It’s History

The Field Building, now known as the LaSalle Bank Building, stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Completed in 1934, it was originally named after Marshall Field, the renowned department store magnate. Designed by the architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the Field Building quickly became a symbol of modernity and progress with its striking Art Deco design and towering presence. At the time of its completion, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes due to changes in ownership, but its architectural significance and historical prominence have endured, making it an integral part of Chicago's skyline and cultural heritage.

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Discovering American Heritage Through Tales of Urban Decay.

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In this podcast, we'll explore the history of transatlantic steam travel and the dangers that came with it. From the early days of steamships to the infamous sinking of the Titanic, we'll examine the technological advancements that made steam travel possible and the tragic accidents that occurred along the way. Join us as we delve into the world of transatlantic steam travel and the fascinating stories of those who risked it all to cross the ocean.

The 13th Regiment Armory, a historic landmark designed by architects Rudolph L. Daus and Fay Kellogg, was built between 1892 and 1894 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City. Currently serving as the Pamoja House, a homeless shelter for men managed by Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc., and supervised by the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the armory bears an expansive yet austere design. Noted for its forbidding appearance, it stands as a symbol of strength and community, reflecting the ethos of togetherness encapsulated in its Swahili namesake, "Pamoja."

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When Liberty Island served as a military fort, it played a crucial role in defending the strategic entrance to New York Harbor. Originally known as Bedloe's Island, it was fortified in the early 19th century to safeguard the harbor from potential enemy incursions. The island's strategic location made it an ideal site for military installations, and it housed various defensive structures over the years, including Fort Wood, which was completed in 1811. During its time as a military fort, Fort Wood served as a key defense point during the War of 1812 and later became the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. Its military significance gradually diminished, and by the late 19th century, the island's focus shifted towards becoming a symbol of freedom and democracy, culminating in the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886.

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In this podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating history and controversy surrounding the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. From its creation during the Great Depression to the lasting impact on the land's Indigenous people, we explore the complex stories behind the monument's construction and ongoing legacy. Join us as we examine the enduring symbolism of this American landmark and ask difficult questions about its meaning and place in history.

Plum Island, located off the northeastern coast of Long Island, New York, has a rich history spanning centuries. Originally known as "Isle des Plumes" by early French settlers due to its abundant bird population, it later became a haven for pirates and smugglers during the colonial era. In the 19th century, it was used as a quarantine station for diseased livestock, helping prevent the spread of diseases to mainland farms. During World War II, the island was taken over by the U.S. government and used for military purposes. In 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where research on infectious animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, was conducted. Today, the island remains a site of scientific research, though its future is uncertain amidst discussions of potential closure and redevelopment.

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The history of Atlanta's abandoned underground is a tale of urban evolution and economic transformation. Originally constructed in the 1920s as a network of underground streets and storefronts, it served as the bustling commercial heart of the city's retail district. However, the rise of suburban shopping malls in the mid-20th century led to its decline, and by the 1970s, it had been largely abandoned. In the 1980s, visionary entrepreneurs repurposed this subterranean space into a vibrant entertainment district known as Underground Atlanta, attracting visitors with its unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Despite its initial success, challenges such as crime and changing consumer habits led to its gradual decline once again. Today, while efforts to revitalize the area continue, Atlanta's abandoned underground stands as a testament to the city's ever-changing urban landscape and the ongoing quest for renewal.

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In the heart of the Bolivian jungle lies an eerie and abandoned train cemetery, home to dozens of rusted and decaying locomotives. Once a bustling hub of transportation during the country's mining boom, the trains were left to rot after the industry's collapse in the 1940s. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of this haunting site and the efforts to preserve it as a unique piece of Bolivian heritage.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stands as an iconic feat of engineering, spanning the entrance to New York Harbor and connecting the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn. Designed by Swiss-American engineer Othmar Ammann, who also contributed to the design of the George Washington Bridge, the bridge opened to the public on November 21, 1964. Named after Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the structure held the title of the world's longest suspension bridge until the completion of the Humber Bridge in the United Kingdom in 1981. Its construction required immense effort, with over 12,000 workers laboring tirelessly to complete the project. Today, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge remains a vital transportation artery, facilitating the flow of goods and commuters between Staten Island and the rest of New York City, while also offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and the harbor below.

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