News | HISTORY

Why the Name of Alaska’s Peak Changed From Mt. McKinley to Denali

A gold prospector dubbed the peak Mount McKinley in 1896, but Alaskans have historically championed Denali, a name rooted in its Native American history.

8 Presidential Inauguration Traditions

Every four years, Inauguration Day and the weeks preceding it unfold with rituals that reinforce the peaceful transfer of power in the United States. While much of the pageantry—from the president‑elect’s White House visit to the inaugural address—follows long‑standing tradition, little of it is required by law or the U.S. Constitution, beyond the 35‑word oath […]

How Coffee Fueled US Troops During World War II

Coffee increased energy and alertness on the battlefield, improved morale and was even used by medics to help prevent shock.

Thomas Jefferson: 6 Facts About His Family and Upbringing

Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s most revered Founding Fathers, is best remembered for his role in writing the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third president of the United States. However, less is known about his formative years. From his privileged upbringing on a Virginia plantation to his intellectual awakening under the tutelage of […]

How Health Insurance Got Its Start in America

A 1929 prepaid hospital plan created in Dallas gave rise to early health insurance companies—and helped spur the growth of a major industry.

When Did Humans First Get Tattoos?

Inked‑up mummies reveal that, far from a modern phenomenon, humans have been getting tattoos for thousands of years.

How Firefighting Has Evolved

From ad‑hoc ‘bucket brigades’ to steam‑powered fire trucks, firefighting has seen steady advances, while the nature of fires has become more daunting.

7 Surprising Facts About the St. Louis Gateway Arch

Standing 630 feet tall with foundations sinking 60 feet into the ground, the St. Louis Gateway Arch is the tallest—and arguably one of the most visually daring—monuments in the United States. The soaring stainless steel arch, designed to withstand earthquakes and high winds, rises from the earth and then curves back into the ground, a […]

How the Great Fire of 1910 Changed How the US Fought Wildfires

When a historic fire roared over more than 3 million acres in Montana, Idaho and Washington, the US Forest Service called for suppressing all fires.

How Old Is the Moon?

Despite its timeless appearance, the moon has not always accompanied Earth, and scientists continue to investigate its true age.

Why Thomas Jefferson Faced Opposition to the Louisiana Purchase

In brokering the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States and set the fledgling country on a course to become a continental power—all for just three cents an acre. “Let the land rejoice,” General Horatio Gates praised Jefferson, “for you have bought Louisiana for a song.” More than two […]

When Did Humans Start Drinking Alcohol?

Evidence suggests that people were drinking beer as far back as 13,000 years ago, while distilled liquor arrived much later.