HISTORY

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.

A Handy Guide to Barbie’s Friends and Family

Who is Midge? Why did Barbie’s little sister Kelly disappear? Is Nikki actually Christie’s little sister?

The Interesting Etymologies of 71 Everyday Words

Here’s (at least) one interesting way station each of these common words made on its journey to the present day, whether it’s an analysis of the Latin roots, a hypothesis about a proto-Indo-European origin, or a pivotal change in meaning.

Students perform a dance during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

5 Facts About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May for more than 40 years, America has paid tribute to the vast cultural contributions of its Asian and Pacific Islander citizens. Here are a few fascinating facts about how Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month came to be.

The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair.

7 Facts About the Stone of Scone

The Stone of Scone—also called the Stone of Destiny—may look unassuming, but it’s had a long and colorful history, right up to the present day.

Facade of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: The Disneyland Ride That Kills You and Sends You to Hell

The end of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, which hits passengers with a train and sends them through the "jaws of hell," was approved by Walt Disney himself.

Never forget the last names of Henry VIII's wives or the order of the planets with these mnemonic sentences.

13 Mnemonic Sentences To Boost Your General Knowledge

“A Big Secret Conceals Her Past” will help you remember the names (and order) of Henry VIII's wives.

The Crown Jewels include more than just crowns.

11 Facts About the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

Many of the precious pieces date back hundreds of years and are immersed in history—as well as controversy.

Vermont has been home to a strange series of disappearances.

The Lost Girl of Vermont's 'Bennington Triangle'

In 1946, college student Paula Welden went for a hike on a local path known as the Long Trail. Her fate has become part of Vermont's folklore.

What's the Difference Between Ketchup and Catsup?

Tomato, tomahto.

The Reason British Royals Don’t Use a Last Name

They have one, but don't often use it.

12 Curious Facts About the Platypus

The first time scientists encountered a platypus specimen, they thought the animal was a hoax. Read on for a few more things you might not have known about this quirky creature.

Clockwise from top left: Prince Frederick Louis of Wales, Edward the Black Prince, Edward VII, Edward VIII, George IV.

5 Other Princes of Wales Who Waited a Long Time to Reign

King Charles III spent 70 years as the heir apparent. But some other long-waiting Princes of Wales never even made it to the throne.

Martin Couney with two of the premature "incubator babies" in his care.

Preemies on Parade: How a Fake Doctor's Coney Island Incubator Shows Ended Up Saving Thousands of Lives

For many premature babies in the early 20th century, their best chance at life involved being put on display on the Coney Island boardwalk.

The Cuyahoga River fire of 1952 was the worst of many on the polluted waterway. The 1969 fire was less destructive—but had a bigger impact on America.

How the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire Sparked the U.S. Environmental Movement

It wasn't surprising when an oil slick on the Cuyahoga River caught fire on the morning of June 22, 1969. It wasn’t even the first time it happened.

An (Almost) Comprehensive History of Rat Kings

Myth, hoax, or Mother Nature's freak accident? Here's the story of nearly every rat king ever discovered.

Not 'The Defender,' but we needed to show you something.

A Century-Old Experimental Submarine, 'The Defender,' Is Found 'Hiding in Plain Sight' in Long Island Sound

The peculiar sub had wheels and other innovative features.

Retro furniture from IKEA's Nytillverkad line.

IKEA Is Reviving Designs From Its Past in Celebration of Its 80th Anniversary

IKEA’s Nytillverkad line is inspired by vintage looks that should be familiar to long-time shoppers.

(Clockwise from yellow) Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.

Divorced, Beheaded, Died: A Guide to King Henry VIII’s 6 Wives

It would be easier to keep these not-so-merry wives of Tudor straight if half of them weren’t named Catherine.

A Brief History of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Weird, Wonderful Career

Yankovic’s bizarre brilliance in reimagining hit songs into parodies is one of the best parts of pop culture.

Adam Rainer, The Little Person Who Became a Literal Giant

Under 5 feet tall as an adult, Adam Rainer had the growth spurt to end all growth spurts.

9 Remote Islands and Towns You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

Some are more than a thousand miles from the nearest human civilization.

[4k, 60 fps] A Trip Through New York City in 1911

This Stunning 4K Video Shows What New York City Looked Like in 1911

The city that never sleeps had a lot more hats and a lot less traffic in the early 20th century.

When Queen Victoria Employed an Official Rat-Catcher

The story of Jack Black, the eccentric “rat and mole destroyer to her majesty.”

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