History
Travel to the past with the best history stories, from Ancient Rome to World War II. The Archive has the history stories you crave, from military sagas to exploring the New World.
The Shot Heard Round the World: The Battles of Lexington and Concord, 250 Years Later
Reflecting on the campaign that kicked off the Revolutionary War.
Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel Sr. Passes Away at 107
The clandestine communication of the Navajo saved lives on the battlefield and was vital to success in the Pacific.
11 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Donner Party
The specter of cannibalism overshadows many other fascinating facts about the emigrants.
Napoleon's Plans Were Thwarted at the Battle of Trafalgar
He intended to invade the United Kingdom, but underestimated their sea power.
Civil War Vets Wanted to Invade Canada to Liberate Ireland
These incursions were called the Fenian raids.
Numbers Stations: The Secret Signals That Haunt Radio Airwaves
This mysterious form of communication may be related to foreign intelligence.
In WWI, Fighter Planes and Machine Guns Were the Perfect Team
Innovative design ensured the two worked together seamlessly.
Why the Laotian Civil War is Also Known as the “Secret War”
Untangle this complex conflict that involved global superpowers.
Who Was Daniel Boone? Learn All About the Early American Folk Hero
The pioneer and frontiersman helped settle Kentucky.
A Hidden Chamber Was Just Discovered Under the National Mall
Construction workers stumbled upon an unexpected piece of history.
Operation Gunnerside: The Most Successful Sabotage of WWII
Heavy water was the unusual solution for a common tactic.
Operation Paperclip: The Secret Post WWII US Intelligence Program
As Nazi Germany lost power, the United States government sought its most valuable scientists—regardless of their actions.
The Poem That Launched D-Day for the French Resistance
The French Resistance listened to the BBC intently for signals. When they heard this poem, they knew D-Day was imminent.
4 Movies that Capture the Nuance of Conflict Journalism
At what cost comes the intimate knowledge of what happens in war?
A History of the Haka, a Traditional Māori Dance
Learn the roots of this ritual that hails from New Zealand.
What We Know About Vikings in North America
Were they actually the first Europeans to set foot on the continent?
This Olympic Event Is Based on Soldier Skills
The Pentathlon has evolved over time, but its military roots remain constant.
