It’s History

It’s History

By Ryan SocashHistory
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It’s History episodes

  • Why Does New York's Subway Have Ghost Stations

    In this podcast, we'll explore the mysterious world of New York's ghost stations. We'll take a journey back in time to the early days of the subway system, when these stations were bustling with commuters and trains. We'll learn about the reasons why they were eventually closed down, and the strange stories that have emerged about them over the years.

    24 min
  • The Rise and Fall of Atlantic City

    Join us for a journey into the history of one of America's most famous seaside destinations - Atlantic City. Once a thriving hub of entertainment and leisure, Atlantic City has a rich and storied past that spans over a century. Discover the city's origins, the building of its iconic boardwalk, and the rise of its famous casinos. We'll also explore the decline of the city in the mid-20th century and its ongoing efforts to revitalize itself. Join us as we uncover the fascinating history of Atlantic City, from its humble beginnings to its status as the "Queen of Resorts."

    28 min
  • Why did St. Louis Build the Gateway Arch

    Discover the story of the Gateway Arch, St. Louis' most famous landmark. Built-in the 1960s, the arch stands at 630 feet tall and is a marvel of modern engineering. But why was it built? And what makes it so iconic? Join us as we explore the history, design, and construction of this towering monument, and learn about its enduring significance as a symbol of hope and progress in the heart of the Midwest.

    21 min
  • Why Decaying Sea Forts were Abandoned in Great Britain

    During World War II, Britain faced the threat of enemy invasion and needed to protect its coastline. To defend against potential attacks, the government built a series of sea forts in the estuaries of the Thames and Mersey rivers. These forts were designed to house soldiers and weapons, and to provide a base for anti-aircraft guns.

    However, as the war ended and the threat of invasion subsided, the sea forts became obsolete. They were too far from shore to be easily accessible, and their maintenance costs were too high to justify their continued use. Over time, the forts fell into disrepair and were eventually abandoned.

    Today, the forts serve as a reminder of Britain's wartime history, and their decaying structures have become a fascination for adventurers and urban explorers. In this podcast, we'll explore the history of these sea forts, the reasons for their abandonment, and the stories of those who served on them. Join us as we delve into the mysteries and legends of these fascinating structures that still stand as silent sentinels along Britain's coastline.

    19 min
  • Why Coal Breakers were Horrific Places to Work

    In this podcast, we delve into the dangerous and back-breaking work of coal breakers, the grimy structures that sifted and sorted coal in the early 20th century. Hear stories from miners and their families about the harsh conditions, the toll on their health, and the push for safer working conditions. We also explore the environmental impact of coal mining and how it shaped the communities where it thrived. Get ready to dig deep into the gritty history of one of America's most important industries.

    8 min
  • The Lost Streetcars of Chicago - Finding the Last Green Hornet Tracks

    In this podcast, we explore the history of Chicago's once extensive streetcar system, which included over 20 different lines that crisscrossed the city. We'll discuss how streetcars were an essential part of daily life for many Chicagoans and how they influenced the city's development. We'll also delve into why the streetcar system eventually declined and how it was replaced by other forms of transportation. Along the way, we'll search for the last remaining streetcar tracks in the city and uncover some surprising stories about Chicago's streetcar history. Join us as we ride the rails of the past and discover the lost streetcars of Chicago.

    19 min
  • Why Chicago's Hidden Street has 3 Levels

    In the heart of Chicago's bustling downtown lies a curious street that few know about, but those who do are fascinated by its unique design. Known as Lower Wacker Drive, it runs beneath the city's famous elevated train tracks and is composed of three distinct levels that serve different purposes. This short podcast delves into the history of this hidden street and why it was built with three levels, revealing the ingenuity and complexity behind Chicago's infrastructure.

    17 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.