American History

Aquascutum, stemming from Latin for "water" and "shield," was a leading trenchcoat manufacturer.

The Classy Rise of the Trench Coat

World War I brought with it a broad array of societal changes, including men's fashion

Just a mile down one of the park’s most popular and accessible trails, hikers reap views of Dream Lake.

When Colorado Was (And in Many Ways Still Is) the Switzerland of America

A hundred years ago, city slickers looking for wild times in Rocky Mountain National Park invented a new kind of American vacation

More than 3,000 lights adorned Ferris' wheel.

The Brief History of the Ferris Wheel

Originally the American answer to the Eiffel Tower, the summertime amusement became a hallmark of summer fun

A display of Jim Beam bourbons at a Kentucky distillery.

What Makes Bourbon Uniquely American?

A new book examines everything that makes the spirit special to the United States

What the new National Museum of African American History and Culture will look like when it opens.

New Exhibition Highlights the Monumental Milestones of African American History

Artifacts reveal the vibrant stories of everyday people, while also adding nuance to the landmark events taught in history classes

Anna Jarvis, a woman who championed the establishment of Mother's Day.

The Tenacious Woman Who Helped Keep Mother’s Day Alive

For Anna Jarvis, a holiday devoted to moms was not sentimental fluff, but a practical exercise in patriotism

A drawing by explorer John Cleves as he mapped the northern poles.

John Quincy Adams Was an Ardent Supporter of Exploration

The president planned to fund an expedition to the South Pole and South Pacific, but the research trip was canceled by his successor, Andrew Jackson

The Lusitania leaves New York on its final voyage in 1915.

This Map Shows the Full Extent of the Devastation Wrought by U-Boats in World War I

On the anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania, a look at how "unrestricted submarine warfare" changed the rules of war

Dancers perform during a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Los Angeles.

Is There a Proper Way to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

In one California town, the holiday co-opted by beer companies takes on a flavor of its own

This 133-foot long wooden steamer, the Rising Sun, is in 6 to 12 feet of water just north of Pyramid Point, where she stranded on October 29, 1917. All 32 people on board were saved.

In 2015, Lake Michigan Was So Clear Its Shipwrecks Were Visible From the Air

A Coast Guard patrol spotted the wrecks in shallow waters that are only clear after the lake's ice melts and before summer sediment swirls and algae blooms

John Paul Jones, an American naval hero during the Revolutionary War, was later known for wooing the women of France.

John Paul Jones and His Romantic Romp Through Paris

After the naval hero gained acclaim in the American Revolution, he met many adorers in the French city

History in the making: Sam Smith performs with Mary J. Blige, one of his main influences.

Why We Should Teach Music History Backwards

Rock fans do their own investigative work to understand their favorite groups’ influences. So why can’t the rest of us get with the program?

Watercolor illustration of a pony express rider

The Pony Express Was Short-Lived And Costly

The service only lasted 18 months, but became an important icon of the West

How Rum Helped the U.S. Win Its Independence

Rum may was a key player in America's revolutionary days

Prototype of the original Jogbra

The First Jogbra Was Made by Sewing Together Two Men's Athletic Supporters

An archive collected from the sports company reveals that the bra gave a boost to women's athletics

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The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

A look back at the fateful night 150 years ago that changed American history forever

How will you celebrate National Beer Day?

Where to Go to Visit the Oldest Breweries in America

To commemorate National Beer Day, throw back a cold one for history

Jackie Robinson, is shown in post-swing position in front of the stands

The Year of Jackie Robinson's Mutual Love Affair With Montreal

Before he became a major leaguer, Robinson spent a formative year in the more hospitable environs of Canada

The Brief History of “Americanitis”

More than a century ago, the experts thought that Americans worked too hard, putting their collective health at risk

The Underappreciated and Forgotten Sites of the Civil War

To commemorate the end of the war 150 years ago, here are fascinating locales that remind us of the conflict's sprawling impact

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