Amazing Tales About History

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The Logistics of Moving a Foreign-Speaking, 5,000-Man Army Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

In the Revolutionary War, the French helped the Patriots beat the English. When the French army came to America, there were enormous logistical issues for finding food for 5,000 men, hundreds of horses and wagons for their 700-mile march to the battle, and translating.

The Real Story of the Mayflower Voyage Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

The real purpose of The Mayflower voyage is not what's often taught in schools. Most travelers were looking to make money in new enterprises for financial backers in England. What they encountered and overcame was nothing short of amazing.

The Most Honored Actor in U.S. History Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Nobody has won as many best acting Oscars as Katharine Hepburn. She won 4, despite having her career nearly derailed by the “poison box office letter” affair. And, she narrowly escaped death during the devastating hurricane of 1938.

The American Colony That Rose Above the Others Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

One of Connecticut's earliest governors managed to convince the King of England to grant a Royal Charter that gave the state autonomy above all others. John Winthrop, Jr.'s negotiation prowess was masterful and CT was the envy of the first 13 colonies.

A Political "Who Done It" Involving a Magic Trick Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

After the candles went out, and before they could be lit again, a critically important document was gone. The British had come to Colonial Connecticut to recapture the Royal Charter that had given the colony rare autonomy. But now, it was missing.

Archeologists Find a Camp Where Patriot Soldiers were Executed Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

It was unusual for Patriot soldiers to be executed during the Revolutionary War by their own commanders. During the winter of 1778-79, under-funded troops suffered without shoes and desertion rates rose. An example was set. And now, we know where.

The First School Exclusively for Black Women in the U.S. Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

The first school exclusively for Black females opened in the 1830s. Not all townsfolk approved. A number taunted Prudence Crandall's students and arsonists even set fire to it. Opponents brought legal actions that ended up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Happened When You Were Sent to the Poorhouse Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

In the past, if you couldn’t pay your bills you were sent to the poor house. Alms houses and town farms were part of society's safety net for the poor, disabled, and mentally handicapped. Although largely unregulated, they provided food and work opportunities and most towns had one.

Where Critical Military Equipment Came From During WW II Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Connecticut’s industrial manufacturers contributed significant parts of the overall military machine that helped win WW II. Half of the aircraft engines, submarines, a large percentage of the billions of bullets, and much, much more were made in CT.

The Day 2 Rolling Skulls Revealed a Vampire Grave Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Two boys playing in a sand and gravel pit came across two human skulls. That led to the unearthing of a suspected vampire grave. State officials worked with folklorists to tentatively identify the remains of the individual whose initials – J.B. – were at first all they had to go on.

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