

This riddle dates back to the 19th century—can you figure it out?

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