american history

The Tragic Life Of Solomon Northup, The Free Black Man Who Was Kidnapped And Sold Into Slavery

Born in upstate New York, Solomon Northup was abducted as an adult and sold into slavery in Louisiana — and then he wrote 12 Years a Slave about his experience.

By Kaleena Fraga • Feb 10, 2023

The Tragic Life Of Solomon Northup, The Free Black Man Who Was Kidnapped And Sold Into Slavery

Born in upstate New York, Solomon Northup was abducted as an adult and sold into slavery in Louisiana — and then he wrote 12 Years a Slave about his experience.

By Kaleena Fraga • February 10, 2023

Dana Plato Was A Beloved Teen Idol In The ’70s And Early ’80s — Then She Was Found Dead At 34

Go inside the stunning rise and heartbreaking fall of Diff'rent Strokes actress Dana Plato, who died of a drug overdose in May 1999.

By Neil Patmore • Feb 8, 2023

Dana Plato Was A Beloved Teen Idol In The ’70s And Early ’80s — Then She Was Found Dead At 34

Go inside the stunning rise and heartbreaking fall of Diff'rent Strokes actress Dana Plato, who died of a drug overdose in May 1999.

By Neil Patmore • February 8, 2023

How The All-Black 54th Massachusetts Regiment Changed History During The Civil War

Immortalized in the 1989 movie Glory, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was one of the most storied African American units that fought for the Union.

By Kaleena Fraga • Feb 7, 2023

How The All-Black 54th Massachusetts Regiment Changed History During The Civil War

Immortalized in the 1989 movie Glory, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was one of the most storied African American units that fought for the Union.

By Kaleena Fraga • February 7, 2023

This Week In History News, Jan. 29 – Feb. 4

Al Capone's sunken party boat photographed in Michigan, fourth-century sword uncovered in Japan, ancient Hercules statue unearthed in Rome.

By All That's Interesting • Feb 3, 2023

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This Week In History News, Jan. 29 – Feb. 4

Al Capone's sunken party boat photographed in Michigan, fourth-century sword uncovered in Japan, ancient Hercules statue unearthed in Rome.

By All That's Interesting • February 3, 2023

Karen Carpenter, The ‘Carpenters’ Singer Killed By Anorexia At The Age Of 32

Karen Carpenter died on February 4, 1983, after steadily poisoning herself with ipecac syrup, which she was using to try to maintain her weight while struggling with an eating disorder.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 30, 2023

Karen Carpenter, The ‘Carpenters’ Singer Killed By Anorexia At The Age Of 32

Karen Carpenter died on February 4, 1983, after steadily poisoning herself with ipecac syrup, which she was using to try to maintain her weight while struggling with an eating disorder.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 30, 2023

The Death Of Nancy Spungen, Sid Vicious’ Doomed Girlfriend

One of the most infamous punk-rock groupies, 20-year-old Nancy Spungen was found fatally stabbed at the Chelsea Hotel in 1978. Was her boyfriend Sid Vicious to blame?

By Katie Serena • Jan 25, 2023

The Death Of Nancy Spungen, Sid Vicious’ Doomed Girlfriend

One of the most infamous punk-rock groupies, 20-year-old Nancy Spungen was found fatally stabbed at the Chelsea Hotel in 1978. Was her boyfriend Sid Vicious to blame?

By Katie Serena • January 25, 2023

How A Stretch Of Road Between Kuwait And Iraq Became Known As The ‘Highway Of Death’

At the close of the Persian Gulf War, American forces carried out a 10-hour bombardment on Highway 80 that left hundreds dead and destroyed up to 2,700 vehicles.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 25, 2023

How A Stretch Of Road Between Kuwait And Iraq Became Known As The ‘Highway Of Death’

At the close of the Persian Gulf War, American forces carried out a 10-hour bombardment on Highway 80 that left hundreds dead and destroyed up to 2,700 vehicles.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 25, 2023

33 Incredible Photos From The California Gold Rush, The Mining Craze That Captivated The World

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in January 1848 sparked a mass migration to California — but not everyone was lucky enough to strike it rich.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 24, 2023

33 Incredible Photos From The California Gold Rush, The Mining Craze That Captivated The World

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in January 1848 sparked a mass migration to California — but not everyone was lucky enough to strike it rich.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 24, 2023

The Tragic Story Of The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster — And How It Could Have Been Avoided

Millions around the world watched on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia was ripped apart upon re-entry, and NASA investigations later revealed that the tragedy was likely preventable.

By Austin Harvey • Jan 23, 2023

The Tragic Story Of The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster — And How It Could Have Been Avoided

Millions around the world watched on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia was ripped apart upon re-entry, and NASA investigations later revealed that the tragedy was likely preventable.

By Austin Harvey • January 23, 2023

The Story Of Nannie Doss, The ‘Giggling Granny’ Who Spent Decades Murdering Her Husbands And Relatives

"I was searching for the perfect mate," Nannie Doss told police, after she was arrested for murdering her husbands. "The real romance in life."

By William DeLong • Jan 23, 2023

The Story Of Nannie Doss, The ‘Giggling Granny’ Who Spent Decades Murdering Her Husbands And Relatives

"I was searching for the perfect mate," Nannie Doss told police, after she was arrested for murdering her husbands. "The real romance in life."

By William DeLong • January 23, 2023

Jim Garrison, The New Orleans District Attorney Who Claimed He Uncovered The Truth About JFK’s Murder

In 1967, prosecutor Jim Garrison accused Clay Shaw of conspiring with government agencies to assassinate President John F. Kennedy — but many believe it was all for media attention.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 19, 2023

Jim Garrison, The New Orleans District Attorney Who Claimed He Uncovered The Truth About JFK’s Murder

In 1967, prosecutor Jim Garrison accused Clay Shaw of conspiring with government agencies to assassinate President John F. Kennedy — but many believe it was all for media attention.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 19, 2023

The Little-Known Story Of The Colfax Massacre, The Worst Episode Of Racial Violence During Reconstruction

After the 1872 gubernatorial election in Louisiana, KKK members and former Confederates stormed a courthouse occupied by Black militiamen — and killed as many as 150 of them.

By Genevieve Carlton • Jan 19, 2023

The Little-Known Story Of The Colfax Massacre, The Worst Episode Of Racial Violence During Reconstruction

After the 1872 gubernatorial election in Louisiana, KKK members and former Confederates stormed a courthouse occupied by Black militiamen — and killed as many as 150 of them.

By Genevieve Carlton • January 19, 2023