U.S. History

The First Empire Builder of the Northwest

Long before Bill Gates, James J. Hill blazed a technological trail, built a fortune — and tested the government's tolerance for big business

October 1999

"For a While...It Was Fun"

Then the full force of the storm hit. By the time it had played itself out, Galveston, Texas, was a shambles

September 1999

Turning Water to Gold

Confronted with a hill full of gold, miners removed the hill and the gold and left a mess behind

August 1999

A New Day Begun

Committed to its community, the Smithsonian's Anacostia Museum sets lofty goals for the future

August 1999

"There Is a Certain Amount of Humor in Checkers"

But if you think this game is easy, you haven't met the Ayshire Lassie, the Black Doctor, the Goose Walk or the Canalejas Cannonball

July 31, 1999

In the Year 1, Augustus Let the Good Times Roll

The year 2000 is almost upon us, but what in the (Western) world was happening when the counting began?

July 31, 1999

Piloting Pint-size Planes

Across the country, weekend aviators are sending their remote-controlled model aircraft soaring

July 1999

"Hello Boys! Become an Erector Master Engineer!"

With no "hanky-panky gimcracks," A. C. Gilbert's Erector sets taught boys more than just the nuts and bolts

May 1999

Moving Down the Line

It's pulled and jimmied, tied and lifted —but the 20-ton Jupiter engine finally reaches its new home

April 1999

A Museum Partnership

Working together, the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries are gaining distinction in Asian art

April 1999

Looking Back and Ahead

With regret but a legacy of accomplishment, the Secretary plans to leave the Smithsonian in December

March 1999

Conveying History Through Song

Bernice Johnson Reagon adds cultural nuance and period flavor to rousing a cappella renditions

February 1999

Saving Our Treasures

A devoted keeper of the past, the National Museum of American History looks ahead to the Millennium

February 1999

Bar Codes: Reading Between the Lines

February 1, 1999

Picturing Pocahontas

An image at the National Portrait Gallery may be the truest account we have of the Indian princess

January 1999

Who Are Those Guys?

January 1, 1999

Crash, Slam, Boom!

The demolition derby is an American institution— or something like that

January 1, 1999

The Changing Face of Stone Mountain

In the shadow of a towering Confederate memorial — and a difficult history — a small Georgia town looks to the future

January 1, 1999

The Steam Locomotive

Even in the computer age, a thousand-ton train driven by fire and water inspires awe

December 1, 1998

Our Future in Flight

With a new facility in the works, the National Air and Space Museum prepares for the 21st century

December 1998