American History

The Price They Paid

• 28 June 2005

A popular essay outlines the fates of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but...

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The Price They Paid

Is This Viral List of ‘Four Things You Didn’t Know About Martin Luther King, Jr.’ True?

• 19 July 2003

You probably didn't know most of them because they're not true.

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Is This Viral List of ‘Four Things You Didn’t Know About Martin Luther King, Jr.’ True?

George Washington’s Vision

• 14 May 2002

Did George Washington tell of an angel who revealed a prophetic vision of America to...

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George Washington’s Vision

Does the U.S. Presidential Seal Change in Wartime?

• 5 November 2001

History buffs love to pass around this rumor.

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Does the U.S. Presidential Seal Change in Wartime?

John Hancock on His Declaration of Independence Signature

• 30 July 2001

Did John Hancock say this when he signed the Declaration of Independence?

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John Hancock on His Declaration of Independence Signature

Was ‘Amazing Grace’ Penned By a Repentant Slave Trader?

• 18 July 2001

The inspiration for this well-known piece of sacred music purportedly struck after a life-altering brush...

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Was ‘Amazing Grace’ Penned By a Repentant Slave Trader?

Are U.S. Railroad Gauges Based on Roman Chariots?

• 16 April 2001

The eventual standardization of railroad gauge in the U.S. was due far less to a...

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Are U.S. Railroad Gauges Based on Roman Chariots?

Presidential 20-Year Death Curse

• 30 October 2000

Does a death curse threaten U.S. presidents elected in years evenly divisible by 20?

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Presidential 20-Year Death Curse

Statue of Liberty Origins

• 14 February 2000

Was the model for the Statue of Liberty a chain-laden black woman?

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Statue of Liberty Origins

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

• 21 January 2000

Old historical legends holds that architect Pierre L'Enfant omitted 'J' Street from his plans for...

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

Are These ‘Coincidences’ Linking Lincoln to Kennedy Real?

• 12 June 1999

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

• Fact Check

Are These ‘Coincidences’ Linking Lincoln to Kennedy Real?