Why are Brits called ‘limeys’?
The slur against the English should have been a compliment. Continue reading Why are Brits called ‘limeys’?
Category: History
Remember the Samaritans from Sunday School? They’re still around
The Book of Luke relates one of the most famous parables of Jesus, the story of the good Samaritan. In this tale, a man is beaten and left alongside a road, only to be ignored by a Levite and Jewish priest, both prestigious members of contemporary Jewish society. Only a Samaritan, an ethnoreligious minority frowned upon by most Jews at the time, was willing to … Continue reading Remember the Samaritans from Sunday School? They’re still around
Which U.S. cities have hosted the summer Olympics?
Only three American cities have held the summer games since the start of the modern Olympics in 1896. Continue reading Which U.S. cities have hosted the summer Olympics?
Why didn’t Benjamin Franklin write the Declaration of Independence?
When the Continental Congress assembled the Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was a perfect candidate to draft the historic document. Franklin was likely the most famous American in 1776. His aptitude across a range of varied pursuits — scientific, literary, and otherwise — granted him a caliber of respect unmatched by his colonial contemporaries. The Franklin stove, bifocals, lightning … Continue reading Why didn’t Benjamin Franklin write the Declaration of Independence?
The last battle of the American Revolution wasn’t in America
Although George Washington’s 1781 victory at Yorktown pushed the British into peace talks, hostilities did not end there, with the final showdown taking place over 8,000 miles from Virginia. Continue reading The last battle of the American Revolution wasn’t in America
Wyoming and women’s suffrage: How the Equality State earned its name
Even most Americans would struggle to pinpoint Wyoming on a U.S. map. The least-populous, and second-least densely populated, of the United States is a perennial afterthought in discussions of the American union. Wyoming has much to offer outside observers, however. In addition to Yellowstone National Park, which lies mostly within the state’s boundaries, Wyoming’s greatest claim to fame is that it was the first political … Continue reading Wyoming and women’s suffrage: How the Equality State earned its name
The French Quarter isn’t French
Most of New Orleans’ iconic architecture was built by another colonial power. Continue reading The French Quarter isn’t French
Why did pirates wear eye patches?
There could have been more behind the buccaneer accessory than a missing eye. Continue reading Why did pirates wear eye patches?
Magellan never sailed around the world
Today marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Ferdinand Magellan, who died in battle before he could complete the world’s first circumnavigation. Continue reading Magellan never sailed around the world
King George III on General George Washington: Greatest man in the world?
Anyone with a passing understanding of the American Revolution can identify two titular figures in the world-altering American struggle against colonial rule: George Washington, the Commanding General of the Continental Army; and King George III, King of Great Britain. Most would also intuit mutual dislike between the two figures. However, there is considerable evidence that King George III held high regard for the talisman of … Continue reading King George III on General George Washington: Greatest man in the world?
Pulp Sage 