Articles of Confederation

As America’s first federal public works project, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse guided ships through one of Virginia’s key trade gateways.

Early driving was risky—rumble seats, built-in cigarette lighters and fire-prone cars made even short trips dangerous.

In 1803 Italy, a scientist tests the idea that the body runs on electricity using an executed prisoner, sparking eerie questions about reanimation.

In the early 19th century, America had no standard of education—every town and city could teach its students in different ways. Until Horace Mann had an idea.