The Slave Who Stole A Confederate Ship And Sailed His Way to Freedom
Robert Smalls commandeered a ship, freed dozens of other slaves, and convinced President Lincoln to allow black men to serve in the Union Army.
How Dutch Intelligence Agents Fooled Communists For Almost 40 Years
A Dutch pro-China group was secretly filled with anti-communist agents for decades.
She Was One of the First Female Generals, but Her Legacy is in Telling Other Women’s Stories
Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught has continued her work long after her retirement.
Can A Pandemic Turn The Tide Of War?
History has proven the power of unchecked disease many times before.
What Happened to the German Mercenaries Who Fought Against the American Revolution?
These hired fighters didn't just disappear—but what happened to them may surprise you.
4 Union Generals That Were Better Than the Famous Ones
These hardworking generals outperformed the showboats at every turn.
This Former Slave Became The First African American West Point Grad
Henry Flipper, born a slave, beat astonishing odds and overcame classmates' racism to become the first black graduate in 1877.
California Once Used Children To Fight A War On Squirrels
Squirrel Week resulted in some 100,000 rodent casualties.
How the 3rd 395th Battalion's Last Stand Helped Win the Battle of the Bulge
Although outnumbered five-to-one, this battalion held their ground and killed more than 4,000 opposing German soldiers.
How Western Union Helped The U.S. Enter World War I
An intercepted telegram provided a reason for President Wilson to join the effort.
The 5 Stupidest Losses Of The American Civil War
Confederates and Union troops alike made flawed decisions with fatal consequences.
Why Ancient Romans Built Statues Of Their Greatest Enemy
The statues were a sign of honor for their enemy and a symbol of the strength of the empire.
The Russians Had Women's 'Battalions of Death' In World War I
With German forces approaching, Russia turned to a new source of manpower.
This Is Why Washington Wasn't Relentlessly Attacked By The Confederates
Natural barricades, manmade obstacles, and heavy reinforcements kept the capital safe.
Why the Kentucky Militia Was Most Feared by America's Enemies
During the War of 1812, no one wanted to come face-to-face with the Kentuckians.
The Women Who Volunteered to Make Doughnuts on the Front Lines of World War I
The Doughnut Girls of World War I delivered a taste of home when it was needed most, boosting morale and the popularity of the Salvation Army.
The Bold Pirate Plan To Bring Napoleon To The United States
The Napoleon House lay awaiting its infamous tenant.
Why This Civil War Vet Marched Across England With the U.S. Flag
Gilbert Bates toured the South and England on foot in Union uniform, flag in hand.
The First Aerial Bombing Run Was Made by the Italian Army
Bombing by balloon had been outlawed by the Hague Convention of 1899, but Italian forces found a workaround.
