american history

The Horrific Case Of Lawrence Singleton, The ‘Mad Chopper’ Who Hacked One Victim’s Arms Off

In September 1978, Lawrence Singleton picked up a 15-year-old hitchhiker, Mary Vincent, then raped and mutilated her, before leaving her to die — and though he was sent to prison, this would not be his last crime.

By Rivy Lyon • Jun 15, 2023

The Horrific Case Of Lawrence Singleton, The ‘Mad Chopper’ Who Hacked One Victim’s Arms Off

In September 1978, Lawrence Singleton picked up a 15-year-old hitchhiker, Mary Vincent, then raped and mutilated her, before leaving her to die — and though he was sent to prison, this would not be his last crime.

By Rivy Lyon • June 15, 2023

From Bifocals To Swim Fins, Discover 10 Of The Most Astonishing Benjamin Franklin Inventions

A brilliant polymath, Benjamin Franklin was just 11 years old when he became an inventor — and he went on to create a wealth of innovative devices that would change America forever.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jun 13, 2023

From Bifocals To Swim Fins, Discover 10 Of The Most Astonishing Benjamin Franklin Inventions

A brilliant polymath, Benjamin Franklin was just 11 years old when he became an inventor — and he went on to create a wealth of innovative devices that would change America forever.

By Kaleena Fraga • June 13, 2023

The Tragic Life Of Tilikum, SeaWorld’s Infamous Killer Orca

In February 2010, Tilikum killed his trainer Dawn Brancheau during a performance at SeaWorld Orlando. The incident became the focus of the 2013 documentary Blackfish and sparked public outcry about the mistreatment of captive orcas.

By Austin Harvey • Jun 13, 2023

The Tragic Life Of Tilikum, SeaWorld’s Infamous Killer Orca

In February 2010, Tilikum killed his trainer Dawn Brancheau during a performance at SeaWorld Orlando. The incident became the focus of the 2013 documentary Blackfish and sparked public outcry about the mistreatment of captive orcas.

By Austin Harvey • June 13, 2023

The Story Of Paul Fronczak, The Kidnapped Newborn Who Was Returned To The Wrong Parents

The mistake wasn't uncovered until nearly 50 years later when the now-adult Paul Fronczak decided to take a DNA test and discovered he wasn't related to his mom or dad.

By Genevieve Carlton • Jun 12, 2023

The Story Of Paul Fronczak, The Kidnapped Newborn Who Was Returned To The Wrong Parents

The mistake wasn't uncovered until nearly 50 years later when the now-adult Paul Fronczak decided to take a DNA test and discovered he wasn't related to his mom or dad.

By Genevieve Carlton • June 12, 2023

Kryptos, The CIA Sculpture With A Coded Message That No One Has Been Able To Solve

More than three decades after the installation of Kryptos, three of its four coded messages have been cracked — but one remains a mystery.

By Austin Harvey • Jun 9, 2023

Kryptos, The CIA Sculpture With A Coded Message That No One Has Been Able To Solve

More than three decades after the installation of Kryptos, three of its four coded messages have been cracked — but one remains a mystery.

By Austin Harvey • June 9, 2023

The Life And Death Of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, The Last Descendant Of Abraham Lincoln

Though Abraham Lincoln had four sons, his last undisputed direct descendant, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, died in 1985, apparently ending the family line.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jun 7, 2023

The Life And Death Of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, The Last Descendant Of Abraham Lincoln

Though Abraham Lincoln had four sons, his last undisputed direct descendant, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, died in 1985, apparently ending the family line.

By Kaleena Fraga • June 7, 2023

‘Hell Is Mud’: Inside The Trenches Of World War I

Stretching hundreds of miles across the Western Front, millions of soldiers fought in trenches during World War I — with horrific physical and mental consequences.

By Austin Harvey • Jun 6, 2023

‘Hell Is Mud’: Inside The Trenches Of World War I

Stretching hundreds of miles across the Western Front, millions of soldiers fought in trenches during World War I — with horrific physical and mental consequences.

By Austin Harvey • June 6, 2023

40 Photos That Capture The Fall Of Saigon, The Tragic Final Chapter Of The Vietnam War

After 20 years of bloodshed, the Vietnam War came to a chaotic end on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese forces stormed the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jun 5, 2023

40 Photos That Capture The Fall Of Saigon, The Tragic Final Chapter Of The Vietnam War

After 20 years of bloodshed, the Vietnam War came to a chaotic end on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese forces stormed the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon.

By Kaleena Fraga • June 5, 2023

How Did Alexander Hamilton Die? Inside The Infamous Burr-Hamilton Duel Of 1804

Alexander Hamilton died on July 12, 1804, one day after being shot in the abdomen during a duel with longtime rival Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey.

By Elisabeth Sherman • Jun 4, 2023

How Did Alexander Hamilton Die? Inside The Infamous Burr-Hamilton Duel Of 1804

Alexander Hamilton died on July 12, 1804, one day after being shot in the abdomen during a duel with longtime rival Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey.

By Elisabeth Sherman • June 4, 2023

Joseph Smith’s Death At The Hands Of An Angry Mob — And Its Lasting Effect On The Church Of Latter-Day Saints

When Joseph Smith was killed in Illinois on June 27, 1844, it marked a dramatic conclusion to his controversial life and profoundly impacted the future of the Mormon Church.

By Amber Morgan • Jun 3, 2023

Joseph Smith’s Death At The Hands Of An Angry Mob — And Its Lasting Effect On The Church Of Latter-Day Saints

When Joseph Smith was killed in Illinois on June 27, 1844, it marked a dramatic conclusion to his controversial life and profoundly impacted the future of the Mormon Church.

By Amber Morgan • June 3, 2023

Stunning Gold Necklace Adorned With Megalodon Tooth Found Among Titanic Wreckage

Deep-sea recovery group Magellan combed through hundreds of thousands of images to build the digital recreation of the doomed ship that revealed the necklace.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jun 2, 2023

News

Stunning Gold Necklace Adorned With Megalodon Tooth Found Among Titanic Wreckage

Deep-sea recovery group Magellan combed through hundreds of thousands of images to build the digital recreation of the doomed ship that revealed the necklace.

By Kaleena Fraga • June 2, 2023

Aldrich Ames, The Notorious Double Agent Who Sold CIA Secrets To The U.S.S.R.

CIA agent Aldrich Ames started working for the Soviet Union in 1985, eventually exposing the names of every Soviet intelligence or military official working for the United States.

By Lisa Hornung • Jun 1, 2023

Aldrich Ames, The Notorious Double Agent Who Sold CIA Secrets To The U.S.S.R.

CIA agent Aldrich Ames started working for the Soviet Union in 1985, eventually exposing the names of every Soviet intelligence or military official working for the United States.

By Lisa Hornung • June 1, 2023