History Happened Today

April 2: The Birth of Morse Code

On April 2, 1792, Samuel Morse was born. This episode explores how his invention transformed communication forever.

April 1: The Spaghetti Tree Hoax

On April 1, 1957, the BBC aired a segment about spaghetti growing on trees—and viewers believed it. This episode explores one of the most famous pranks in media history.

March 31: The Tower Paris Almost Rejected

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was completed in Paris. This episode explores how a widely criticized structure became an icon.

March 27: The President’s Alligator

On March 27, 1829, President John Quincy Adams reportedly kept an alligator in the White House. This episode explores one of the strangest presidential stories.
 
***Note: This story is widely told in presidential lore, but documentation is anecdotal, not airtight. It's a fun story though.

March 26: The Accident That Created Corn Flakes

On March 26, 1906, the Kellogg Company was founded after an accidental food discovery. This episode explores how corn flakes were created.

March 25: The Triangle Factory Tragedy

On March 25, 1911, a factory fire in New York killed 146 workers and changed labor laws forever.

March 24: When One Mistake Covered Alaska in Oil

On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska, causing one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history.

March 23: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry delivered one of the most famous speeches in American history. This episode explores how words helped ignite a revolution.

March 20: The Man Who Shot a “Ghost”

On March 20, 1804, a London court tried one of the strangest cases in legal history after a man shot someone he believed was a ghost.

March 19: When the Pope Went to War With Pirates

On March 19, 1607, pirates kidnapped a powerful cardinal, prompting a response from the pope and the Knights of Malta. This episode explores a dramatic chapter in the history of Mediterranean piracy.