When Death Was Women’s Business
In the 19th century, women called "watchers" tended to the dying and the dead.
Jarena Lee, The First Woman African American Autobiographer
Jarena Lee was the first female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1836, she published her autobiography.
Why Are U.S. Borders Straight Lines?
The ever-shifting curve of shoreline and river is no match for the infinite, idealized straight line.
Before Rush Limbaugh, There Was Boake Carter
When Boake Carter opened his mouth, he whipped up tempers and tempests. But who was he?
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.
How Benjamin Franklin’s Almanac Appealed to the Common Man
Why did Benjamin Franklin become an American patriot when he was such a loyal son of the Crown for so long?
Taxation Without Money
If we'd listened to Ben Franklin back in 1766, would we be listening to Ted Cruz in 2016?
Paper Money Rebellion
The Currency Act of 1764 returned the restrictions of 1751: banning colonists from printing their own legal tender bills.
The Trouble with Scientific Management
Frederick Taylor's scientific management theory has some holes in it.