William Poole, aka Bill the Butcher, was a fierce knife-wielding gang leader in 19th-century New York City. He led the nativist street gang Bowery Boys, went on to rule the criminal underworld, and later got into politics. Bill’s larger-than-life presence was immortalized by actor Daniel Day-Lewis’ fictionalized portrayal of him as William “Bill the Butcher” […]
Bill the Butcher: The notorious life of William Poole Read More »
The end of World War II promised an era of peace in Asia and the West. The neutralization of Japan in the region led Korea to be under the control of two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. But what seemed an excellent decision to control the tides of war was the first
What caused the Korean War and how did the US get involved? Read More »
History has a long reach. The story of Georgia Tann, who ran a criminal enterprise from the 1920s to the 1950s to place thousands of babies taken from often-poor mothers with wealthy parents, still echoes today even though most of the babies she took are very elderly or gone. Early Years and Formulating the Scheme
Georgia Tann stole thousands of babies from the poor and gave them to the rich Read More »
When most people think of the Industrial Revolution, they think of scientific and technological advancements. During this time, tools and methods were invented that greatly sped up the time it took to produce items such as thread, textiles, and cotton. Additionally, countless innovators discovered new ways of smelting iron and ore, and James Watt invented
What Was Child Labor Like During the Industrial Revolution? Read More »
Every so often, a genius emerges whose innovative ideas have the power to transform our world and shape our future. Nikola Tesla was such a visionary. A man who harnessed the power of electricity to usher in a new era of technological advancement, Tesla left an indelible mark and paved the way for a brighter,
What were Nikola Tesla’s most important inventions? Read More »
Grover Krantz was an anthropologist best known for his research on Bigfoot, also known as the Sasquatch. Krantz’s journey into Bigfoot research was a strange and controversial one that has left a lasting impact on Bigfoot studies and beyond. This article explores the peculiar legacy of the Bigfoot hunter, Grover Krantz. Interest in Bigfoot Born
The strange legacy of the Bigfoot Hunter, Grover Krantz Read More »
In the 1980s, the FBI launched a courageous initiative to combat fraudulent behavior in Congress: The Abscam operation. Its daring undercover sting featured agents pretending to be wealthy Arab sheiks and businessmen, successfully resulting in numerous indictments of Congress members and other public officials on accounts of bribery. It’s an incredible story that illustrates how
Inside Abscam: The FBI Sting to Expose Corruption in Congress Read More »
Cold War tensions between the USSR and the United States hit an all-time high during the 1960s. Events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the building of the Berlin Wall were just a few examples of how extreme things were. In Asia, North, and South Korea were only a decade past the terrible Korean War
Charles Robert Jenkins, A US Defector To North Korea Read More »
Joe Profaci was a man of many talents. A business genius, a successful entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist, and above all — one of the most influential figures in organized crime in the United States during the early 20th century. Joe Profaci left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. From his humble
Joe Profaci: The life of the olive oil king Read More »
Eastern State Hospital, founded in 1773 in Williamsburg, Virginia, has the unique distinction of being the first hospital built in America specifically for the confinement and treatment of the mentally ill. Before the construction of this facility, individuals who suffered mental illness were not diagnosed by a physician knowledgeable in such conditions but judged by
Inside Eastern State Hospital: America’s first official mental hospital Read More »
