How did underground tunnels shape Washington DC’s history. What color was the Statue of Liberty originally. Why was a secret bunker built during the Cold War. Discover these and other fascinating facts about USA history.

The Secret Underground World of Washington DC

Beneath the bustling streets of Washington DC lies a hidden network of tunnels with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. These subterranean passages have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s capital and have been used by presidents, politicians, and government officials for over a hundred years.

Origins of the DC Tunnels

The tunnels’ origins can be traced back to the 1800s when they were initially constructed as part of the Washington City Canal project. This ambitious undertaking aimed to connect the Potomac River directly to the capital, facilitating the transportation of goods. While the canal project ultimately failed, sections of these massive tunnels remain intact to this day, serving as a testament to early American engineering and urban planning.

Civil War Era Utilization

During the tumultuous years of the Civil War, the tunnels beneath Capitol Hill found a new purpose. They were repurposed as an underground railway system, providing a discreet means of transportation for politicians and officials. Additionally, these subterranean spaces served as temporary housing for those seeking shelter from the conflict raging above ground.

• Underground railway system for politicians
• Temporary housing during the Civil War
• Discreet transportation network

The Capitol Subway System

How did a tragic accident lead to the development of an underground transportation system for politicians? In 1907, a Congressman was killed in a traffic accident on Constitution Avenue. This incident prompted politicians to push for the construction of an underground passageway connecting office buildings to the Capitol. Shortly after, the first sections of the Capitol Subway System were built, revolutionizing the way officials moved around the complex.

Initially, this secret trolley system boasted its own dedicated subway cars, designed to swiftly transport politicians and officials. As technology advanced, these little trains were replaced with more modern electric cars in the 1960s, ensuring the system remained efficient and up-to-date.

Cold War Preparations: The Greenbrier Bunker

During the tense years of the Cold War, the United States government took extraordinary measures to ensure continuity of government in the event of a nuclear attack. One of the most remarkable examples of these preparations was the construction of a massive underground bunker beneath the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

Features of the Secret Bunker

What made the Greenbrier bunker so unique? This top-secret facility was designed to house the entire United States Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. Buried 720 feet into a mountain, the shelter was a marvel of engineering and preparedness:

• Self-contained power plant
• Water storage facilities
• Fully equipped medical facilities
• Decontamination chambers
• Communication equipment

The bunker remained a closely guarded secret until 1992 when the Washington Post exposed its existence. This revelation marked the end of its operational status, but it remains a fascinating piece of Cold War history.

The Modern Underground Network of the Capitol Complex

Today, the underground world of Washington DC continues to play a vital role in the functioning of the government. A complex network of tunnels connects the various office buildings of the Capitol Complex, allowing for efficient and secure movement of officials and staff.

Post-9/11 Security Enhancements

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, significant security upgrades were implemented to protect this underground world. These enhancements included:

• Installation of bomb-proof doors
• Enhanced security checkpoints
• Improved surveillance systems
• Restricted access protocols

These measures ensure that the underground network remains a safe and secure means of transportation for government officials and staff.

Presidential Use of the Tunnels

Throughout history, various presidents have utilized the underground tunnels for different purposes, ranging from official duties to personal recreation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Discreet Travel

How did President Franklin D. Roosevelt navigate the tunnels despite his physical limitations? An electric lift was installed to allow FDR, who was paralyzed from the waist down due to polio, to access the underground passageways. This enabled him to move discreetly between buildings without drawing attention to his condition.

Harry Truman’s Underground Strolls

President Harry Truman, known for his love of walking, found solace in the quiet tunnels beneath the White House. He would often take strolls through these passageways, using them as a peaceful retreat from the pressures of the presidency.

Presidential Recreation

The tunnels also served a more lighthearted purpose for some presidents. It was not uncommon for commanders-in-chief to sneak into the underground passages to access the White House pool between meetings, allowing them to enjoy a quick swim without being seen outside.

The Statue of Liberty’s Colorful History

While the Statue of Liberty is now instantly recognizable by its iconic green hue, few people know that this wasn’t always the case. The statue’s appearance has undergone significant changes since its conception, reflecting both artistic vision and natural processes.

Original Design and Color

What was the initial vision for the Statue of Liberty? The statue was originally conceived with a design inspired by an Egyptian peasant woman and was intended to have a bronze finish. However, as the project evolved, sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi reimagined the statue as the Roman goddess Libertas.

Despite this change in design, the statue’s color remained a dark brownish-red due to its copper construction. This rich, earthy tone would have presented a striking contrast to the blue sky and waters surrounding Liberty Island.

The Greening Process

How did the Statue of Liberty acquire its famous green color? The transformation began almost immediately after the statue’s unveiling in 1886. As the copper exterior was exposed to the elements, a natural process of oxidation began to occur.

This chemical reaction, often referred to as patination, gradually changed the statue’s appearance:

1. Within 20 years, the statue had developed a light green hue
2. By 1920, the statue had taken on a blue-green color
3. The full green patina was established by 1930

This natural aging process has become an integral part of the Statue of Liberty’s iconic appearance, symbolizing not only freedom but also the passage of time and the enduring nature of American ideals.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Throughout its history, the Statue of Liberty has undergone several restoration projects to ensure its preservation for future generations.

The 1901-1902 Restoration

In the early 20th century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook a massive restoration project on Lady Liberty. This effort focused on addressing structural issues and ensuring the statue’s stability. However, it’s worth noting that no attempts were made to alter or restore the statue’s changing color, as the patination process was already well underway.

The Centennial Restoration

As the statue approached its 100th anniversary, a comprehensive restoration project was launched in 1984. This ambitious undertaking included:

• Replacing the torch with an exact replica
• Strengthening the internal structure
• Cleaning and repairing the copper skin
• Improving accessibility features

Completed in 1986, this project ensured that the Statue of Liberty would continue to stand as a symbol of freedom and democracy for generations to come.

Lesser-Known Facts About American History

Beyond the hidden tunnels of Washington DC and the color changes of the Statue of Liberty, American history is filled with fascinating, lesser-known facts that provide insight into the nation’s development and character.

The Presidency of John Hanson

Who was the first president of the United States? While most would answer George Washington, some historians argue that John Hanson should hold this title. Hanson was elected as the “President of the United States in Congress Assembled” under the Articles of Confederation in 1781, predating Washington’s presidency by eight years. While his role was significantly different from that of modern presidents, Hanson’s contribution to early American governance is often overlooked.

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

In one of the strangest disasters in American history, a large molasses storage tank burst in Boston in 1919, sending a wave of molasses rushing through the streets at speeds of up to 35 mph. This bizarre incident resulted in 21 deaths and extensive property damage, forever changing the North End neighborhood and leaving a lasting impact on local lore.

The Lost Colony of Roanoke

What happened to the settlers of Roanoke? This enduring mystery of early American history continues to fascinate scholars and the public alike. In 1587, a group of English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. When supply ships returned three years later, they found the settlement abandoned with no trace of the colonists. The only clue was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a fence post. Despite numerous theories and investigations, the fate of the Roanoke colonists remains unknown to this day.

These lesser-known facts and events provide a more nuanced understanding of American history, highlighting the complexity and diversity of experiences that have shaped the nation. From hidden tunnels to mysterious disappearances, the United States’ past is filled with captivating stories waiting to be discovered and explored.

Howdy friends! Did you know that beneath the streets of our nation’s capital lies a secret subterranean world? I’m talking about the little-known tunnels underneath Washington DC that have been used by Presidents and government officials for over a century. Pretty wild right? I stumbled upon this bizarre piece of American history a while back and just had to share some of the craziest facts and stories about these hidden passageways.

The Secret Washington DC Tunnels Used by Presidents

Here are 15 fascinating tidbits to acquaint you with the hidden tunnels of DC:

1. The tunnels were originally built in the 1800s as part of the Washington City Canal project, intended to bring goods directly into the capital via the Potomac River. Sections of the massive tunnels still remain today.
2. During the Civil War, the tunnels beneath Capitol Hill were used as an underground railway system and temporary housing for politicians. Too cool!
3. After a traffic accident on Constitution Avenue killed a Congressman in 1907, politicians pressured for an underground passageway between office buildings and the Capitol. The first sections of the Capitol Subway System were built shortly after.
4. This secret trolley system originally had its own dedicated subway cars to whisk politicians and officials around. The little trains were replaced with electric cars in the 1960s.
5. During the Cold War, a massive underground bunker was built below the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia to house Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. Buried 720 feet into a mountain, the shelter had its own power plant, water storage, and medical facilities. It remained top secret until the Washington Post exposed it in 1992.
6. There is a complex underground tunnel network connecting the office buildings of the Capitol Complex. Cars whiz under the National Mall through these roads.
7. After 9/11, new security measures were added to protect this underground world, including bomb-proof doors and checkpoints.
8. Contrary to popular myth, there is no established tunnel between the Capitol and the White House. However, there are underground pathways connecting nearby buildings.
9. During the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama, the President and his wife Michelle used the tunnels to make their way to the lunch at the Capitol following his swearing-in ceremony.
10. A mile-long concealed tunnel was built under Pennsylvania Avenue in 1941 so that dignitaries could safely travel between the Treasury Building and the White House.
11. President Franklin Roosevelt used an electric lift to access the tunnels. This allowed him to discretely travel as his polio prevented him from walking long distances.
12. Harry Truman took strolls through the White House tunnels during his presidency. An avid walker, he found refuge in the quiet below ground.
13. Presidents would sneak into the tunnels to grab a swim in the White House pool between meetings when they didn’t want to be seen outside.
14. Agents transported President Kennedy’s casket from Air Force One through underground passageways after his assassination.
15. When White House intruder Robert Latta discovered the tunnels below the North Portico in 1994, he wandered around for hours before being apprehended by agents.

Well howdy, those are some eye-opening facts! Who knew such a maze of hidden pathways lay beneath the heart of American politics? The tunnels prove that the truth is often stranger than fiction. I wonder what other fascinating secrets are concealed around DC and beyond. Our nation sure has an intriguing history if you peek beneath the surface. Hopefully y’all found these historic tidbits as riveting as I did! Let me know if you dig up any other crazy stories from America’s past. Happy tunneling, friends!

Well hey there folks! Did you know that Lady Liberty wasn’t always the green goddess we know today? I recently stumbled upon some fascinatin’ facts about how the Statue of Liberty was once a totally different color. Keep readin’ for some illuminatin’ history!

How the Statue of Liberty Was Once a Different Color

Here are 15 eye-openin’ tidbits about the colors of Lady Liberty through the years:

1. The statue was gifted to the United States by France, and was originally conceived with an Egyptian peasant woman design and colored in a bronze finish.
2. When the sculptor Bartholdi changed his plans to the Roman goddess Libertas, the statue’s design evolved but it remained dark brownish-red due to its copper construction.
3. By the time of its unveiling in 1886, the statue had already begun oxidizing and turning greenish in hue before the eyes of New Yorkers.
4. In 1901-1902 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook a massive restoration project on Lady Liberty. The statue was restored to its original copper and given a coating to prevent further corrosion.
5. For over two decades the statue shone bright copper brown again, a shocking sight for modern Americans used to the iconic green lady.
6. However, the anti-corrosive treatment began failing by the mid 1920s and the statue once again took on aquamarine oxidized tones.
7. When new restoration efforts began in the 1980s, experts considered coating it in paint for historical accuracy. However they decided to let the landmark continue naturally oxidizing as the public was accustomed to the patina green.
8. Some visible original copper sections remain inside the statue and torch, offering a glimpse of how vivid it once looked.
9. The Statue of Liberty hasn’t been pure copper since its first few years; it developed its famous verdigris green patina between the 1880s and 1920s.
10. This shifting color due to oxidization illustrates the effects of time and contrasts nicely with Lady Liberty’s enduring symbolism.
11. Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower, contributed internal structural elements for the statue that remain copper red.
12. Movies and media often inaccurately portray Lady Liberty as solid green, not accounting for her multi-colored history.
13. The oxidized patinated coating acts as a natural protective barrier against corrosion, helping preserve the copper structure.
14. While many prefer the iconic green, seeing early color photographs of the statue can be shocking and a reminder of the passage of time.
15. Some small-scale replicas retain a coppery hue to reflect the statue’s original appearance after construction in France.

Well dip me in honey and call it a day, I had no idea the Statue of Liberty went through such a curious color transformation! It just goes to show how even iconic monuments evolve over time. I hope y’all found this little history lesson as fascinatin’ as I did. Let me know if you have any other surprising facts about American icons and symbols. I’m always itchin’ to learn new tidbits about our nation’s past. See y’all later and remember to tip your hat to Lady Liberty next time you’re in New York City!

Well howdy folks! Did you know that Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy had some downright eerie coincidences between them? I stumbled upon this piece of American history trivia recently and just had to share some of the uncanny connections between these two iconic leaders.

The Strange Coincidences of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy

Here are 15 peculiar parallels between Honest Abe and JFK:

1. Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.
2. Lincoln was elected President in 1860. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
3. Both defeated an incumbent Vice President in their presidential races.
4. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights and African Americans.
5. Both Presidents’ wives lost children through death while living in the White House.
6. Both were assassinated on a Friday, in the presence of their wives.
7. Each assassination involved a lethal gunshot wound to the head.
8. Lincoln was killed in Ford’s Theatre. Kennedy met with the members of the Lincoln Ford’s Theatre Commission.
9. Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson – Andrew Johnson and Lyndon B. Johnson.
10. Andrew Johnson was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908.
11. John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald was born in 1939.
12. Booth and Oswald were both Southerners who favored unpopular ideas.
13. Both assassins were murdered before they could be brought to trial.
14. Lincoln and Kennedy each have seven letters in their last name.
15. They were elected exactly one hundred years apart.

Well dip me in maple syrup and call it breakfast, those connections gave me goosebumps! I had no idea Lincoln and Kennedy had so many weirdly precise things in common. It makes you wonder if history repeated itself somehow. I hope y’all found these bizarre coincidences as riveting as I did. Let me know if you dig up any other uncanny facts about our nation’s past leaders. I just love learning new tidbits about American history. See y’all later and stay curious, folks!

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony

The mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony in the late 16th century is one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries in American history. In 1587, about 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of modern-day North Carolina, to establish the first permanent English settlement in America. The governor of the colony, John White, sailed back to England for supplies. When he returned in 1590, the settlement was completely deserted. The only clue was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a tree.

There are many theories about what happened to the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke. Some believe the colonists tried to sail back to England and were lost at sea. Others think they were killed by Native American tribes or succumbed to disease or starvation. One far-fetched idea is that the colonists assimilated with a local tribe and lived with them. But with no conclusive evidence, it remains one of history’s most tantalizing mysteries.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

The Horrific Andersonville Prison Camp

During the Civil War, Andersonville prison camp in Georgia was one of the most notorious POW camps run by the Confederacy. Packed beyond capacity, starved, and lacking adequate shelter, nearly 13,000 Union prisoners died there – a mortality rate of 29 percent. Corpses were buried shoulder-to-shoulder in mass graves. The deplorable conditions were a humanitarian crisis but emblematic of the overall carnage of the Civil War. Photos of Andersonville’s emancipated prisoners, who resembled living skeletons, shocked the nation. The camp commandant Henry Wirz was later executed for war crimes, the only American so sentenced for Civil War acts.

The Devastating Galveston Hurricane of 1900

In September 1900, a monstrous hurricane roared ashore at Galveston, Texas, then the largest city in the state. Massive storm surges flooded the entire island city with up to 15 feet of water. Strong winds tore buildings apart. When the storm passed, over 8,000 people had died, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The hurricane and subsequent flooding completely destroyed Galveston’s infrastructure. Within weeks, a new seawall was begun to protect the city from future storms. The devastating Galveston Hurricane profoundly impacted efforts to understand and predict hurricanes, and remains a tragic testament to the power of natural disasters.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

When Philadelphia Was Once the Nation’s Capital

Today, Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. But many people don’t realize that in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Philadelphia was the major center of American politics and culture. From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the U.S. under the Constitution. It was in Philadelphia that George Washington was inaugurated as the first president and the Bill of Rights was drafted.

At the time, Philadelphia was the largest and most strategically located American city. It was centrally positioned along the Atlantic seaboard, making it an ideal compromise between Northern and Southern states. The city already had important federal buildings like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence had been signed. Philadelphia was also an international port and a hub for business and culture.

During Philadelphia’s tenure as the young nation’s capital, the city hosted an influx of politicians, lobbyists, and civil servants. New buildings like the President’s House and Congress Hall were constructed. Debates raged between Hamilton’s Federalists and Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans. Philadelphia became a political hotbed where deals were made and alliances formed. Though Washington D.C. eventually took its place, for a decade Philadelphia was the epicenter of American democracy.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

The Horrific Andersonville Prison Camp

During the Civil War, Andersonville prison camp in Georgia was one of the most notorious POW camps run by the Confederacy. Packed beyond capacity, starved, and lacking adequate shelter, nearly 13,000 Union prisoners died there – a mortality rate of 29 percent. Corpses were buried shoulder-to-shoulder in mass graves. The deplorable conditions were a humanitarian crisis but emblematic of the overall carnage of the Civil War. Photos of Andersonville’s emancipated prisoners, who resembled living skeletons, shocked the nation. The camp commandant Henry Wirz was later executed for war crimes, the only American so sentenced for Civil War acts.

The Devastating Galveston Hurricane of 1900

In September 1900, a monstrous hurricane roared ashore at Galveston, Texas, then the largest city in the state. Massive storm surges flooded the entire island city with up to 15 feet of water. Strong winds tore buildings apart. When the storm passed, over 8,000 people had died, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The hurricane and subsequent flooding completely destroyed Galveston’s infrastructure. Within weeks, a new seawall was begun to protect the city from future storms. The devastating Galveston Hurricane profoundly impacted efforts to understand and predict hurricanes, and remains a tragic testament to the power of natural disasters.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

The Teapot Dome Scandal of the 1920s

In the 1920s, the Teapot Dome Scandal shook public trust in the Harding administration and stands as one of the worst political scandals in U.S. history. It involved secret leasing of Navy oil reserves in Wyoming to private oil companies in exchange for bribes and payoffs. The scandal got its name from Teapot Dome, one of the oil fields involved.

In 1921, Interior Secretary Albert Fall secretly leased the Navy’s reserves to oilmen Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny without competitive bidding. Fall received huge cash gifts, no-interest loans, and livestock from the oil tycoons. When the shady deal was exposed, Fall became the first Cabinet member to go to prison for crimes committed in office. The scandal showed the rampant corruption that ran through the Harding presidency.

The Teapot Dome revelations outraged Americans and helped pressure Harding’s successors to clean up graft in the federal government. It led to Senate hearings, lawsuits, Supreme Court cases, and prison terms for those involved. Although not well remembered today, the illegal profiteering of the Teapot Dome Affair was a defining scandal of the early 20th century.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

Hoover’s FBI Surveillance of Civil Rights Leaders

Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under J. Edgar Hoover is notorious for spying on and trying to discredit civil rights leaders. Hoover’s FBI monitored and harassed figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and other activists. Tactics included wiretaps, hidden microphones, photographic surveillance, and the use of informants to infiltrate their inner circles.

Starting in the 1950s, the FBI targeted civil rights groups like the NAACP and SCLC as supposed communist threats. Agents tracked King’s every move, recording his extramarital affairs and other personal details. The FBI sent King an anonymous blackmail letter urging him to commit suicide. Malcolm X was monitored extensively during his travels in Africa and the Middle East. Black activists faced ongoing interference and intimidation from the FBI.

Hoover’s invasive surveillance aimed to damage the reputations of civil rights leaders and disrupt their movements. The overreach of power was an abuse of federal law enforcement, infringing on citizens’ rights. It reflected Hoover’s own racism and paranoia about activists supposedly being Soviet pawns. The shadowy surveillance apparatus exemplified the government oppression that the civil rights movement struggled against.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

The Deadly Influenza Outbreak of 1918

One of the most devastating events in American history was the influenza pandemic of 1918, which infected one-third of the global population and killed over 675,000 people in the United States alone. The extremely virulent strain of flu arrived in America in early 1918, as World War I continued raging in Europe. It spread rapidly, eventually sweeping around the world in several deadly waves.

With so many young men fighting overseas, cities and towns struggled to handle the effects as influenza overwhelmed hospitals. Victims often died within days due to acute pneumonia complications. Makeshift morgues and mass graves tried to keep up with the staggering number of fatalities. Shortages of doctors, nurses, and other resources made treating the infected difficult. The flu decimated entire families and communities.

The 1918 influenza outbreak was unusually severe for its time, striking down those in their prime more readily than the very old and very young. Its high mortality rate shook American society. It also demonstrated the challenges of handling highly contagious diseases before modern medicine and public health systems. The pandemic faded in 1919 but remains one of the worst public health crises in history.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

The 18th Century Whiskey Rebellion

In the early 1790s, tensions erupted over an excise tax on whiskey, leading to a revolt known as the Whiskey Rebellion. This lesser-known episode revealed divisions in the young United States over taxation and government power.

In 1791, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton introduced a controversial whiskey tax to help pay down debts from the Revolutionary War. Frontier farmers who distilled whiskey as a profitable rye crop were outraged at the tax. Protests against tax collectors spread through western Pennsylvania, turning violent. In 1794, an armed mob attacked a tax inspector’s home, tarring and feathering him.

President Washington dispatched 13,000 militia troops to quell the rebellion, demonstrating federal power to enforce laws. Troops arrested dozens of rebels, though no one was killed in the minimal fighting. Most rebels fled into the mountains to escape arrest. A few ring leaders were tried for treason but later pardoned by Washington. The unpopular whiskey tax was repealed after Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800.

The Whiskey Rebellion was a dramatic flexing of federal muscle, as Washington asserted national sovereignty over state and local dissenters. It proved the young nation could maintain law and order within its borders. But it also showed early fissures between eastern and western regions that presaged regional tensions for decades to come.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

When the White House Was Burned Down in 1814

Today, the White House stands as an iconic symbol of the American presidency and democracy. But few know that the original White House was actually burned down by invading British forces during the War of 1812. This largely forgotten event reveals an early vulnerability in the young nation.

In August 1814, British troops marched on Washington D.C. as part of a wider attack along the East Coast. After routing American militia, the British invaded and torched the capital city as retaliation for earlier American raids in Canada. British forces set fire to the Capitol building, the Library of Congress, and other sites.

The partially constructed White House was also burned, leaving only its exterior stone walls standing. The mansion’s interior was destroyed, including furniture and decor. Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, famously rescued a portrait of George Washington before fleeing just ahead of the invaders.

The burning of Washington was a national humiliation, showing the weakness of America’s defenses prior to developing a standing army. The White House was quickly rebuilt and expanded after the war ended in 1815. The scorched White House stands as a reminder that even America’s most hallowed sites are not immune to the ravages of war.

The Secret Role of Women in the American Revolution

We often think of the American Revolution as an event dominated by famous male leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. But women played crucial, often overlooked roles in winning America’s independence. Many women were spies, providing important intelligence to the Continental Army. Some posed as men to secretly enlist as soldiers. Women also served as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses and saboteurs. Prominent women like Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men so they could fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, ordinary women maintained farms and businesses alone as their husbands fought. The “Daughters of Liberty” made homespun cloth to replace costly British textiles. Women’s hard work and sacrifices were vital to the success of the Revolution.

Lewis and Clark’s Enslaved Guide York

When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition across North America, they were accompanied by York, an enslaved African-American man owned by Clark. York was an integral member of the exploration party, hunting, scouting, and connecting with Native American tribes. He likely had knowledge of frontier survival skills that aided the journey. Some Native Americans were intrigued by York, as they had never seen a black man before. Yet York received no pay and was still considered Clark’s property. After returning from the expedition, he was not granted his freedom as had been promised. York’s overlooked contributions exemplify the underappreciated roles that enslaved people played in expanding and developing the country.

America’s Forgotten Swedish Colony

Today, tiny Swedesboro, New Jersey is the only remnant of the American colony of New Sweden, which the Swedes controlled in the early 1600s. At its peak, New Sweden consisted of parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with about 600 colonists. The colony introduced log cabins and other Swedish building techniques still used in America today. Ironically, while the New Sweden colonists generally had good relations with Native Americans, they also brought the first African slaves to what would become the United States. New Sweden highlights the diverse colonial origins of America, shaped not just by the English.

These and many other lesser known events reveal sides of American history that are often overlooked. From mysterious disappearances to unsung heroes, disasters to colonies forgotten by time, they show that there is still much to learn about how the past shaped this country into what it is today.

The history of the United States is filled with well-known events and figures, from the American Revolution to the Civil War. However, there are also many intriguing, lesser known moments and stories that have shaped the nation we know today. Here are 15 fascinating facts about the USA’s past that you may not have learned about:

The Scandalous XYZ Affair and Quasi-War with France

In the late 1790s, tensions escalated between the young United States and revolutionary France, leading to an undeclared naval war called the Quasi-War. This conflict grew out of the XYZ Affair, in which French agents demanded bribes and loans from American diplomats before negotiations could even begin over grievances between the two nations. The Americans refused, news of the scandal broke, and public outrage fueled anti-French sentiment. While full-scale war was avoided, the Quasi-War saw numerous naval battles in the Caribbean before ending in 1800.

The Time the White House Was Painted Lime Green

In 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops marched on Washington, D.C. and burned numerous buildings, including the White House. When the exterior was reconstructed, whitewash mixed with glue was painted on to seal and protect the stone. This mixture dried into a very pale green shade, leading people to dub the presidential mansion the “White House Green.” It remained this color for a few decades before being restored to a glossy white finish in 1837.

When the Senate Had a Secret Session That Lasted Over Two Years

From February 17, 1825 to March 15, 1827, the United States Senate met behind closed doors for its longest secret session ever. This clandestine meeting was held to debate sensitive negotiations about a treaty with Great Britain regarding the Oregon Territory. Senators were sworn to secrecy, the chambers were locked and cleared of all staff, and the only record comes from a few senators’ personal journals. The Senate would not regularly open its sessions to the public until 1794.

The Forgotten 3rd National Anthem

“Hail, Columbia” was considered an unofficial national anthem in the 19th century before being eclipsed by “The Star-Spangled Banner.” First composed for George Washington’s inauguration in 1789 with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson, it was the anthem played when the president made a public appearance. Many musical scholars argue that “Hail, Columbia” was the de facto national anthem for almost a century before Francis Scott Key’s famous song took over.

When the Capital Moved to Pennsylvania for a Day

On September 27, 1776, just a few months after independence was declared, the Continental Congress convened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania rather than Philadelphia because the latter city was at risk of British occupation. This one day relocation to Lancaster marked the only time the United States capital has been anywhere other than Philadelphia, New York City, or Washington, D.C. There is even a plaque in Lancaster today that commemorates “The Day the Capital Moved to Lancaster.”

The President Who Probably Had Autism

Although never formally diagnosed, some historians believe our second president, John Adams, displayed signs of high-functioning autism. He had trouble connecting emotionally, disliked being touched, exhibited awkward body language, and had sensitivities to sound and light. However, his intense focus, adherence to routine, extensive memory, and blunt honesty also aligned with traits often seen in those on the autism spectrum.

When Congress Literally Declared War on Birds

In the late 19th century, Acadian parakeets were considered agricultural pests for raiding orchards and grain fields. So in 1900, Congress passed the Lacey Act, which declared the “destruction of the eggs and nests of … the English sparrow, the starling, and the parakeet” to be legal and encouraged. The Acadian parakeet was driven to extinction by 1918, though the House sparrow and European starling remain ubiquitous across the U.S.

The President Who Regularly Skinny Dipped in the Potomac

John Quincy Adams followed a strict daily routine that included mounting his horse at 4 a.m. and riding five miles while naked. He continued this ritual during his presidency, except he swam naked in the Potomac River instead. One woman wrote of stumbling upon Adams, saying she “turned my horse quickly, and went home by the nearest way, in order to escape the sight of the President of the United States in a state of nudity.”

When the White House Had a Pet Racoon

While president from 1921 to 1923, Warren G. Harding and his wife had several unusual pets at the White House, including an Airedale terrier named Laddie Boy and a raccoon named Rebecca. This racoon would sit on Harding’s shoulder while he worked at his desk, attend White House events, and freely wander around. As one senator described it, Rebecca “was always stealing silks and ribbons from the dressing tables of the ladies.”

The Forgotten Female Founding Father

While the Founding Fathers such as Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin are renowned, far less is popularly known about Founding Mother Mercy Otis Warren. A prolific writer and political activist, she wrote anti-British plays and pamphlets that attacked Loyalists and King George III. She also wrote a three volume History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution that recorded early events and influenced the political philosophy of the emerging nation.

When FDR Had a Secret Race Car Driver

As an avid car enthusiast confined to a wheelchair, President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned a series of Ford convertibles with elaborate modifications that allowed him to drive using only hand controls. To keep his condition hidden from the public, Secret Service agent Joe E. Hoover would don disguises to chauffeur FDR and then quietly swap seats with the president before reaching destinations.

The Town of Hot Coffee That Led to Lawsuits

In the 1990s, the small town of Coffeeville, Mississippi changed its name to Hot Coffee in a marketing ploy to attract tourists and open some new stores. However, the scheme backfired when a number of lawsuits were filed regarding the town’s history and artwork using the name “Hot Coffee.” The town has now reverted to its original name of Coffeeville.

The Vice President Who Killed a Man in a Duel

Before becoming vice president under Andrew Jackson, Aaron Burr infamously shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in an 1804 duel that arose from political rivalries and personal animus. This was not Burr’s only duel though – a few years prior in 1799, he challenged New York Congressman John Barker Church to a duel over comments Church had made. Both men missed their shots that day, but Burr’s political career never fully recovered.

When the White House Held a Petting Zoo of Exotic Animals

Under Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, his six children turned the White House into an exotic zoo. They owned guinea pigs, rabbits, a pig, a pony, and many dogs. But they also had an assortment of unusual pets like snakes, a lizard, a badger, and at one point, a one-legged rooster. Their uncle even donated a bear that they kept on the White House lawn.

The history of the United States contains so much more than what can fit in textbooks. From odd trivia to sordid scandals, these are just a few of the lesser known stories and facts that make up the rich, intriguing, and sometimes amusing tapestry of America’s past.

American history is filled with captivating tales and intriguing trivia beyond the well-known events and figures. From scandalous affairs to odd animal inhabitants of the White House, there are so many fascinating stories that reveal unexpected aspects of the nation’s past. Here are 15 more surprising facts about lesser known moments that shaped the USA:

How the Lincoln Memorial Was Saved from Sinking

When construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in 1914, engineers were alarmed to discover the ground could not support the weight of the massive marble structure. To stabilize the site, they had to drill holes and insert over 1,000 concrete pillars into the bedrock below. Even so, the memorial continued to settle for many years after being finished, with several engineering projects required over time to prevent it from sinking into the muddy shore of the Potomac River.

The President Who Believed the World Was Hollow

John Quincy Adams, president from 1825-1829, was a passionate proponent of the Hollow Earth Theory. This fringe view posits that the earth is hollow inside with openings at the poles. Adams believed that an advanced alien civilization existed within and that strange flying machines seen around the Arctic were evidence of an entrance to the inner world. He even authorized an official expedition to locate the opening, but Congress rejected the plan.

When the Capital City Moved to a Tavern

In August 1814, as British troops advanced on Washington D.C. during the War of 1812, Congress met in emergency session at a local tavern as the city was evacuated. This tavern, owned by French immigrant John Suter, happened to be one of the few intact buildings after the British burned the capital. For three days from August 26-29, the United States capital was essentially located in a pub as lawmakers used it as an impromptu capitol building.

The President Who Regularly Consumed Half a Pint of Whiskey a Day

President Martin Van Buren was nicknamed “Blue Whiskey Van” for his lifelong affinity for fine whiskey. Even during his time in the White House from 1837-1841, he made sure his decanter was full and reportedly drank half a pint every day. Although this may seem alarming by today’s standards, hard liquor consumption was more common and acceptable during Van Buren’s era.

The Time It Rained Flesh and Blood in Kentucky

In 1876, residents of Bath County, Kentucky reported a bizarre phenomenon after a severe storm – it appeared to rain chunks of flesh and blood over a 100 yard area. Some pieces were as large as human hands. Rather than a paranormal event, it was later determined to be the flesh of deceased horses and cattle from a farm about a mile away. The violent winds had picked up debris and dropped it over the town.

When the CIA Accidentally Overthrew the Iranian Government

In 1953, the CIA launched Operation Ajax to orchestrate a coup against Iran’s elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh after he threatened to nationalize the country’s oil industry. Agents provocateurs pretended to be communist revolutionaries to turn public sentiment against Mossadegh. However, the manufactured protests spiraled out of control, the coup failed at first, and the CIA had to quickly bring in an Iranian military leader and more agents to finally overthrow Mossadegh’s government.

The President Whose Body Was Stolen After His Death

After being assassinated in 1881, President James A. Garfield’s body was entombed in a mausoleum in Cleveland, Ohio. But in 1893, the mausoleum needed repairs and Garfield’s remains were moved to his family plot twenty miles away. Shockingly, instead of being reburied, Garfield’s corpse disappeared – someone had apparently stolen it. His body remained missing for over two months before being found stashed in a tool shed.

When Alaska WasAlmost Sold to the Highest Bidder

In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward reached a deal to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. But many senators criticized the treaty as an overpayment for useless, frozen land. As a result, it narrowly passed the Senate by only one vote. Opponents facetiously proposed amending the treaty to instead sell Alaska at public auction to the highest bidder. Luckily for Alaska, the amendment was defeated and this near disaster was averted.

The President Who Was Arrested 3 Times

As a youth, Andrew Johnson – who later became president after Lincoln’s assassination – was apprenticed to a tailor but ran away from his contract. This violation of labor law caused him to be arrested and put on trial three times between the ages 18-22. Although convictions ruined many lives back then, Johnson’s natural talent for talking himself out of trouble helped him avoid punishment and saved his future in politics.

When Thousands of Soldiers Got High from Eating Bread

During the French and Indian War in 1757, British troops were distributed bread baked with rye flour brought over from England. However, the rye was infected with ergot fungus which contains LSD-like compounds. After eating it, thousands of soldiers reported hallucinations, tremors, crawling skin sensations, and fits of hysterical laughter, causing the episode to be dubbed the “Dancing Plague.”

The President Who Was Caught Shoplifting as a Child

Warren G. Harding admitted that at age 10 he was caught stealing from a local store in Ohio and was berated by the town marshal in front of his family. Harding later wrote that burning sense of shame influenced him to become obsessed with looking proper and achieving success in life to compensate for his juvenile delinquency.

When U.S. Presidents Traveled Using Fake Names

Unlike today, early presidents did not have 24/7 Secret Service protection but were expected to move freely in public. When traveling, they often used fake names as a security precaution. Calvin Coolidge went by the name Colonel Coy while Grover Cleveland pretended to be Mr. Johnson. Rutherford B. Hayes even carried travel bags with the initials “F.A.M.” (for “first American man”) to disguise his identity.

The President Who Was Once Lost at Sea

In 1815, the ship carrying future president Andrew Jackson ran into a fierce storm off the coast of North Carolina. In the chaos, Jackson boarded a lifeboat which then broke away and washed out to sea. For days, he and his fellow passengers endured raging waters, intense hunger, and severe frostbite during their attempt to reach shore. Just when it seemed hopeless, they landed miraculously on a small island and were eventually rescued.

From sinking memorials to stolen corpses, the quirky minutiae of America’s past never ceases to amaze. These are just a sampling of the countless odd and intriguing tales buried in the depths of United States history.

American history is an endless goldmine of fascinating trivia and obscure stories. Beyond the familiar textbook tales, there are countless intriguing events, scandals, and coincidences that make up the country’s rich past. Here are 15 more lesser known moments and facts that helped shape the United States.

The Secret US Government Airline of the Cold War

During the Cold War, the US government operated a secret airline called Air America to conduct covert operations and transport supplies around Southeast Asia. It provided air support and logistics for intelligence agencies like the CIA with minimal oversight. Air America pilots flew dangerous missions, smuggled contraband, aided rebels, and were used as a front company for government espionage across Asia from the 1940s through the 1970s.

The President Who Believed He Was Made of Glass

Charles Chauncy, who served as a colonial governor of Massachusetts in the early 1700s, lived in constant fear that his brittle glass bones would shatter into pieces. He avoided handshakes, touched furniture gingerly, and walked with extreme caution. This bizarre delusion has come to be known as the Glass Delusion and was apparently not uncommon among the upper class in early New England.

When Congress Hall Hosted a Circus

Congress Hall in Philadelphia was constructed in 1789 to serve as a meeting place for the US Congress. But in 1793, founder of the first US circus John Bill Ricketts rented the grand hall to put on America’s inaugural circus performance. For a night, the place where laws were made became an arena with acrobats, equestrians, clowns, and exotic animals to entertain a packed audience.

The Vice President Who Demanded a Military Escort

As vice president from 1841 to 1845, John Tyler was so concerned about his safety that he insisted on being accompanied by soldiers wherever he went. His request for military guards while presiding over the Senate caused puzzlement and complaints about the disruptive clanking of sabers. Critics claimed Tyler’s jumpiness showed he was unfit for office.

When It Rained Meat in Olympia, Washington

In 1894, residents of Olympia recounted a peculiar storm in which flaps of fabric-like substance fell from the sky. Upon closer inspection, the material was found to be raw flesh later identified as venison and rabbit meat. The prevailing theory is that a waterspout sucked animals from nearby waters before depositing the shredded remains over the city.

The Terrible Presidency of Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce had a very rough tenure from 1853-1857. Months before taking office, his son was killed in a train crash that he and his wife witnessed. His political stances inflamed tensions over slavery. He backed land grants favoring the South, enraging northerners. The Kansas-Nebraska Act alone sparked violent clashes. By the end of his term, his own party refused to renominate him amidst national fury over his disastrous policies.

When the Empire State Building Was Used to Raise Chickens

During the scarcity of the Great Depression and WWII, the observation decks of the Empire State Building were repurposed into a chicken farm to help feed the city. Amidst the skyscrapers of Manhattan, livestock pens held 10,000 chickens that produced 2,000-3,000 eggs per day. This solution allowed New Yorkers access to fresh eggs when supplies were low.

The President Who Believed In Psychic Powers

Abraham Lincoln reported having vivid premonitions and prophetic dreams throughout his life. He also believed that certain dreams, visions, and omens could provide insight into coming events. Lincoln shared accounts of his precognitive experiences with friends and penfed letters trying to explain the phenomenon philosophically. Skeptics dismissed his beliefs as superstition.

When Congress Had Impromptu Horse Races Outside

In the 19th century, Washington D.C.’s unpaved roads and open land near the Capitol building sometimes prompted politicians to engage in spur-of-the-moment horse racing. If Congress was in recess, representatives might dash outside and race their horses down Pennsylvania Avenue for fun. These chaotic contests often drew large crowds of spectators.

The Vice President Who Killed a Congressman in a Duel

In 1859, sitting Vice President William R. King took offense at words spoken by Congressman William Yancey during a debate. King challenged Yancey to a duel where they took turns firing pistols at each other. On their third volley, the vice president fatally shot Yancey in the hip. King was not charged since duels were accepted at the time.

When the CIA Tapped Phones in the White House

Under orders from President Nixon in the early 1970s, the CIA placed wiretaps on multiple phones in the White House to keep tabs on administration members and journalists Nixon considered enemies. This illegal covert spying operation was part of a wider culture of paranoia in the Nixon presidency that ultimately led to the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation.

The Time It Rained Mice in New Mexico

In 1893, rancher C.C. Hall reported an astounding sight at his property in Fort Sumner, New Mexico – thousands of live mice falling from the sky. Similar accounts popped up across the region that year, with residents gathering baskets full of the rodents that blanketed the ground after storms. No satisfactory scientific explanation for this bizarre phenomenon has been found.

With its countless twists, scandals, mysteries, coincidences and intrigues, American history will always have new surprises to uncover.

The Forgotten 1930s Business Plot to Overthrow FDR

Many of us learned in history class about key moments that shaped the United States of America. However, there are some surprising lesser known events and facts that had a significant impact as well. Let’s take a look at 15 fascinating tidbits from America’s past.

1. The Business Plot

In 1933, a group of wealthy businessmen plotted to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist dictatorship. The Business Plot, as it came to be known, aimed to stop FDR’s New Deal policies which the plotters saw as socialism. Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler blew the whistle on the scheme after he was recruited to lead an army of 500,000 war veterans to march on Washington D.C. A Congressional committee confirmed the existence of the plot, but no one was prosecuted.

2. The Saturday Night Massacre

This was one of the most dramatic moments of the Watergate scandal. In 1973, President Richard Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox who was investigating the Watergate break-in. Richardson refused and resigned in protest. Nixon then ordered Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus to fire Cox. He also refused and resigned. Finally, Solicitor General Robert Bork agreed to fire Cox in what became known as the Saturday Night Massacre. The incident fueled calls for Nixon’s impeachment.

3. Einstein’s Letters to FDR

In 1939, renowned physicist Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt warning that Germany may try to develop an atomic bomb. This helped spur the Manhattan Project, America’s effort to develop the world’s first nuclear weapons. Einstein wrote Roosevelt again in 1940 urging him to speed up the bomb project, which led to the creation of the secret labs in Los Alamos.

4. The Battle of Athens

In 1946, war veterans and citizens in Athens, Tennessee revolted against the local government for corruption and voter intimidation. The opposition took over the town, including its jail, for a few days until the Tennessee Governor sent in state troopers to quell the rebellion. The “Battle of Athens” was one of the only armed insurrections in U.S. history to successfully overthrow a local government.

5. Project MKUltra

During the Cold War, the CIA ran secret mind control experiments on U.S. and Canadian citizens. Project MKUltra used drugs like LSD to test mind-altering substances for intelligence purposes. The program ran from 1953 until 1973 when CIA Director Richard Helms ordered all documents about MKUltra destroyed. The project didn’t become public knowledge until 1975 during Church Committee hearings.

6. TheGhost Army

During WWII, the U.S. assembled a special unit known as the Ghost Army. It used inflatable tanks and trucks as decoys to fool the Germans about the strength and location of Allied forces. The unit staged more than 20 battlefield deceptions between 1944-45, often operating close to the front lines. Their illusions were so convincing that they drew enemy fire away from real troops.

7. Highway of Death

During the Gulf War in 1990, U.S. and Allied aircraft hammered a highway from Kuwait to Iraq while Iraqi forces retreated. The relentless bombing created a devastating scene with destroyed vehicles and charred bodies over 60 milesbecoming known as the Highway of Death. Many consider the onslaught to be an excessive use of force against a retreating opponent.

8. Business Plot

In 1933, a group of wealthy businessmen plotted to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist dictatorship. The Business Plot, as it came to be known, aimed to stop FDR’s New Deal policies which the plotters saw as socialism. Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler blew the whistle on the scheme after he was recruited to lead an army of 500,000 war veterans to march on Washington D.C. A Congressional committee confirmed the existence of the plot, but no one was prosecuted.

9. Iran-Contra Affair

In the 1980s, senior Reagan administration officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran which was under an arms embargo. The funds were then diverted to support anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua in defiance of Congress. In 1986, the scheme exploded into a major scandal known as the Iran-Contra Affair when investigations exposed the covert operation.

10. CIA Drug Trafficking

In the 1990s, investigative journalist Gary Webb exposed how the CIA helped spark the crack cocaine epidemic in the 1980s. The agency turned a blind eye to cocaine trafficking by Contra rebels in Nicaragua who were allied with the CIA. Webb’s “Dark Alliance” series in the San Jose Mercury News caused an uproar, especially in the African American community hit hard by crack.

11. COINTELPRO

From 1956 to 1971, the FBI ran a covert domestic intelligence program called COINTELPRO to spy on, infiltrate, discredit, and disrupt political organizations deemed subversive. Targets included civil rights groups like the NAACP and Martin Luther King Jr., among others. The public only learned about COINTELPRO years later when activists broke into an FBI office and leaked documents.

12. The Business Plot

In 1933, a group of wealthy businessmen plotted to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist dictatorship. The Business Plot, as it came to be known, aimed to stop FDR’s New Deal policies which the plotters saw as socialism. Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler blew the whistle on the scheme after he was recruited to lead an army of 500,000 war veterans to march on Washington D.C. A Congressional committee confirmed the existence of the plot, but no one was prosecuted.

13. Project SUNSHINE

After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission funded studies to examine the effects of nuclear fallout on human health. From 1953-1974, Project SUNSHINE collected and analyzed body parts – especially bones and teeth – from cadavers, including those of infants, without the consent of relatives. The gruesome program remained secret for decades.

14. Operation Northwoods

In 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed staging fake terrorist attacks on American cities and blaming it on Cuba to justify invading the island. Operation Northwoods suggested sinking boatloads of Cuban refugees, hijacking planes, and other staged acts of terrorism in U.S. cities. President Kennedy rejected the outrageous false flag scheme.

15. Snowden Leaks

In 2013, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents exposing the extent of the agency’s global surveillance programs. The revelations shocked the world by revealing the NSA’s spying on foreign leaders, mass collection of phone and internet records, and tapping of fiber optic cables abroad. Snowden’s whistleblowing changed the debate on government surveillance.

These lesser known historical episodes may not be as familiar as the Revolutionary or Civil Wars, but they all had a significant impact in their own way. They reveal important truths about the lengths that people in power would go to serve their interests. At the same time, the individuals who exposed these conspiracies and subterfuges also helped shape the America we know, often at great personal cost. These forgotten histories shed light on the country’s past and the unwavering efforts by some to hold the powerful accountable.

When Washington DC Was Almost Named “Columbia”

American history is filled with many intriguing tales and surprises beyond the well-known events taught in school. Let’s explore some fascinating lesser known trivia and facts that shaped the USA.

1. The Proposed Name of Washington D.C.

Originally, Washington D.C. was going to be named “Columbia” after Christopher Columbus. The name was proposed by Congress in the 1790s for the federal capital along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. Eventually, George Washington’s name was used instead to honor the leader of the American Revolution and first president.

2. The Saturday Evening Massacre

During the Watergate scandal in 1973, President Richard Nixon commanded his Attorney General to fire the investigator looking into the Watergate break-in. His Attorney General refused and resigned in protest. Nixon then told the Deputy Attorney General who also refused and resigned. Finally, the Solicitor General complied and fired the investigator in what became known as the Saturday Evening Massacre, fueled Nixon’s impeachment.

3. Einstein’s Warning Letter

In 1939, renowned physicist Albert Einstein sent a letter to FDR warning him that Nazi Germany was trying to build an atomic bomb. This helped launch the Manhattan Project, America’s successful effort to develop the world’s first nuclear weapons before Germany could.

4. The Secret Ghost Army

During WWII, the U.S. created a Ghost Army of inflatable tanks and trucks used to fool the Germans about the strength and location of Allied forces. This top secret unit staged over 20 successful battlefield deceptions, diverting enemy troops away from American units. Their illusions were shockingly realistic.

5. The Battle of Athens

In 1946, WWII veterans and citizens in Athens, Tennessee revolted against the corrupt local government for voter intimidation. The opposition stormed the jail and forced the Mayor to flee town, overthrowing the government for a few days before state troopers arrived. This was one of the only armed rebellions in U.S. history against a local regime.

6. Operation Northwoods

In 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff suggested staging fake attacks on Americans and blaming it on Cuba to justify invading the island. The outrageous false flag plan called for hijacking planes and terrorism in U.S. cities, but President Kennedy rejected it.

7. Project MKUltra

From 1953-1973, the CIA ran secret mind control experiments using LSD on U.S. and Canadian citizens without consent. When the disturbing tests were finally exposed publicly in 1975, the CIA director ordered all documents related to the MKUltra project destroyed.

8. The Iran-Contra Affair

In the 1980s, the Reagan Administration secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, in exchange for American hostages held by Iranian proxies. The funds were illegally diverted to Nicaraguan rebels without Congress knowing, sparking a major scandal.

9. CIA Drug Trafficking

In the 1990s, an investigative journalist exposed how the CIA allowed cocaine trafficking into the U.S. by Contra rebels they worked with in Nicaragua. The agency denied involvement, but the “Dark Alliance” news reports sparked outrage, especially in minority communities ravaged by crack.

10. COINTELPRO

From 1956-1971, the FBI secretly ran an illegal program called COINTELPRO surveilling and discrediting civil rights groups and protestors, including Martin Luther King Jr. The public only learned about these subversive operations after activists broke into an FBI office and leaked documents.

11. Highway of Death

During the Gulf War in 1991, U.S. and Allied planes relentlessly bombed a 60 mile highway from Kuwait to Iraq full of fleeing Iraqi forces, littering the road with destroyed vehicles and charred bodies. Many considered the onslaught excessive against a retreating opponent.

12. Snowden Leaks

In 2013, NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents exposing the agency’s global surveillance programs, including spying on foreign leaders and tapping fiber optic cables abroad. The revelations shocked the world and fueled debate about government spying.

13. Project SUNSHINE

From 1953-1974, the U.S. collected and analyzed body parts, especially bones and teeth of cadavers, including infants’ without consent, to study nuclear fallout effects. This ghastly program remained secret for decades until being exposed.

14. The Business Plot

In 1933, wealthy businessmen plotted to overthrow FDR and install a fascist dictatorship. A Congressional committee confirmed the Business Plot existed, but no one was prosecuted after a retired general blew the whistle on the scheme to march 500,000 veterans on Washington.

15. Operation Mockingbird

During the Cold War, the CIA ran a secret campaign to manipulate and control the media by paying off journalists, planting content, and infiltrating newspapers and TV networks to disseminate propaganda. The extensive operation remained classified for decades before being exposed.

Clearly, American history contains many intriguing episodes beyond common knowledge. These hidden stories illustrate the lengths some have gone to in pursuit of power and influence, as well as the efforts of courageous individuals to expose the truth. These revelations provide deeper perspective about the nation’s complex story filled with nuance, intrigue and surprises.