Steven M. Gillon Archives

Inside RFK’s Funeral Train: How His Final Journey Helped a Nation Grieve

The New York‑to‑Washington train had 21 cars, 700 passengers—and millions of trackside mourners.

Charleston’s Emanuel 9 Memorial: Balancing Education With Healing

Architect Michael Arad was struck by how quickly the congregation forgave the man who murdered their fellow parishioners: ‘The memorial had to find a way of conveying that.’

This Train Station is Poised to Help Detroit Get Back on Track

Michigan Central Station was once the tallest train station in the world. Then as Detroit fell on hard times, so did its train hub. Can its rebirth help revitalize Motor City?

Why the 1967 Kerner Report on Urban Riots Suppressed Its Own Expert Findings

Government researchers found one common denominator among those most likely to riot: They had experienced or witnessed an act of police brutality.

The Revolution That Was 1968

As simmering political and cultural resentments exploded in 1968, nearly every week produced news of another earth‑shattering event.

How a Little‑Known ’60s Congressman Unwittingly Upended U.S. Immigration

Lawmakers thought focusing on family unification would preserve the immigration status quo. The result was just the opposite.

Why Populism in America is a Double‑Edged Sword

Joseph McCarthy’s brand of populism proved much darker than, say, Ronald Reagan’s.

Every Event Has an Echo from the Past

From the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Chinese Exclusion Act, a look at which historical events set the context for 2017’s big moments.

Why the Public Stopped Believing the Government about JFK’s Murder

After JFK’s assassination, 87% of Americans believed Oswald was the sole shooter. What happened?

Lee Harvey Oswald: Plan, Chaos or Conspiracy?

In an excerpt from his new book, author Steven M. Gillon details the final hours of Lee Harvey Oswald’s life.