Disaster, Rebirth, and the Cost of Heroes
A story of a hero is therapy for a society. But the cost for the heroes themselves is great… sometimes too great.
How Napoleon’s Ego (and the British Navy) Ruined His War on Egypt
Napoleon was a brilliant general. However, even the most brilliant leaders risk failure and destruction if they fail to keep their enormous egos in check. Here’s how Napoleon’s war in Egypt collapsed.
Earth Dragon Trembled: San Francisco’s Chinatown and the Great Earthquake of 1906
The Great Earthquake of 1906 destroyed San Francisco. The rebuilding offered the city and its iconic Chinatown the chance to undo some mistakes.
Draining the Swamp: How Washington, D.C. Grew from Backwater to Major City
When it came to building Washington, D.C., “drain the swamp” was a very literal phrase. How did this capital city rise from the surrounding wetlands?
When Teddy Roosevelt Explored the Bigfoot Legend
Theodore Roosevelt not only loved hiking, camping, and shooting big animals, but also writing about those experiences. However, hearing about Bigfoot seems to have spooked him.
Who’s Actually Buried in John Dillinger’s Grave?
Bank robber John Dillinger died on July 22, 1934. Except a small, dedicated group of people thinks he actually managed to elude death.
How the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 Birthed a Modern City
The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 was a horrific disaster that burned the city to its foundations. But something better rose in its place.
HMS Terror: Why a 175-Year-Old Arctic Mystery Grips Our Imagination Today
It’s one of the biggest mysteries in history: What happened to two British ships that sailed into the Arctic 175 years ago, never to be seen again?
How Infamous Gangsters Bonnie and Clyde Helped Invent Celebrity Culture
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were infamous gangsters who accidentally helped invent modern celebrity culture, thanks to their use of a camera.
What the New England Vampire ‘Panic’ Teaches Us About Human Freak-outs
Vampires are a pop culture staple. However, there was a time not too long ago when some Americans thought they were real.