News | HISTORY

How the Empire State Building Was Built in Record Time

Workers completed the 102‑story, Art Deco‑style landmark in an astonishing one year and 45 days.

How President Grover Cleveland Won Two Non‑Consecutive Terms

President Cleveland is the only U.S. president to lose his first reelection bid—then return four years later to win back the White House.

7 ‘October Surprises’ That Disrupted US Presidential Elections

When scandalous news emerged in the final weeks of these presidential campaigns, election outcomes were at stake.

Why (and How) Engineers Drained Niagara Falls in 1969

For five months in 1969, water flowing to the New York side of Niagara Falls was diverted, leaving a 100‑foot‑high dry cliff.

When Were Seat Belts Invented?

Seat belts came in simpler designs before safety concerns drove innovation, leading to the three‑point version that is standard today.

The Richter Scale’s California Origins

Charles Richter worked with Beno Gutenberg to develop one of the first data‑driven ways of comparing earthquakes.

When the 1824 Presidential Election Ended in an Electoral Tie, Controversy Ensued

After the tied election went to the House of Representatives, an anonymous letter accused two of the candidates of making a ‘corrupt bargain.’

Horrific Fate of Officer in Doomed Arctic Expedition Revealed

What happened to the crew of the Franklin expedition remains unclear, but cannibalized remains were identified as belonging to third‑in‑command James Fitzjames.

The History of the Bra: From Corsets to Spandex

While bras shape women’s bodies, the development of bras has been shaped by world events.

Jimmy Carter’s Life in Photos

At his 100th birthday, the legacy of America’s 39th president extends far beyond his four years in the White House.

Why Is ‘The Catch’ Called Baseball’s Most Perfect Play?

In 1954, the Giants’ Willie Mays made a catch that wowed the nation—and became a legendary moment in baseball history.

How Radiocarbon Dating Unlocks Ancient History

When a chemist discovered that carbon atoms could be used to date ancient remains, he devised a method that upended archaeology.