Jackson McQuigg, Vice President of Properties at the Atlanta History Center, shares the story of the Locomotive Texas, a historic locomotive that participated in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. The locomotive's journey from its construction in 1856 to its preservation and restoration is a fascinating tale of history, preservation, and community involvement. [... more]

The development and spread of railroads across the United States in the 1800s brought a wave of changes to American life, including the need for a uniform time system. Historian Michael O'Malley explains how the railroads spearheaded the move to a time zone system, with the nation settling on four time zones divided vertically 15 degrees apart by lines called meridians. The change was widely accepted, but it wasn't until 35 years later, during World War I, that Congress passed the Standard Time Act and made official what everyone else had put into practice. [... more]

Windmills played a crucial role in the development of the American West, providing water for families and farms. The Halliday Windmill Company's design, which swiveled to adjust for wind speed, was a game-changer. Today, some people are restoring these old windmills, like Rick Ritter, who fixed his family's Flint and Whaling brand windmill after years of neglect. [... more]

Thomas Shipley, a 19th-century Christian philanthropist, devoted his life to the extinction of human bondage, and his tireless efforts helped free hundreds of black Americans captured by slave owners and kidnappers, laying the foundation for the Underground Railroad. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the biblical account of Joshua and the Israelites, highlighting the practical lessons it teaches us about faith, God's plan, and the spiritual battle between good and evil. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. [... more]

Catherine Thompson, a runaway slave, and her infant son Joel, faced a precarious freedom living in the antebellum North. Despite the history of abolitionism, the forces of slavery still lurked across the state of Pennsylvania, and Catherine's case highlights the high-stakes game of life and death between slave catchers and abolitionists. [... more]

The life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made tycoon who rose to become one of the richest men in American history, is a fascinating tale of business acumen, ethics, and legacy. From his humble beginnings to his dominance of the railroad industry, Vanderbilt's story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unshakeable commitment to his values. However, his life was not without its complexities, and his relationships with his family and business associates reveal a multifaceted individual who was both ruthless and compassionate. T.J. Stiles' Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, 'The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt,' offers a nuanced and engaging portrayal of this remarkable figure, shedding light on the intricacies of his life and the enduring impact he had on American history. [... more]

William and Ellen Kraft's incredible escape from slavery is one of the most remarkable stories in American history. Ellen, a slave with a white father, disguised herself as a white man to join her husband William on a perilous journey to freedom. They traveled through the South, using disguises and deception to evade slave catchers and reach the North. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but ultimately succeeded in escaping to freedom in England. Their story is a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought against slavery and for freedom. [... more]

The story of the Big Four, a group of four men who risked their businesses, money, time, and talent to achieve an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage by building the Transcontinental Railroad, connecting California with the rest of the United States, and transforming the country's landscape and economy. [... more]

Thomas Smallwood, a former slave, and Charles Torrey, a white abolitionist, collaborated to help slaves escape by the wagon load, demoralizing slaveholders and undermining slavery. Their operation was revolutionary, and Smallwood's dispatches to an abolitionist newspaper may have coined the term 'Underground Railroad'. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the biblical account of Joshua and the Israelites, highlighting the importance of faith, patience, and prayer in overcoming challenges and facing spiritual battles. He emphasizes the need to call out to God and trust in His power, using the story of the fall of Jericho as an example. The message also touches on the rapture, the second coming of Jesus Christ, and the importance of living a godly life and sharing the message of the gospel with others. [... more]

The Industrial Revolution transformed America, creating a bigger, densely populated, and more diverse nation. The railroad industry played a crucial role, stimulating growth and technological advances. The adoption of standard time zones and modernization of finance also had a significant impact on American life. [... more]

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement in American history, built by Chinese laborers and Union Pacific workers who braved harsh conditions and overcame incredible obstacles. The railroad revolutionized transportation and communication, connecting the east and west coasts and transforming the country's economy and culture. [... more]

Dwight D. Eisenhower was a great and good man, with qualities of love, honesty, faithfulness, responsibility, modesty, generosity, duty, and leadership. He was a leader who hated war, but loved his country and its people. His character was shaped by his upbringing, education, and experiences, and he was known for his integrity, honesty, and strong sense of morality. Eisenhower's leadership style was characterized by his ability to inspire trust and confidence in others, and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions. He was a man of great willpower and determination, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and stability in the world. [... more]

In the heart of Philadelphia, a runaway mother desperately held her infant son close as she matched wits with a ruthless slave catcher. The mother, Catherine Thompson, escaped from her enslavement in Maryland in 1845 with the help of a free man named William Thompson. The Thompson family lived in relative safety in New Jersey, though the thought of her prior enslavement must have haunted her, for black Americans across the North often fell prey to determined enslavers, ruthless kidnappers, and unflinching slave catchers. [... more]

God's plan for our lives is better than our own, and true wisdom is known by good fruit. We need to learn to think biblically, live a moral life, and be humble. The Bible says that heaven is not for good people, but for forgiven people, and that God's wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and gentle. [... more]

The development of time zones in the United States was a gradual process that began with the railroads, which needed a standardized system to coordinate train schedules. The railroads, led by William Frederick Allen, proposed a four-time zone system divided by lines called meridians, which was adopted in 1883. The change was initially voluntary, but eventually, Congress passed the Standard Time Act in 1918, making time zones a legal part of American life. This shift had a profound impact on American communities, unifying the country and changing the way people relate to each other. [... more]

Thomas Shipley, a 19th-century Christian philanthropist, devoted his life to the extinction of human bondage, becoming a beloved icon within the abolitionist community for his tireless efforts to free hundreds of black Americans and protect thousands more from slave owners and kidnappers. [... more]

The rise of Abraham Lincoln to prominence was fueled by his strong opposition to slavery, which he believed was a form of theft. His debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 made him a national figure and a possible candidate for president in 1860. Lincoln's win in the election of 1860 was a turning point in American life, but it also led to the secession of several Southern states and ultimately the Civil War. [... more]

Cornelius Vanderbilt's life and career are a testament to his genius and force of will, which created the modern American economy. His personal wealth and influence intersected with the public interest, making him a pivotal figure in American history. This story explores Vanderbilt's most skillful and chilling moments, including his battle with Jay Gould and the impact of his actions on the financial markets. [... more]