PRESIDENTS

The Teddy Roosevelt-Inspired Roller Coaster That Killed 7 People at Coney Island

Between 1907 and 1915, Coney Island's Rough Rider-themed roller coaster killed seven people in two separate incidents.

"What I want to see before I die is a monument representing the negro, not couchant on his knees like a four-footed animal, but erect on his feet like a man," Frederick Douglass wrote in response to this memorial in 1876.

Newly Discovered Letter From Frederick Douglass Discusses the Need for Better Monuments

A monument in Washington D.C. depicts Abraham Lincoln standing tall beside a crouching Black man—here’s what Frederick Douglass had to say about it.

Do Politicians Need a Musician's Permission to Play One of Their Songs at a Campaign Event?

Plenty of musicians complain when a political candidate uses their work as part of a campaign event. How did they manage to play it in the first place?

History Vs. Bonus Episode: The Statue

In this special episode, we’re taking a look at the statue of Theodore Roosevelt outside the American Museum of Natural History: Its history, what the artists intended, and why it’s controversial today. Plus, we’ll revisit Roosevelt’s thinking on race and

Eugene Debs ran for President of the United States five times from 1900 through 1920.

Eugene V. Debs, the Five-Time Socialist Candidate for President Who Once Campaigned From Prison

Eugene Debs was a union leader, a Socialist, and a presidential candidate who ran for office from behind bars.

Jimmy Carter

Find out more about Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president and champion for human rights.

President George Bush consults with senior staff in the Presidential Emergency Operations Center after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

A Brief History of the White House Bunker

Pearl Harbor prompted the White House to build a bomb shelter, and 9/11 might have prompted the construction of another.

History Vs. Podcast Bonus Episode: TR vs. Houdini

Famed illusionist Harry Houdini might have been one of the only people to succeed in leaving Theodore Roosevelt truly dumbfounded.

That red ribbon is the literal "red tape" that we now use as an idiom to describe bureaucratic processes.

The Arlington National Cemetery Just Opened Its Time Capsule from 1915—See What’s Inside

The items from Woodrow Wilson’s century-old time capsule are on virtual display just in time for Memorial Day.

Why Is the White House White?

The White House looks lovely against the lush green lawn, but that’s not why it was originally painted white.

"You, there! Have you been vaccinated?" George Washington looks to be saying in this portrait.

One Vaccination, Under God: When George Washington Kept a Smallpox Epidemic From Costing Him the American Revolution

Smallpox vaccination was banned in America during the Revolutionary War, but George Washington was determined to protect his army no matter what.

History Vs. Bonus Episode: Theodore Roosevelt and the Round-Robin Letter Incident

Theodore Roosevelt has been in the news lately, thanks to a ship with a cargo of coronavirus and a leaked letter to the navy. But more than 100 years ago, TR—that ship's namesake—engaged in a controversial letter-writing campaign of his own, one that ince

History Vs. Bonus Episode: The Case of the Missing Colt .38

In 1990, Theodore Roosevelt's double-action revolver—the one he'd used during the Battle of San Juan Heights—was stolen from Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. It wouldn't come back to the museum for another 16 years.

Gracie Allen laughed her way to a presidential run in 1940.

How Gracie Allen and the Surprise Party Got 1940s America Excited to Vote

Although the stunt was obviously a joke, “Vote for Gracie” buttons popped up around the U.S. Harvard students pledged their support for Allen’s campaign.

The 17th-century Samuel de Champlain map of New France was stolen from the Boston Public Library.

18 Surprising Things Stolen From Libraries

From swords and skeletons to chairs and coins, here’s a roundup of the most unusual items thieves have stolen from libraries.

18 Surprising Things Stolen From Libraries

From swords and skeletons to chairs and coins, here’s a roundup of the most unusual items thieves have stolen from libraries.

Bill Clinton

From his many accomplishments, to his infamous impeachment, learn more about the life and presidency of Bill Clinton.

History Vs. Podcast Bonus Episode: Theodore Roosevelt vs. Bigfoot

In his 1893 book The Wilderness Hunter, TR wrote about what he called "a goblin story that really impressed" him. Mental Floss Science Editor Kat Long joins Erin to discuss "The Bauman Incident." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.co

An illustration of Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address from 1905.

8 Momentous Facts About Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Much longer than four score and seven years ago, Abraham Lincoln delivered the most famous two-minute speech in history.

History Vs. Bonus Episode: Epilogue - The Other Roosevelts

Between all of his writing, ranching, and governing, Theodore Roosevelt made time to maintain close relationships with his many family members—all of whom led vibrant, adventurous lives of their own, and also helped establish TR’s legacy. From sister Bami

The Sappy, Poignant, and Risqué Love Letters of 7 World Leaders

Richard Nixon was a romantic, Napoleon was a clinger, and Warren Harding turned out to be a smut peddler. Check out some of the fascinating love letters of seven world leaders.

Why the Iowa Caucus Comes First

The Iowa caucus doesn’t always predict the presidential nominee, but it’s been an important part of the process since the 1970s.

How Much Damage Does Marine One Cause to the White House Lawn When It Lands?

You might be surprised to learn that a few bent blades of grass are about the only damage that occurs when Marine One takes off and lands at the White House. But your ego could get bruised if you don't hold onto your hat—or any other garment that could go

When Theodore Roosevelt Refused Geronimo's Plea

The Apache leader Geronimo had just one request of President Theodore Roosevelt when they met in 1905, but it was a big one.

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