american history

Inside The Bloody Battle Of Alcatraz, The Prison Escape Attempt That Ended In Five Deaths

Over the course of 48 hours in May 1946, a group of Alcatraz inmates overpowered the guards and stole their guns — then unsuccessfully tried to shoot their way out of the prison.

By Rivy Lyon • Dec 27, 2024

Inside The Bloody Battle Of Alcatraz, The Prison Escape Attempt That Ended In Five Deaths

Over the course of 48 hours in May 1946, a group of Alcatraz inmates overpowered the guards and stole their guns — then unsuccessfully tried to shoot their way out of the prison.

By Rivy Lyon • December 27, 2024

Judge Holden Is One Of Literature’s Most Terrifying Villains — But Was He A Real Person?

Historians debate whether or not Judge Holden ever really existed, but the Blood Meridian antagonist was said to have been the most ruthless member of the Glanton gang of scalp hunters that roamed Mexico and the American Southwest in the mid-1800s.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 27, 2024

Judge Holden Is One Of Literature’s Most Terrifying Villains — But Was He A Real Person?

Historians debate whether or not Judge Holden ever really existed, but the Blood Meridian antagonist was said to have been the most ruthless member of the Glanton gang of scalp hunters that roamed Mexico and the American Southwest in the mid-1800s.

By Austin Harvey • December 27, 2024

The Curious Story Of Operation Highjump, The U.S. Military Expedition To Antarctica In 1946

Just after World War II, the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Antarctica for "training" and "reconnaissance" — but speculation about the mission's true purpose has swirled ever since.

By Amber Morgan • Dec 27, 2024

The Curious Story Of Operation Highjump, The U.S. Military Expedition To Antarctica In 1946

Just after World War II, the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Antarctica for "training" and "reconnaissance" — but speculation about the mission's true purpose has swirled ever since.

By Amber Morgan • December 27, 2024

Who Murdered JonBenét Ramsey? Inside The Leading Theories Of The Killer’s Identity

Ever since child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in Boulder, Colorado on December 26, 1996, investigators and amateur sleuths alike have puzzled over who killed her.

By Kaleena Fraga • Dec 26, 2024

Who Murdered JonBenét Ramsey? Inside The Leading Theories Of The Killer’s Identity

Ever since child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in Boulder, Colorado on December 26, 1996, investigators and amateur sleuths alike have puzzled over who killed her.

By Kaleena Fraga • December 26, 2024

Teddy Bears, Pet Rocks, And Tickle Me Elmo: Look Through 101 Of The Most Popular Christmas Toys From The Past Century

These toys were at the top of children's Christmas lists between 1923 and 2023 — and some of them even sparked shopping frenzies.

By All That's Interesting • Dec 25, 2024

Teddy Bears, Pet Rocks, And Tickle Me Elmo: Look Through 101 Of The Most Popular Christmas Toys From The Past Century

These toys were at the top of children's Christmas lists between 1923 and 2023 — and some of them even sparked shopping frenzies.

By All That's Interesting • December 25, 2024

66 Colorized Vintage Christmas Photos That Will Make You Feel Merry And Bright

Though gifts were much simpler than modern-day presents, with many children receiving dolls, train sets, and stuffed animals, the joy of Christmas morning was clearer than ever.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 25, 2024

66 Colorized Vintage Christmas Photos That Will Make You Feel Merry And Bright

Though gifts were much simpler than modern-day presents, with many children receiving dolls, train sets, and stuffed animals, the joy of Christmas morning was clearer than ever.

By Austin Harvey • December 25, 2024

The Wild Story Of The Eggnog Riot, When A Drunken Christmas Party At West Point Nearly Turned To Outright Mutiny

In 1826, several West Point cadets snuck alcohol onto campus to celebrate Christmas — but the so-called Eggnog Riot quickly got out of hand and 19 cadets were expelled.

By Amber Morgan • Dec 24, 2024

The Wild Story Of The Eggnog Riot, When A Drunken Christmas Party At West Point Nearly Turned To Outright Mutiny

In 1826, several West Point cadets snuck alcohol onto campus to celebrate Christmas — but the so-called Eggnog Riot quickly got out of hand and 19 cadets were expelled.

By Amber Morgan • December 24, 2024

The Shocking Story That Inspired Pain & Gain, From A Ninja-Inspired Kidnapping Plot To A Fatal Injection Of Horse Tranquilizer

The Michael Bay movie Pain & Gain opens with the line: "Unfortunately, this is a true story." But the film took some notable creative liberties.

By Rivy Lyon • Dec 21, 2024

The Shocking Story That Inspired Pain & Gain, From A Ninja-Inspired Kidnapping Plot To A Fatal Injection Of Horse Tranquilizer

The Michael Bay movie Pain & Gain opens with the line: "Unfortunately, this is a true story." But the film took some notable creative liberties.

By Rivy Lyon • December 21, 2024

The History Of The New York Mafia’s Five Families, From Their Formation In 1931 To Where They Stand Today

The Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno crime organizations make up the Five Families of New York City's Italian-American Mafia, and though their power peaked in the mid-20th century, their blood-soaked saga continues to this day.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 20, 2024

The History Of The New York Mafia’s Five Families, From Their Formation In 1931 To Where They Stand Today

The Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno crime organizations make up the Five Families of New York City's Italian-American Mafia, and though their power peaked in the mid-20th century, their blood-soaked saga continues to this day.

By Austin Harvey • December 20, 2024

What Happened To Frank Morris? Inside The True Fate Of The Inmate Who Escaped From Alcatraz In 1962

Frank Morris was a career criminal who became one of only three people to ever successfully break out of Alcatraz on June 11, 1962 — but he may have drowned in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay before he made it to freedom.

By Rivy Lyon • Dec 17, 2024

What Happened To Frank Morris? Inside The True Fate Of The Inmate Who Escaped From Alcatraz In 1962

Frank Morris was a career criminal who became one of only three people to ever successfully break out of Alcatraz on June 11, 1962 — but he may have drowned in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay before he made it to freedom.

By Rivy Lyon • December 17, 2024