History

How Death Valley Got Its Sinister Name

They don’t call it Death Valley for nothing, but anyone who’s been to this arid basin in Southern California will be surprised to learn that the imposing name has nothing to do with the area’s (in)famous heat.

The Fascinating History of the Rarest Passport on Earth

There are over 160 million valid U.S. passports currently in circulation, making it one of the most common documents of its kind in the world. On the flip side, some passports are far more exclusive, and have only been issued to a handful of individuals. One such document stands out above the rest. Only 500 people hold one, and it isn’t issued by a specific country, but rather by a sovereign religious order that’s existed for nearly 1,000 years.

History
5 Magical European Old Towns to Get Lost In (Without the Crowds)

For those looking to walk in the footsteps of those who came centuries before us, Europe offers no shortage of charming and well-preserved old towns to wander. But many of these old towns can be overwhelmed with visitors. Instead, we’ve picked five of our favorite underrated European old towns to visit.

History
Stroll Down 6 of America’s Oldest Streets

There’s perhaps no better way to connect with the nation’s history than by walking, quite literally, in the footsteps of those who came before us. Though the U.S. is a relatively young nation, the country’s oldest streets still offer a fascinating glimpse through centuries of history. Discover the stories of six of America’s oldest streets.

History
7 Islands With Fascinating Cultural Histories

Given their geographic isolation, often the people who inhabit Earth's many islands develop unique cultural identities or use them for fascinating purposes. From an Irish island home to a community of monks for centuries to the island where infamous ruler Napoleon Bonaparte met his fate, these are some of the world's most interesting islands.

History