HISTORY

Joyce Chen on the set of "Joyce Chen Cooks"

7 Facts About Joyce Chen, the TV Chef Who Introduced Americans to Chinese Cuisine

Through her restaurant, cookbook, and television show, Joyce Chen introduced many Americans to Chinese cuisine.

Nope, Rhode Island is definitely not part of New York.

1 Misconception About Each of the 50 States (and D.C.)

We debunk one myth about each state in the U.S., from the Rocky Mountain not-so-high of Colorado to New Mexico. That’s right, New Mexico.

Her reign was short, but her legacy is long.

The Lasting Legacy of Elizabeth Stuart, the ‘Winter Queen’ of Bohemia

The daughter of King James VI and I was Electress Palatine of the Rhine and Queen of Bohemia, and through her grandson, the founder of a new British ruling dynasty.

100 Facts About Gen X

If you've ever been called a "latchkey kid," this list of facts about Gen X is for you.

'Budgie Smugglers': A Scandalous History of Speedos

Speedos, the famously ultra-tight swimming attire, showed so much leg on the conservative beaches of Australia that men were arrested.

Johnny Cash (left) in 1969 and Elvis Presley in 1958.

Watch Johnny Cash Impersonate Elvis Presley For a 1959 Rendition of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley occasionally impersonated each other in concerts—here’s the proof.

This man is very much alive—as are misquotations of his famous statement.

Reports of Mark Twain’s Quote About His Own Death Are Greatly Exaggerated

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated” is a little exaggerated itself. Find out the real story behind this famous quote.

7 Dangerous and Deadly Toys From History

The toys on this list include "what were they thinking?" oddities—like a children's laboratory kit that included uranium—but also some seemingly innocuous recreational offerings.

7 Ships That Disappeared Without a Trace

The true fate of many of these ships will never be known, but speculation suggests that storms, piracy, mutiny, accidental bombing, and even the attack of a giant squid could be responsible for their vanishings.

From left: Gabriela Mistral, José Rizal, Anna Cooper.

6 Little-Known Writers of Color Who Transformed Their Countries

Though their contributions were immense, many aren’t well-known outside of their nations’ borders.

This little symbol has a fascinating history.

Where Did the Ampersand Symbol Come From?

From what an ampersand symbol is to where it came from, here's what you need to know about this little symbol's surprisingly long history.

10 Facts About Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terrier dogs—better known as Yorkies—have a lot of personality packed into their tiny bodies. Learn more about this energetic breed and its history.

The mob has been busy throughout history.

7 Businesses You Probably Didn’t Know Were Controlled By the Mob

To create inroads into other industries without drawing much attention to themselves, crime families found creative ways to launder money and rule where one might least expect.

Isamu Noguchi at the Noguchi Garden Museum in New York City.

8 Facts about Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was one of the most influential designers and sculptors of the 20th century.

Faking your own death isn't illegal, but it sure is controversial.

8 People Who Faked—or Might Have Faked—Their Own Deaths

Pseudocide only works if no one figures out your secret.

The longtime home of Princess Margaret of Denmark is going to auction.

Princess Margaret of Denmark's Historic French Fortress Is Going To Auction

If you've ever dreamed of living like royalty, now's your chance.

8 Ways Queen Victoria’s Coronation Was a Flop

Queen Victoria’s 1838 coronation featured a very small ring and a very big fall.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the day of her coronation, Buckingham Palace, 1953

Watch Queen Elizabeth II’s History-Making 1953 Coronation

On May 12, 1937, Princess Elizabeth—then just 11 years old—looked on as her father, King George VI, was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Little did she know that just 16 years later, she would be at the center of the exact same ceremony.

Henry VIII: A king who loved his apricots.

The Eclectic Favorite Foods of 6 British Royals

For hundreds of years, the British royal family has indulged their sweet tooths and love of a stiff drink.

13 Facts About Mount Fuji

Japan’s highest mountain is also one of its most iconic landmarks.

The St. Edward's Crown (left) and the Imperial State Crown.

Why Do British Monarchs Wear Two Crowns During Their Coronation?

King Charles III will only get to don the iconic St. Edward’s Crown for a moment—here’s why.

15 Things You Might Not Know About Michelangelo’s ‘David’

Few statues are as enduring and iconic as Michelangelo's 'David.' But while much of the world could sketch this majestic masterpiece from memory, few know the quirks and curiosities that went into its creation.

Colorized Video Transports Viewers to Victorian England

Some clever editing bring this archival footage into the present day.

War is hell. Sometimes, it's only for about an hour, though.

6 of the Shortest Wars in History

Some wars can take centuries. Others can take, oh, about 45 minutes.

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