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A Special Issue on Presidential Misdeeds | February/March 2021, Vol 66, No 2
Here is probably the most wide-ranging look at presidential misbehavior ever published in a magazine.
Fierce debate among early political factions led to many allegations of misdeeds and abuse of power in Washington's administration, but there was no serious misconduct.
Christmas Dinner at Mount Vernon | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
Roast pig, boiled rockfish, and apple pie were among the dishes George and Martha enjoyed during the holiday in 1797. Here are some actual recipes.
Tecumseh and The Prophet at Tippecanoe | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
While his brother Tecumseh was assembling the greatest Indian confederation the United States army would ever confront, the “Prophet” launched a fateful preemptive attack in Indiana Territory in 1811.
Was the Presidential Election Stolen? | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
There was widespread fraud, especially in the swing state of Florida. We are talking, of course, about 1876.
Humboldt in America | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
When the leading European naturalist visited America and met with Thomas Jefferson, it had a profound impact on the young nation.
Dred Scott: the Supreme Court's Worst Decision | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
Chief Justice Roger Taney made his contribution to the ideology of white supremacy when he asserted that blacks were a people apart, beyond the promise of the Declaration and the guarantees of the Constitution.
Thanksgiving Dinner During The Revolution | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
A menu for a 1779 New England Thanksgiving included dishes from turkey and venison to pumpkin pie.
The ”Holy Grail” of Broadcast Journalism | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Historic microphone used by Edward Murrow for London broadcasts to be loaned to the National Press Club
"This Is London": Murrow During the Blitz | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Edward R. Murrow’s radio broadcasts from London, aired live while Nazi bombs fell around him, are classics of journalism – and literature.
The Enigma of Jimmy Carter | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Critics saw him as weak, but, in his single term in office, Carter had significant achievements in foreign affairs, the environmental, and energy policy.
Upon Starved Rock | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Now a popular state park, the unassuming geological feature along the Illinois River has served as the site of centuries of human habitation and discovery.
The O'Learys and the Great Chicago Fire | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
People who know nothing else about Chicago’s Great Conflagration have heard of Mrs. O’Leary and her famous cow. But the disaster's real origins are more complicated.
Lincoln and Presidential Character | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
Abraham Lincoln learned much of what made him a great president — honesty, sincerity, toughness, and humility — from his early reading and from studying the lives of Washington and Franklin.
The Words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
Her philosophy was embodied in the words engraved over the entrance to the Supreme Court: "Equal Justice Under Law"
Heartbreak at Heart Mountain | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
The thousands of Japanese-Americans interned in Wyoming during World War II maintained their dignity and community spirit.
Truman Serenades Bacall | November/December 2021, Vol 66, No 7
Harry Truman's wife Bess was not amused when she saw the photo of her husband playing the piano while Lauren Bacall's legs dangled in front.
British Ships Lost in 1780 Hurricanes | September 2020, Vol 65, No 5
Research by American Heritage reveals that the Royal Navy had 24 warships sunk or heavily damaged in October 1780, which must have affected Britain's ability to fight in the months before the surrender at Yorktown.
Marshall's Secret Preparations for War | September 2020, Vol 65, No 5
When Germany unleashed its blitzkreig in 1939, the U.S. Army was only the 17th largest in the world. FDR and George Marshall had to build a fighting force able to take on the Nazis, against the wishes of many in Congress.
The Spirit of Chautauqua | September 2020, Vol 65, No 5
The force behind the early education and social movements—American curiosity—still lives on today.
Two Hours in Hell at Pearl Harbor | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
The USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the attack at Pearl Harbor. The recent discovery of the ship's hull has revived interest in her dramatic story.
Fighting for the Wrongly Convicted | September 2020, Vol 65, No 5
Jim McCloskey and a handful of other advocates do the tough work of helping the wrongfully convicted.
Ike's Excellent Adventure | July/August 2020, Vol 65, No 4
What the future president learned during a coast-to-coast military motor expedition would later transform America.
In Search of Real Barbecue | July/August 2020, Vol 65, No 4
American barbecue is more than a way of cooking. It’s myth, folklore, and history.
Vandalism in Lafayette Square | June 2020, Vol 65, No 3
Both our Constitution and our historic monuments were trashed during recent protests.
Confederates in Congress: Heritage or Hate? | June 2020, Vol 65, No 3
Our research reveals that 19 artworks in the U.S. Capitol honor men who were Confederate officers or officials. What many of them said, and did, is truly despicable.
Marquette and Jolliet's Excellent Adventure | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
In 1673, a Jesuit missionary, a fur trader, and a small group of canoe men traveled 2000 miles from what is now upper Michigan down to Arkansas and back.
Confederates Honored by the U.S. Army | June 2020, Vol 65, No 3
The Army has named ten military bases in honor of men who killed 365,000 U.S. soldiers. Should they be renamed? Or left as they are, since the bases are part of a “great American heritage," as Mr. Trump says?
Lafayette Square: Seven Acres of History | June 2020, Vol 65, No 3
Now closed to the public as part of the enlarged White House security zone, the Square has witnessed many historic moments over the last two centuries.
Special Section: America 50 Years Ago | June 2020, Vol 65, No 3
The year 1970 was a watershed, so we asked several thoughtful writers to reflect on some key events.