Why Canada Paid For America's Most Important Canal
The St. Lawrence Seaway, often called one of North America’s greatest infrastructure achievements, was a joint venture between Canada and the United States completed in 1959. The waterway connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing large ships to bypass natural obstacles like rapids and waterfalls, including Niagara Falls. Despite its shared benefits, Canada paid for about 75% of the project, largely because political opposition in the U.S. delayed American funding. Many U.S. interest groups, such as railroads and port cities, feared the canal would hurt their businesses, leaving Canada to shoulder the bulk of the financial burden to push the project forward. The Seaway includes 15 locks and stretches over 2,300 miles, revolutionizing trade by creating a direct maritime route to the industrial heartland of both countries. Today, the St. Lawrence Seaway is a critical artery for global trade, cementing its role as one of the most significant engineering marvels of the 20th century.
9 Jan 14min
New York's Lost Link to City Island
The history of New York City’s lost City Island monorail is a fascinating chapter in urban planning that illustrates both ambition and failure. In the early 20th century, City Island—located in the Bronx—was a vibrant maritime community with limited transportation connections to the rest of New York. To address this, a bold plan was conceived in the early 1910s to link City Island to the mainland via a monorail. The project, officially called the *Pelham Park and City Island Railroad*, was envisioned as a cutting-edge transportation solution using elevated rail technology. The system was designed to stretch over the wetlands of Pelham Bay Park, reducing the need for more invasive infrastructure. Construction began in 1910, and by 1914, a prototype was operational. However, it was short-lived. The monorail faced significant technical issues, including mechanical failures and derailments. Public skepticism and political opposition grew, and with World War I diverting resources and attention, the project was abandoned. City Island residents continued to rely on other modes of transportation, such as streetcars and ferries. Today, the remnants of the monorail are long gone, but its story remains a curious reminder of New York’s ambitious—yet sometimes impractical—transportation experiments.
4 Jan 6min
Electric Cars Were Huge in the 1900s… So What Went Wrong?
The history of electric cars dates back to the early 19th century, well before the dominance of gasoline-powered vehicles. In the 1820s and 1830s, innovators in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the United States began experimenting with small-scale electric-powered carriages. By the late 19th century, electric vehicles (EVs) had become practical with the development of better batteries. Notably, in 1889, William Morrison built one of the first successful electric cars in the United States, capable of a top speed of 14 mph. By the early 1900s, electric cars were extremely popular, especially among urban elites, due to their quiet operation, lack of emissions, and ease of use compared to gasoline cars, which required hand cranking. In fact, around 1900, electric vehicles accounted for about a third of all vehicles on U.S. roads. However, the rise of mass production techniques, pioneered by Henry Ford with the Model T, made gasoline cars far more affordable, while improvements in internal combustion engines and the availability of cheap oil further marginalized electric vehicles. By the 1930s, electric cars had largely disappeared from the mainstream. It wasn’t until the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven by concerns over climate change, pollution, and oil dependency, that EVs saw a major resurgence. Companies like Tesla revolutionized the modern electric car industry, while advancements in battery technology and government incentives have positioned EVs as a critical component of a sustainable future.
2 Jan 8min
Abandoned Ghost Towns of the First State
Delve into the hauntingly fascinating stories of Delaware's ghost towns, including the enigmatic Lana Del and the forgotten settlement on Cheese and Bread Island. Explore the remnants of these lost communities, their histories, and the mysteries that caused them to vanish. Discover what lies abandoned in America’s First State.
28 Dec 202413min
The Rise and Fall of Wabash Railroad
The Wabash Railroad played a significant role in the expansion of America’s transportation network during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for its iconic routes and its importance in connecting the Midwest to key markets, the Wabash was a symbol of progress and innovation. However, financial struggles, shifting transportation trends, and competition led to its eventual decline and absorption into other railway systems. This video explores the fascinating history of the Wabash Railroad, from its inception and growth to the challenges that led to its demise. Join us as we uncover the story of one of America’s historic railroads.
26 Dec 202415min
Why Bethlehem Steel Was a Nightmare For Workers
Bethlehem Steel, once the backbone of American industry, was a powerhouse in the 20th century, producing steel for iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building. Founded in 1857, it grew to dominate the U.S. steel market during the two World Wars, supplying vital materials for the war effort. However, working conditions at the massive steelworks were grueling, with relentless heat, extreme danger, and long hours that took a toll on workers' bodies and minds. Many Americans can trace their family history to this industrial giant, with countless grandfathers enduring the harsh realities of the steel mills to provide for their families. The company’s collapse in the late 20th century marked the end of an era for American manufacturing, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and hardship.
21 Dec 202413min
Washington D.C.'s Secret Federal Tunnel System Explained
Beneath the streets of Washington D.C. lies a fascinating network of tunnels that remain largely unknown to the public. These passageways, ranging from public pedestrian walkways to government-only corridors, reveal a hidden side of the nation’s capital. Did you know the Capitol is connected to other federal buildings by tunnels originally designed to shield legislators from harsh weather? Or that a secret conveyor belt once transported books from the Library of Congress directly to the Capitol? The tunnels beneath Capitol Hill go beyond practicality—they’ve been a part of critical moments in U.S. history. During the Cold War, they were reinforced as fallout shelters, and more recently, they provided secure escape routes during the chaos of January 6, 2021. Even the FBI attempted to use tunnels for spying under the Soviet Embassy during Operation MONOPOLY, though the plan was riddled with technical failures. These passageways also hold quirks and hidden treasures, like the Cannon Tunnel, where student art decorates the walls alongside post offices, cafeterias, and even shoe repair shops. In some tunnels, abandoned projects like unfinished subways serve as reminders of forgotten ambitions. And while the public sees only a fraction of these tunnels, restricted corridors link the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and even secret White House bunkers. Explore the stories, mysteries, and surprises of this underground world. From secret passageways used by presidents to logistics innovations like driverless Senate subways, these tunnels are far more than simple pathways—they’re a glimpse into the hidden history of Washington D.C.
19 Dec 202413min
The Lost Underground Freight Canal
Beneath the streets of Zabrze, Poland, lies an astonishing system of underground canals, forgotten for decades and rediscovered by accident. Built in the 19th century, this adit was a key piece of the Industrial Revolution, connecting coal mines to markets across Europe. But this place is more than just a feat of engineering—it also bears witness to the lives of miners who worked here under extreme conditions. What other secrets and stories await discovery in these depths? Join us on this journey to find out.
17 Dec 202415min
