America’s Lost Funeral Trains | The Forgotten Tradition

When you cruise through some of the biggest cities in the country, there are many structures that populate the skyline, such as skyscrapers, bridges, water towers, or monuments. However, if you were to venture out to the industrial districts, you would see tall yet slender structures spitting smoke into the sky. You might notice these massive industrial cylinders are very similar to the often brick or clay structures connected to a fireplace or stove in your own home, especially if your house is of an older make. But what exactly are these and what purpose do they serve? Smoke stacks and chimneys as they are called, are architectural ventilation designs built to expel gas and smoke high in the air and away from people. Smoke stacks and chimneys have played a vital part in human architecture dating nearly a thousand years but they especially came to prominence on a manufacturing scale during the Industrial Revolution, resulting in several iterations in cities like New York and Chicago.

19 Aug 202322min

Discovering American Heritage Through Tales of Urban Decay.

17 Aug 202315min

Discovering American Heritage Through Tales of Urban Decay.

12 Aug 202316min

Discovering American Heritage Through Tales of Urban Decay.

10 Aug 202314min

Today we explore the story of how Sing Sing became one of America's most famous Prisons.

5 Aug 202314min

Imperial Courts is a public housing project located in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It gained notoriety as one of the most historically significant housing developments in the city. Constructed in the 1940s, Imperial Courts was one of the first public housing projects in LA.

3 Aug 202315min

The Crazy Horse Monument is a monumental sculpture located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. It is an ongoing work-in-progress that aims to depict the famous Oglala Lakota leader, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing into the distance. The sculpture is being carved into Thunderhead Mountain and is designed to be the largest mountain carving in the world once completed. The idea for the Crazy Horse Monument was conceived in the 1930s by Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, who wanted to honor Crazy Horse and the Native American culture. The project began in 1948 under the direction of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, and since his passing in 1982, his family has continued the work. Unlike Mount Rushmore, which features the faces of four U.S. Presidents, the Crazy Horse Monument focuses on a Native American historical figure. The sculpture is intended to serve as a symbol of the indomitable spirit, bravery, and pride of the Native American people. The project remains a significant undertaking and is funded entirely through private donations and visitor fees. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the monument is still a work in progress, and the completion date is uncertain. However, it continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to witness the awe-inspiring creation and learn about the rich history and culture of the Lakota Sioux people.

29 Juli 202313min

USS Ling (SS-297) was a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy. It was named after the ling fish, a type of cod found in the North Atlantic. The submarine was commissioned on June 8, 1945, near the end of World War II. USS Ling saw limited action during the war, arriving in the Pacific theater after the hostilities had ceased. As a result, it did not engage in any combat missions. However, it played a significant role in post-war operations, including serving as a training vessel for naval personnel. After the war, USS Ling continued its service as a training submarine and underwent several modifications over the years to adapt to changing technologies and requirements. Eventually, it became part of the United States Navy Reserve fleet. For many years, USS Ling was moored as a museum ship at the New Jersey Naval Museum in Hackensack, New Jersey. It provided visitors with a glimpse into the history of submarine warfare and the experiences of sailors during World War II. However, due to financial difficulties and the challenges of maintaining an aging vessel, the museum faced closure. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were concerns about the future of USS Ling. It's possible that new developments have occurred since then, so I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on the status and fate of this historical submarine.

27 Juli 202317min