It’s History

It’s History

By Ryan SocashHistory
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It’s History episodes

  • 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.

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    16 min
  • 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.

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    16 min
  • 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.

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    19 min
  • Why Lake Michigan Has a Submarine

    Why is there a submarine in Lake Michigan? Dive into the fascinating story of the USS Silversides, a World War II-era submarine that now rests in Muskegon, Michigan. This legendary vessel earned its place in history as one of the most successful submarines of WWII, with over 23 confirmed sinkings.

    Today, the USS Silversides serves as a museum, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore what life was like for the brave sailors who served aboard her. In this video, we’ll uncover the history of the Silversides, how it came to be a permanent fixture on Lake Michigan, and the incredible efforts to preserve this piece of naval history.
    Join us for a deep dive into the USS Silversides and its unique connection to Lake Michigan!

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    24 min
  • New York State's Abandoned Wonder Bread Factory Explained

    The Wonderbeard Factory was once a bustling symbol of New York’s industrial success, specializing in innovative grooming products that captured a niche market in the early 20th century. Founded in the 1920s during the boom of men’s grooming culture, the factory produced iconic beard-care items that were ahead of their time.

    However, shifts in consumer trends, economic hardships, and increasing competition led to the factory's decline in the mid-20th century. By the 1970s, Wonderbeard ceased operations, leaving behind an empty shell of its former glory. Today, the abandoned building stands as a haunting reminder of a bygone era, with its crumbling walls and graffiti-covered surfaces telling stories of nostalgia and decay.
    In this video, we dive deep into the factory’s history, explore its eerie ruins, and uncover the legacy of the Wonderbeard brand. Join us on this journey through time and neglect.

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    10 min
  • What’s inside the White House?

    What’s Inside the White House? Exploring 132 Rooms of History!

    Have you ever wondered what lies inside the 132 rooms of the White House? In this video, we take you on a fascinating journey through America’s most iconic residence. From the grandeur of the East Room to the secrets of the Situation Room, we explore the history, purpose, and unique stories behind each space.
    Discover the significance of rooms like the Oval Office, the Lincoln Bedroom, and even lesser-known spots like the Chocolate Shop and the Bowling Alley! We’ll also give you a glimpse into how these rooms have evolved over time and their role in shaping U.S. history.
    Did you know?
    The White House has 6 levels, 35 bathrooms, and 28 fireplaces!
    The kitchen can serve up to 140 dinner guests and 1,000 hors d'oeuvres in a single evening.
    The building has undergone significant renovations, including a complete gutting in 1948-1952 during Harry Truman's presidency.
    This is more than just a building—it’s a living piece of history! Join us as we unravel the secrets of what’s inside the White House.

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    16 min
  • Why Nebraska Has a Light House

    Why does Nebraska, a landlocked state, have a lighthouse? In this video, we dive into the fascinating story behind Nebraska’s unexpected connection to lighthouses and explore the history of the state’s reservoirs. These reservoirs, vital for irrigation, are the lifeblood of Nebraska’s agriculture—fueling the crops that help feed America. Discover how the creation of these reservoirs shaped the state’s history, inspired unique landmarks like the Lake Minatare Lighthouse, and continue to play a critical role in sustaining the heartland’s economy. Join us for this captivating journey into Nebraska’s surprising connection to water and its impact on agriculture.

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    15 min
  • Seattle’s Lost Lumber Yards

    Seattle’s booming skyline and tech-driven economy might define the city today, but its roots tell a very different story. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Seattle was the epicenter of the lumber industry, with towering lumberyards and sawmills shaping the city's development and economy.

    In this video, we’ll uncover the hidden history of Seattle’s forgotten lumberyards, explore how they helped build the city we know today, and investigate why they were abandoned. From the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest to the docks and railroads that moved timber across the globe, this is the untold story of Seattle's wooden past.

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    23 min
  • Why New York's North Brother Island is Totally Forbidden

    North Brother Island is one of New York City’s most mysterious and eerie places. Located in the East River between the Bronx and Rikers Island, this abandoned island is steeped in history and tragedy. Originally developed in the 19th century as a quarantine facility for smallpox patients, it later became infamous as the home of Typhoid Mary, one of the most notorious cases of contagious disease in American history.

    The island was repurposed over the decades, serving as a rehabilitation center for drug addicts in the mid-20th century, but was eventually abandoned. Today, it is off-limits to the public and has become an overgrown wildlife sanctuary. Despite its haunting past, it remains a fascinating and forbidden relic of New York City's history.

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    15 min
  • Los Angeles Failed Monorail Plan

    Why doesn’t Los Angeles have a monorail? In this episode of It’s History, we dive into Disney’s ambitious plan to transform LA’s transportation network with a futuristic monorail system. Discover how Walt Disney’s innovative vision aimed to solve LA’s traffic problems and why it ultimately failed. From behind-the-scenes politics to logistical challenges, we uncover the untold story of Disney’s monorail dream and the lasting impact it could have had on Los Angeles.

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    14 min

About It’s History

From the publisher's feed

IT’S HISTORY is a ride through history – join us in discovering the world’s most important eras, the minds that changed everything, and the most important inventions of our time through weekly tales of Urban Decay.