History

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Before Earhart, There Was Aviation Trailblazer Bessica Raiche

She was the first woman to ever fly an airplane, and she even helped build them. She was also one of the first female gynecologists. But nobody knows of her. Why?

Did Medieval People Drink Beer Instead of Water?

Imagine a mother telling her thirsty child not to sip water, but to swig some much safer beer instead. Could this scenario have really happened in medieval times?

The Mysterious Case of the Newlyweds Who Vanished in the Grand Canyon

In 1928, Glen and Bessie Hyde embarked on an ambitious trip down the Colorado River. But their adventurous honeymoon came to an unfortunate early end. What happened?

Ridiculous History: Bears, Raccoons — and Alligators? — in the White House

Changing the Guard Is More Than Pomp and Circumstance

The Misunderstood Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

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The Inconvenient Truth Behind Revolutionary Icon Che Guevara

7 Finger-lickin' Legends About Colonel Sanders and KFC

9 Heavy-hitting Facts About the Greatest, Muhammad Ali

Historical Events

From the Age of Enlightenment to the Christmas Truce, learn about some of history's most pivotal events.

The Peace Sign: From No Nukes Logo to Anti-war Symbol

20 Memorable Moments of the 21st Century So Far

The War of 1812: The White House Burns and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' Is Born

Historical Figures

From Musketeers to Nazis, Archimedes to Harriet Tubman, these famous historical figures changed the course of history -- for better or worse.

The Inconvenient Truth Behind Revolutionary Icon Che Guevara

9 Heavy-hitting Facts About the Greatest, Muhammad Ali

Polio Doctor Jean Macnamara's Work Reminds Us That Viruses Can Be Vanquished

History vs. Myth

You don’t need fiction when history provides you with tales as crazy as the ones we’ve collected for you. Read up while your jaw drops.

7 Finger-lickin' Legends About Colonel Sanders and KFC

Searching for the Lost Horizon of Shangri-La

What's the Secret Behind the Number 666?

Europe

No matter how knowledgeable you are about European history, there's always more to learn! Get an in-depth look at European history in these articles.

Do All Scottish Families Have a Tartan?

Albania's Doomsday Bunkers Fed a Dictator's Paranoia

17th-century Plague Doctors Were the Stuff of Nightmares

North America

From the southern tip of Florida to the Alaskan wilderness, explore North American history in-depth in the North American history section.

Who Really Struck It Rich During the California Gold Rush?

How the U.S. Capitol's Design Was Chosen By Public Competition

Why Is New York City Called the 'Big Apple'?

World History

HowStuffWorks looks at the history and culture of places from all over the world.

The Slithering Serpent and 6 Other Secrets of Chichén Itzá

What Caused the Rise – and Fall – of the Ottoman Empire?

The Dark History of Indigo, Slavery's Other Cash Crop

World wars and conflicts have shaped the course of history as countries stuggle to maintain a balance of power. In this section topics such as the Korean War, Vietnam and both World Wars are explored.