The Day of Darkness

On May 19, 1780, an extraordinary and eerie phenomenon enveloped New England: a day shrouded in an almost supernatural darkness. This event, famously known as New England’s Dark Day, has since become a fascinating chapter in American history, marked by its mysterious onset, widespread impact, and the myriad of interpretations it inspired. The darkness began...

Pyroclastic Flows

Mount St. Helens, a stratovolcano located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, erupted catastrophically on May 18, 1980. This eruption, the most deadly and economically destructive volcanic event in U.S. history, transformed the landscape and provided valuable lessons for volcanic monitoring and disaster preparedness. The signs of Mount St. Helens’ imminent eruption...

Stark

On the fateful evening of May 17, 1987, the USS Stark, a guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, found itself in the crosshairs of conflict in the tumultuous waters of the Persian Gulf. This incident marked a sobering chapter in the history of naval warfare, as the Stark became the target of two Exocet...

I Handed the Lady a Five Cent Piece

In the rich tapestry of American currency, the nickel holds a special place, evolving from humble beginnings to become an iconic symbol of everyday transactions. The history of the nickel intertwines with significant events like the Civil War, legislative decisions, and the influence of key figures such as Salmon Chase and Joseph Wharton. Let's delve...

The Third Law

Johannes Kepler, a brilliant astronomer of the Renaissance era, unraveled the intricate dance of celestial bodies with his groundbreaking laws of planetary motion. Among these, his third law stands as a cornerstone in understanding the harmony of the cosmos. Let's delve into Kepler's observations, his initial errors, the eventual corrections, and the ultimate confirmation of...

Rotterdam

May 14, 1940, marks a somber day in the history of the Netherlands, particularly in the city of Rotterdam, when the devastating German bombing raid unfolded. This event, occurring within the broader context of World War II, not only left a profound mark on Rotterdam but also stirred significant repercussions in the course of the...

You’re Killing Me, Smalls!

Around three in the morning on May 13, 1862, the lookouts aboard a Union Naval vessel blockading Charleston Harbor was surprised to see a vessel bearing down upon his ship. Sounding the alarm, the gun ports were opened and all was brought to preparation to open fire. It was then that the lookout noticed that...

Kfar Etzion

The Kfar Etzion massacre on May 13, 1948, remains a poignant and tragic episode in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, occurring on the eve of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. This event not only influenced the political landscape of the region but also left an indelible mark on the collective memories and narratives of...

Charleston Falls

The Siege of Charleston in 1780 was one of the most significant military confrontations of the American Revolutionary War. Charleston, South Carolina, held strategic importance due to its role as a major port city in the Southern colonies. By late 1779, British forces had shifted their focus to the Southern theater with the intention of...

Admiral Lee

Admiral Willis Augustus Lee, born on May 11, 1888, in Natlee, Kentucky, left an indelible mark on naval history through his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unparalleled expertise in naval warfare. From his early years to his heroic actions during World War II, Lee's legacy continues to inspire generations of sailors and naval strategists. Born...

Ticonderoga

On May 10, 1775, the colonial forces achieved a significant victory in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War with the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. Situated strategically between Lake Champlain and Lake George in present-day New York, Fort Ticonderoga was a key stronghold in the region, controlling vital waterways and serving as a gateway...

Not U-571

On May 9, 1941, during World War II, the Royal Navy achieved a significant victory when they captured the German submarine U-110. This event marked a crucial turning point in the battle against German U-boats and had far-reaching implications for naval warfare and code-breaking operations. U-110 belonged to the Type IXB class of German submarines,...

VE Day

I put this together back in May of 2015 for my regular show. I had been looking for some good audio to intro the VE Day show, and by the time I was done looking, I had this. Before I released it, I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes and just let...

Queen of the Flattops

In the grand annals of United States naval history, few ships hold as storied a legacy as the USS Lexington CV-2. Initially conceived as a battlecruiser under the auspices of the ambitious naval expansion in the aftermath of World War I, her destiny was irrevocably altered by the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. This treaty,...

That Pesky 2nd Amendment

On May 7, 1992, the original 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution was finally ratified, now as the 27th Amendment. Getting there wasn't as simple...

The Wilderness – Day 2

The Battle of the Wilderness, fought in the tangled thickets of Virginia, remains one of the most harrowing confrontations of the American Civil War. It marked the beginning of Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign, an aggressive push toward the Confederate capital of Richmond, and pitted him against the formidable Robert E. Lee, whose Army of...

Platon of Banja Luka

Platon Jovanović, known later as Platon of Banja Luka, was born on December 15, 1891, in the village of Buđanovci, located in the region of Syrmia. Raised in a devout Christian family, Platon was nurtured in an environment steeped in religious tradition. He pursued his education with a focus on theology, demonstrating an early passion...

Opening Moves – The Coral Sea

The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from May 4 to May 8, 1942, marked a significant turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This engagement was notable for being the first air-sea battle in history, where opposing ships never sighted or directly fired upon each other, instead engaging through aircraft launched...

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States, was officially incorporated on May 3, 1802. This milestone in American history not only marked the formal establishment of its governance but also underscored the city’s central role in the national identity and administrative function of the country. The history of Washington, D.C., from its founding...

The Red Baron

Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen, born on May 2, 1892, in Kleinburg, near Breslau, was a member of an aristocratic family with military tradition. Growing up, Richthofen was athletic, enjoying gymnastics, horseback riding, and hunting, all of which played a pivotal role in shaping his skills as a future aviator. Richthofen is best known by his...