Colonialism Created Navy Blue
The indigo dye that created the Royal Navy's signature uniform color was only possible because of imperialism and slavery.
George Washington’s “Yelp Reviews”
Staying at inns allowed Washington to examine the state of the infrastructure for traveling in the new federal Republic. The only problem was, he hated it.
Can We Live Without Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning is a profoundly paradoxical technology: the hotter it gets the more we use it, and the more we use it the hotter it gets.
The Real Reason Why NYC’s Skyscrapers Are Where They Are
Why does Manhattan have two business separate districts? Turns out that it's not because of the usual story about bedrock depth.
The First Health Insurance Policies Helped Reduce Infant Mortality
Some early healthcare history shows the effect of insurance plans: lower infant morality and better standards across the board.
How American Tourism Began
American tourism took the scenic route over the course of the twentieth century. A growing middle class and car ownership helped.
Are We Entering a New Golden Age of Guano?
A history of civilization could be written in fertilizers. And the history of guano—bird poop—tells us a lot about slavery, imperialism, and U.S. expansion.
What It Was Like To Be an African-American Soldier During the Civil War
What was it like to be one of the 186,017 African Americans who served in the Union Army during the Civil War?
Public Banks: An American Tradition
When it comes to finance and banking, early Americans like Benjamin Franklin make Bernie Sanders look conservative.
