HISTORY

The African American Civil War Memorial.

11 Lesser-Known War Memorials

These tributes to fallen soldiers may not be as instantly recognizable as the Vietnam Memorial and others, but their stories are no less fascinating—including one that doubles as a mausoleum right in Manhattan.

Greenland (the white landmass) looks particularly large on this map.

Why Greenland Appears So Large on Maps

The continent of Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland, but on many maps they're roughly the same size.

11 Facts About Air Force One

Just as much a symbol of the presidency as the White House itself, Air Force One is probably the world’s most recognizable plane.

10 Times Kids Changed History

While they might not have been old enough to drive, they were old enough to steer history.

Charles Dickens’s Ornate Travel Desk Is Up for Auction

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of literary history.

Stegosaurus: the state dino of Colorado.

8 Official State Dinosaurs

These eight states have designated official state dinosaurs, honoring the living, breathing, occasionally flesh-ravaging creatures that once roamed their land.

The Penguincubator: The 1937 Vending Machine for Books

Allen Lane wanted to bring paperback books to the masses—and he thought a vending machine was the perfect way to do it.

Quiz: Did Confucius Really Say That?

The Chinese philosopher and sage had a lot of wise things to say. But many of the quotes you've seen online were actually said by someone else. Can you tell them apart?

Getting these projects done required a lot of Washingtons.

10 Projects Funded by the U.S. Government

From initiatives to preserve American culture to things that change how we get around and communicate.

10 Facts About Anne Frank’s ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’

In 1947, the seemingly everyday, innocent thoughts of a teen girl were published. But they weren’t so everyday: they were the thoughts of Anne Frank.

When Washington, D.C., Gave the Pope a Truly Rocky Reception

In 1855, D.C. residents were anything but thrilled with a gift from the pope.

There was a time when a kilt could get a person in a lot of trouble.

How Scotland’s 35-Year Kilt Ban Backfired in Spectacular Fashion

In 1746, tartan kilts were outlawed in Scotland. That ban would help the garment become world-famous.

Signs like this are a familiar sight to visiting teams.

Why Does ‘K’ Stand for ‘Strikeout’ in Baseball?

Baseball’s score-keeping system is full of abbreviations, but why exactly is the letter ‘K’ synonymous with a ‘strikeout’? Discover more about the evolution of baseball terms like this here.

What’s the Smallest Country In the World?

Determining the world’s smallest country isn’t as easy as simply calculating area or population.

History's Greatest Escapes w/ Arturo Castro | Amazing Facts with Mental Floss

Learn Amazing Facts About Historical Escapes with Arturo Castro

The actor just wrapped up a podcast called ‘Greatest Escapes’—and now he’s dropping amazing facts about those escapes and more on the latest episode of Amazing Facts with Mental Floss.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 15: Wildest of the Wild Bunch

Ben Feldman (‘Monsters at Work,’ ‘Superstore’) sets off into the sunset with Arturo as they hop on the trail of one of the Wild West’s greatest outlaws, Kid Curry.

Clerical workers processing forms for production requirement plan, Priorities Division, War Production Board.

11 Defunct Federal Agencies

Federal agencies come and go with each new presidential administration. Here are a few notable examples.

The “secret” Vatican archives remain off-limits to most.

15 Historic Documents in the Vatican’s Private Archive

From a petition for Henry VIII’s divorce to Galileo’s heresy trial notes, the Vatican’s private archives hold documents that changed the world.

10 Things You Might Not Have Known About Alcatraz

At 9:40 a.m. on the morning of August 11, 1934, Alcatraz's first group of prisoners—137 in all—arrived at the soon-to-be-infamous prison.

Where Does the Expression ‘Put Your Foot in Your Mouth’ Come From?

Made an awkward blunder in a conversation? You might have just put your foot in your mouth. Learn more about the history and origins surrounding this commonly used phrase here.

Students perform a dance during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

5 Facts About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May for more than 40 years, America has paid tribute to the vast cultural contributions of its Asian and Pacific Islander citizens. Here are a few fascinating facts about how Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month came to be.

How Paperbacks Transformed the Way Americans Read

Half a century before e-books turned publishing upside down, a different format threatened to destroy the industry.

Why Do People Drink Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby?

Discover how the bourbon-mint concoction was embraced by the horse-racing world and became the default drink at the Kentucky Derby.

Cinco Por Cinco: 5 Fun Facts About Cinco de Mayo

There’s a lot to learn about the rich history surrounding Cinco de Mayo, the annual springtime celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture in the United States. Discover the origins of the holiday here, plus so much else.

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