American History Archives

Tagged "American History"

Was a Violently Racist Carnival Game Once Popular in America?

In the not-so-distant past, white carnival goers threw eggs or balls at African Americans in a game popularly known as "Hit the N----- Baby."

Lincoln and Kennedy Coincidences

Numerous 'coincidences' between the Lincoln and Kennedy assassinations are not really so amazing.

Were ‘Highway Closed in Event of Enemy Attack’ Signs Posted During the Cold War?

Early 1950s efforts to prepare Americans for nuclear war included the erection of signs giving advance notice of highway closures in the event of attack.

The Price They Paid

A popular essay outlines the fates of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but many of its details are inaccurate.

Were There Irish Slaves in America, Too?

Questionable sources maintain that the plight of so-called "Irish slaves" in early America was worse than that of African slaves. Historians beg to differ.

Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth?

We cannot tell a lie: George Washington's false teeth weren't made out of wood, though the materials actually used weren't all that appealing, either.

Why Does Washington, D.C., Have No ‘J’ Street?

Old historical legends holds that architect Pierre L'Enfant omitted 'J' Street from his plans for Washington, D.C., because he disliked John Jay.

Native American Student Punished for Refusing to Say Pledge of Allegiance

Leilani Thomas said her teacher docked her grades because she refuses to participate in the daily ritual.

Cocktails Came Out of Prohibition?

A long-running claim that cocktails were an entirely American invention appears to be something of a myth.

Must the President and Vice-President Be from Different States?

History: Many people believe the U.S. constitution requires that presidential and vice-presidential candidates be from different states. Is that really the case?