Articles written by David McNeill
Showing 20 Articles
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Buried Treasure in the San Juan Mountains
Throughout history, gold has lured men to the American West. Most have been disappointed, but there are those who believe that gold is buried in an old mine in Colorado.
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John Harvey Kellogg and the Cereal Revolution
America's breakfast habits changed in the late 1890s with the development and marketing of cold cereal. C.W. Post and the Kellogg brothers are unsung breakfast heroes.
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Selling Stadium Names
The practice of selling naming rights for sports stadiums has been very profitable for franchises, but it comes with questions and problems.
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The Legend of Steve Dalkowski
Steve Dalkowski was a real pitcher, a minor league hurler for the Baltimore Orioles. He may have been the fastest ever. Stories of his speed and wildness are legion.
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The Mormon Telegraph Line
In the 1860s, the Mormon Church became a utility builder by constructing a telegraph line across the Utah desert connecting their isolated settlements.
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Polygamy on the Arizona Strip
Mormon polygamists forced into hiding on the Arizona Strip held unique beliefs that brought them into conflict with prevailing morality.
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Pipe Spring
Pipe Spring, a grassy site watered by three springs, saw use as a cattle ranch, frontier fort, and polygamist hideout.
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Crawford Howell Toy
Crawford Howell Toy, a brilliant linguist and theologian, was forced from his position teaching at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for his progressive views.
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The First Prohibition of Alcohol
In the 1850s, the temperance movement scored a short term victory by passing prohibition in 13 states, a little known dry period in American history.
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The South Sea Bubble
Despite a business plan that was doomed to failure, the South Sea Company attracted hordes of investors willing to bet their savings on the company's profitability.
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The Mormon Pioneer Trail
From 1846 to 1869, around 70,000 Mormons followed the Mormon Pioneer Trail from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah, a difficult and dangerous journey.
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Patrick Pearse, Leader of the Easter Revolt
Patrick Pearse felt an intense need to do something great with his life, and martyrdom for Irish nationalism allowed him the opportunity.
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The Role of Irish Women in the Easter Rising
During the Easter Rising, suffragettes and Irish nationalists joined forces to fight for a free Ireland.
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BASE Jumping in Yosemite National Park
The history of BASE jumping in Yosemite is such that the Park Service has banned it despite accepting other dangerous activities like hang gliding and free climbing.
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Hang Gliding in Yosemite National Park
Hang gliders in Yosemite National Park cooperated with park officials to create a safe, park approved flying program.
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The Hacienda Hotel – Old Las Vegas Flair
The Hacienda Hotel Casino became a success because of the daring and innovative business initiatives of its maverick owner, Doc Bayley.
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A Myth of the Irish Easter Rising
Romantic histories of the Easter Rebellion abound. One misquoted Eamon de Valera. That misquote was repeated by later historians, creating a myth that refuses to die.
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Making Professional Fire Departments
From 1840 to 1880, the fireman changed and the public noticed. He went from being a volunteer with suspect political affiliations to being a respected professional.
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History of Volunteer Fire Departments in America
The firefighter is an iconic masculine figure. Through 19th century, the firefighter changed, but he remained in touch with popular views of American manhood.
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The Building of the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a mountain path that exists because of the efforts of two very men who agreed on the need for such a path, but were very different otherwise.
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