American History Stories That Uncover The United States' Past

The Life And Death Of David Barksdale, The Founder Of Chicago’s Black Disciples

Once a feared gang leader, “King David” Barksdale eventually pivoted to anti-violence activism and became an influential force in the American civil rights movement.

By Amber Morgan Aug 22, 2023

The Life And Death Of David Barksdale, The Founder Of Chicago’s Black Disciples

Once a feared gang leader, “King David” Barksdale eventually pivoted to anti-violence activism and became an influential force in the American civil rights movement.

By Amber Morgan August 22, 2023

The Sad Story Of The Original Shamu, The Captive Orca At The Start Of SeaWorld’s Legacy Of Abuse

SeaWorld's first Shamu was captured in 1965 and forced to perform at their San Diego park for six years before she died prematurely in the wake of cruel and abusive treatment.

By Austin Harvey Aug 21, 2023

The Sad Story Of The Original Shamu, The Captive Orca At The Start Of SeaWorld’s Legacy Of Abuse

SeaWorld's first Shamu was captured in 1965 and forced to perform at their San Diego park for six years before she died prematurely in the wake of cruel and abusive treatment.

By Austin Harvey August 21, 2023

Inside The 400-Year-Old Mystery Of What Caused The Salem Witch Trials

For 300 years, the causes of the Salem witch trials have been hotly debated. Some blame boredom and teenage angst while others blame a hallucinogenic fungus.

By Jaclyn Anglis Aug 20, 2023

Inside The 400-Year-Old Mystery Of What Caused The Salem Witch Trials

For 300 years, the causes of the Salem witch trials have been hotly debated. Some blame boredom and teenage angst while others blame a hallucinogenic fungus.

By Jaclyn Anglis August 20, 2023

Inside The Harrowing Exorcism Of Roland Doe, The True Story Behind ‘The Exorcist’

In 1949, priests performed an exorcism on a boy referred to as "Roland Doe," a.k.a. Ronald Hunkeler, in a chilling ordeal that became the real-life inspiration for The Exorcist.

By William DeLong Aug 20, 2023

Inside The Harrowing Exorcism Of Roland Doe, The True Story Behind ‘The Exorcist’

In 1949, priests performed an exorcism on a boy referred to as "Roland Doe," a.k.a. Ronald Hunkeler, in a chilling ordeal that became the real-life inspiration for The Exorcist.

By William DeLong August 20, 2023

The Osage Indian Murders: Inside The Greed-Fueled Killing Spree That Targeted Rich Native Americans

Thanks to oil deposits found on their land, the Osage Native Americans became some of the wealthiest people in the United States by the 1920s — which put an enormous target on their backs.

By Gina Dimuro Aug 20, 2023

The Osage Indian Murders: Inside The Greed-Fueled Killing Spree That Targeted Rich Native Americans

Thanks to oil deposits found on their land, the Osage Native Americans became some of the wealthiest people in the United States by the 1920s — which put an enormous target on their backs.

By Gina Dimuro August 20, 2023

Diane Downs Tried To Murder Her Own Children — Then Blamed It On A Carjacking

In May 1983, Diane Downs shot her three children before shooting herself in the arm to stage being attacked by a carjacker, but her plot failed when two of her children survived.

By Marco Margaritoff Aug 19, 2023

Diane Downs Tried To Murder Her Own Children — Then Blamed It On A Carjacking

In May 1983, Diane Downs shot her three children before shooting herself in the arm to stage being attacked by a carjacker, but her plot failed when two of her children survived.

By Marco Margaritoff August 19, 2023

Iowa Paperboy Johnny Gosch Vanished In 1982 — Then The Chilling Sightings Of Him Began

In September 1982, 12-year-old Johnny Gosch disappeared while delivering newspapers in West Des Moines. One night fifteen years later, his mother claims he visited her and told her he was the victim of a pedophile ring.

By Gina Dimuro Aug 19, 2023

Iowa Paperboy Johnny Gosch Vanished In 1982 — Then The Chilling Sightings Of Him Began

By Gina Dimuro August 19, 2023

Inside The Real History Of Exorcisms Hollywood Could Never Show

Sanctioned by the Catholic Church for centuries, exorcisms are supposed to expel evil spirits that have possessed a human — but some have ended in horrifying murders.

By Marco Margaritoff Aug 18, 2023

Inside The Real History Of Exorcisms Hollywood Could Never Show

Sanctioned by the Catholic Church for centuries, exorcisms are supposed to expel evil spirits that have possessed a human — but some have ended in horrifying murders.

By Marco Margaritoff August 18, 2023

Jared Lee Loughner, The Twisted Murderer Behind The 2011 Tucson Shooting

In 2011, a 22-year-old conspiracy theorist named Jared Lee Loughner set out to assassinate Rep. Gabby Giffords — and ended up shooting 19 innocent people, leaving six dead.

By Rivy Lyon Aug 16, 2023

Jared Lee Loughner, The Twisted Murderer Behind The 2011 Tucson Shooting

In 2011, a 22-year-old conspiracy theorist named Jared Lee Loughner set out to assassinate Rep. Gabby Giffords — and ended up shooting 19 innocent people, leaving six dead.

By Rivy Lyon August 16, 2023