History: Facts, Trivia, Quizzes, Brain Teasers & More

Murray Isbister via Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0

5 Facts About Pitcairn Island

The Origin Story of the Ballpoint Pen

Hungarian brothers László and György Bíró are credited with inventing the pen we still use today.

This Could Be The Last Video Footage Ever Taken Of Amelia Earhart

How a Bird in New Zealand Went from Hero to Public Enemy

Acclimatization societies imported the yellowhammer to get rid of pests—and then it became a pest itself.

Why Are Shirt Buttons On Different Sides For Men and Women?

Here's the story behind the seemingly arbitrary gendering of buttons.

47 Years of American Parents' Daily Routines

Mini Beavers Lived in Oregon 28 Million Years Ago

New York City's High Bridge to Reopen After More Than 40 Years

The 1,200-foot bridge is the oldest existing bridge in the city.

4 Victorian Era Murders Immortalized in Figurines

These weren't your grandma's porcelain figurines.

5 Pieces of Advice From Frank Lloyd Wright

9 of the Most Significant Items in Baseball's Early History

Pulled from 'A History of Baseball in 100 Objects' by Josh Leventhal, these items help tell the story of how baseball grew to resemble the game we know today.

Why It Should Have Been Carter and Gray's Anatomy

You don't have to be pre-med (or a fan of medical soaps) to know this iconic textbook. But did you know about the drama behind its title?

4 Surprising Places the U.S. Planned to Invade

Historically, the United States has planned to go to war with just about everyone. Here are a few of the more bizarre plans, from history and today.

The Jewish Pirates Who Ruled the Caribbean

Until recently, history books rarely noted the exploits of Jewish pirates.

The Time Florida Accidentally Honored James Earl Ray—Instead of Jones—on MLK Day

What should have been a lovely tribute ended up being a horrific homage.

Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali in 1951

The Time a Salvador Dali Painting Was Stolen From Rikers Island

And why it was on display in a prison in the first place.

A Brief History of CNN’s First Day on the Air, 35 Years Ago

The 24-hour news cycle may seem like an age-old concept. But it was popularized by CNN just 35 years ago.

10 Pre-Sunscreen Methods for Dealing with the Sun

A quick look at the ways we protected ourselves from UV rays before the advent of modern sunscreen will make you thankful that all you need to stay safe in the sun is a friend to do your back.

On This Date in 1806, Andrew Jackson Killed Someone

Scientists Say They've Found a New Species of Human Ancestor

430,000-Year-Old Skull Could Feature Oldest Evidence of Murder

10 of History’s Most Terrifying Swords

Humans have always been cooking up brand new ways to slice, dice, hack, and stab. You definitely wouldn’t want to tangle with any of the historical swords in this gallery—especially the last one.

Get Sucked In With These 11 Facts About the History of the Vacuum Cleaner

A Brief History of the Slush Puppie

What began as a wild idea for entrepreneur Will Radcliff transformed the world of icy drinks.

HISTORY