The Massive Fight over Sunday Mail
Sunday mail delivery was hugely controversial in the early 19th century, inspiring one of the U.S.'s first efforts to rally public opinion around a cause.
Why Do We Have Prisons in the United States?
The Enlightenment brought the idea that punishments should be certain and mild, rather than harsh with lots of pardons and exceptions.
How Facebook Revived the Epistolary Friendship
Would today's online, social media-based friendships look familiar to the letter-writing friends of earlier centuries, when epistolary friendships were also common?
The Strange History of Masons in America
Often the subject of conspiracy theories, Masons captured the allegiance of much of the early American elite.
De Facto First Ladies: A Definitive Guide
Ivanka Trump will be assuming many duties of the First Lady. She won't be the first presidential daughter to take “the hardest unpaid job in the world.”
Who Wrote the Declaration of Independence?
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson was not then credited with its authorship.
Andrew Jackson’s Duels
Andrew Jackson had a predilection for old-fashioned fights of honor.
Historian Elizabeth A. Fenn on the Mandans
Early work from historian Elizabeth A. Fenn.