HISTORY

Why Do We Call a Dollar a “Buck”?

Everyone knows a buck means a dollar. But not everyone knows why.

Hershey’s Is the Latest Brand to Get a Movie Adaptation

‘Hershey’ will depict the life and times of the chocolate king.

How WWII Saved ‘The Great Gatsby From Obscurity

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel was a flop—until it was deployed overseas.

Why Do Cowboys Say “Yee-Haw”?

Even though it’s a classic cowboy trope, you have to wonder: Did cowboys actually say that popular phrase?

23 Hipster Baby Name Ideas From the Dictionary of Medieval Names

Stand out from all the Noras and the Liams out there by choosing a medieval name like Hainfroy or Queniva.

A museum visitor photographs a painting by modernist artist Georgia O'Keeffe.

15 Colorful Facts About Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe’s enchanting floral still life paintings are now a deeply ingrained part of American culture—so much so that they often eclipse her other colorful accomplishments.

The Windows 95 theme has earned recognition.

The Windows 95 Chime Just Earned a Spot in the National Recording Registry

The 6-second start-up anthem joins “My Heart Will Go On” and the ‘Hamilton’ soundtrack as “one of the defining sounds of history.”

8 Gripping Facts About the Vietnam War Draft

Dive into the history of the draft during the Vietnam War, including its origins, how long it lasted, and how some young Boomers successfully managed to dodge it.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 11: The Manson Family’s Squeaky Escapee

Aimee Carrero (‘The Menu,’ ‘The Consultant’) helps Arturo explore a dark chapter in Hollywood history as they learn about one of Charles Manson's original family members: Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme.

Many of the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War were Baby Boomers.

6 Ways the Vietnam War Affected Baby Boomers

The Vietnam War changed an entire generation’s relationship to power, patriotism, and possibility.

Why America Obsesses Over the President’s First 100 Days in Office

Would you want to be compared to the man who legalized beer in his first 100 days in office?

America’s entry into the space Olympics.

The Secret Cold War History of the Missile That Launched America’s First Satellite

On January 31, 1958, the United States became a space-faring nation with the Explorer-1 satellite.

11 Surprising Facts About Windsor Castle

Over the past 900-plus years, more than 30 monarchs have called Windsor Castle home. It has also been the site of several royal weddings—including Prince Harry's 2018 nuptials to Meghan Markle.

12 Amazing Underground Destinations to Visit

Discover some of the world’s most amazing underground tourist destinations, from the Edinburgh Vaults to the Basilica Cistern in Turkey.

Where Does the Phrase ‘Going to Hell in a Handbasket’ Come From?

A popular myth says that the phrase originated due to the use of the guillotine during French Revolution—but here’s the real deal.

15 Memorable Slang Terms From the Vietnam War

Military slang grew by leaps and bounds during the Vietnam War. Here are some terms worth knowing.

That Sugar Rush Is All in Your Head—But Here’s Why It Happens

Scientists claim that sugar rushes aren’t actually as real as you might think, but the origins of this myth go back deep into American history.

Tomatoes can be either fruit or vegetable, depending on who you talk to.

Is a Tomato a Fruit?

One vendor’s dispute against a 19th-century import tariff led the U.S. Supreme Court to classify the tomato as a vegetable. But botanists disagree.

A mounted police officer in New York City.

Why Do City Cops Ride Horses?

Police horses, though they may seem outdated, actually serve several important purposes.

10 Questions About the Vietnam War, Answered

The Vietnam War was a highly controversial conflict. We break down some of the most common questions about the war, from why the U.S. entered the conflict to who ultimately won.

Here‘s a scenic view of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch glacier in Switzerland.

The 10 Most Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

These underrated World Heritage Sites offer history, beauty, and adventure away from the crowds.

Why Is the Vlasic Pickles Mascot a Stork?

Vlasic has used a stork to market its pickles for decades. But how did a bird known for bringing babies suddenly start selling pickles?

6 of History’s Silliest Wars

Sometimes, wars end when someone’s kettle gets broken.

Dead whales were once thought to have health benefits.

Blubber Bath: When Dead Whale Carcasses Were Used as Health Cures

In 1890s Australia, chronic pain sufferers flocked to a cure: a rotting whale corpse.

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