American History Archives - Page 13 of 18

Do You Thirst for the History of Soda City? Columbia, South Carolina

August 22, 2023August 15, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

State Capital of Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, has the Postal Service to thank for its’ nickname. Postal employees would shorten the city’s name, Columbia, to Cola. This eventually gave way to calling it Cola. Which then morphed into Soda…hence Soda City! The city has since embraced it and ran with it. The new city shuttle system is dubbed the Soda Cap Express. Its logo is even a soda cap, which itself is a play on words. One because of the city’s nickname. And two, because Columbia is the CAPital city of the state.

Lee Surrenders to Grant! What Happened the Day our Country was Reunited

May 15, 2025August 12, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

In the early morning of April 9th, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee clings to the belief the war was not over. Those under Lee’s command lined up for battle west of the village of Appomattox Court House. His hope is there’s only a thin line of Union cavalry stopping him from finding supplies and rations. Then, turning south, he plans to march to North Carolina to continue the fight. This plan, and the Southern war effort, are thwarted by Grant and his Army.

Ybor City: A Historic Cuban Gem in Tampa

August 30, 2023August 5, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

The sweet aroma of tobacco floats through the streets. Along with fresh baked Cuban bread. Another distinct scent is the sweet fragrance of Cuban coffee. Or Cafe Cubano. Later, the rhythmic beats of Latin music will go late into the night. This is Ybor City! And it was once the Cigar Capital of the World!

Historic Genoa, Nevada: A Step Back to the Old West

November 22, 2023August 1, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Hot Springs during sunrise near Genoa Nevada

The oldest permanent nonnative settlement in Nevada offers a unique step back in time. Unlike many historic towns, Genoa has maintained and embraced its history without turning into the theme park which has cursed other historic towns. The historic charm is highlighted by locally-owned restaurants and the quaint charm of yesteryear.

The Most Overlooked Town on World-Famous Route 66: Oatman, AZ

July 28, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Oatman, Arizona: Route 66, Dollar Bar, Donkey

Nestled into the northwest corner of Arizona just before you cross into California on Route 66, you find the rugged town of Oatman. It may be one of the most overlooked towns along the famous road trip, but it may have the most famous burros. While the burros’ pushy demeanor demands attention, you won’t want to miss all this historic town has to offer. The namesake story, gold mining strikes, and place in Americana history along Route 66 make this town so much more.

Cryptic Ciphers, Treasure, Duels: The Life of Thomas Jefferson Beale

July 3, 2026July 24, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Thomas Jefferson Beale. It’s the name you likely have not heard, but the name behind a story you’ve seen a version of on the big screen. A 200-year-old mystery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia begins with TJ Beale. He is credited as the author of the Beale Papers (also known as Beale Ciphers). They are the “treasure map” to the Beale Treasure worth an estimated $65 million. Consisting of three ciphers explaining what the treasure is, where it is and who is entitled to it the ciphers have never been fully decoded. The cipher explaining what the treasure consists of was decoded using the Declaration of Independence n the late 1800s. Does that sound familiar? The movie National Treasure is said to be loosely based on the story. Now it is time to tell the real story of Thomas Jefferson Beale.