The Fox Sisters: How a Prank Created the Modern Ghost Story
The year was 1848. It was nighttime in Hydesville, New York when a flustered Margaret Fox dragged a neighbor from their home to
Biography
History
Mystery
History
Mystery
Who is Calafia? The Forgotten Literary Origins of the State of California
California, the Golden State, was first explored by Europeans in the sixteenth century when Spanish explorers began traversing the Pacific coastline. By the
History
Travel
Rough and Ready: the Little California Town Which Seceded from the Union
Is there anything that quite embodies the pioneering spirit of the United States better than the Gold Rush? In 1848, gold was found
Artifact
History
Mystery
Ancient Treasure from the Dead Sea Scrolls: What is the Copper Scroll?
From the hidden treasure trove of the pirate Samuel Bellamy to the misplaced remains of the bizarre and mysterious Pedro Mountain Mummy, lost
Biography
History
Who was Grutte Pier? The Tall Tale of the Noble Pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia
Pier Gerlofs Donia, often referred to as “Big Pier,” “Grutte Pier,” or “Greate Pier,” is an oft-forgotten pirate as well as a beloved
History
The Straw Hat Riot of 1922: The End of a Fashion Taboo
“Don’t wear white after Labor Day!” This popular fashion rule is not quite as relevant these days as it used to be, but
History
Mystery
What Was the Mysterious Sweating Sickness Which Terrorized Tudor England?
The Renaissance in Europe was a period of art and renewal that brought with it many advancements in both culture and empire. The
Biography
History
Mystery
The Legend of Black Bart
The name “Black Bart” is synonymous with outlawry. As a matter of fact, this name has belonged to not one but two notorious
Biography
History
The Cadaver Synod: A Trial For a Dead Pope
In January of 897 AD, the Basilica San Giovanni Laterano in Rome bore witness to one of the strangest “trials” in human history.