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This page is dedicated to exploring the home of the stars and stripes. The United States of America may be less than three centuries old, but there’s a lot of history packed in those years.
It all began with the British colonies that were established in the early 17th century. From the still-unsolved disappearance of the Roanoke colony to the real historical figure of Pocahontas to the story of the first Thanksgiving, early America is frequently mythologized. We’re here to cut through the noise and tell you what really transpired during those early harsh years in the New World.
Everything changed with the opening shot fired at the battles of Lexington and Concord, known as the “shot heard round the world”. The first military engagements of the Revolutionary War, these conflicts led to the independence of the United States and inspired waves of rebellion elsewhere. Whether you’re interested in key battles of the American Revolution, little-known facts, books, or true stories—such as the surprising role of Black soldiers or the significance of Valley Forge—there’s no shortage of knowledge to be had about this key event in American history.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to dive into America’s other key military engagements, from the Civil War that nearly tore the young nation apart over the issue of slavery to accounts of Vietnam. Along the way, explore stories that encapsulate the American experience through various eras, such as conflict with Native Americans, westward expansion, the Great Depression, and the struggle for equality. See the past through a whole new lens with our stories about American history.
Check out these takes on some of history’s most interesting figures.
By Grace Felder
We can trace the system back to a satirical essay by Benjamin Franklin.
This Cold War era initiative ostensibly targeted communists.
By Lee D'Amato
President John F. Kennedy and the state of Mississippi were locked in a fierce battle over civil rights.
By Diana La Paz
Over a century ago, a Boston neighborhood was struck by a most unusual disaster.
By Orrin Grey
Let's delve into the meaning behind this month-long observance.
By Orrin Grey
Read up on the man who defined the American ethos.
Compelling tales about powerful bloodlines.
Learn more about the civil rights icon.
By Grace Felder
Ham the Astrochimp, as he came to be called, paved the way for human spaceflight.
These evening radio addresses revolutionized the relationship between the president and the American people.
By Orrin Grey
Explore an era of great development and change.
Margaret Hamilton oversaw MIT's groundbreaking Software Engineering Division.
Their rise, their fall, and every scandalous detail in between.
From first ladies to rock stars, these were the year's best releases.
This little-known aviation accident resulted in 14 deaths.
A funny, irreverent series you won't regret binging.
Read up on the surprise military strike that catapulted America into WWII.
By Grace Felder
Pop culture depictions have romanticized this historical figure.