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Join the Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope were American paleontologists during the second half of the 19th century. Although they started as friends, they soon turned bitter enemies, competing against one another for 20 years to find and name the most fossils. This duel, often dubbed the “bone wars” led to espionage, sabotage, scandal, backstabbing, name calling, bribery, theft, and the throwing of literal rocks. It also led to a lot of mistakes made in haste. But, at the end of the day, it led to the discovery of 130 dinosaur species including Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Allosaurus, Apatosaurus (AKA Brontosaurus… I'll explain in the episode!), and more. Check out this week’s episode of History Fix to learn more, wherever you get your podcasts (or link in bio).

Sources:

• PBS American Experience "O.C. Marsh and E.D. Cope: A Rivalry"
• Encyclopedia Britannica "George Peabody"
• BBC "The bitter dinosaur feud at the heart of paleontology"
• ThoughtCo "The 20-Year Bone Wars That Changed History"
• WTTW "The Two Paleontologists Who Had a Bone to Pick With Each Other"
• Berkeley University "Early Dinosaur Discoveries in North America"
• Mental Floss "Edward Drinker Cope and the Story of the Paleontologist's Wandering Skull"

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I recently stumbled across a photograph of Confederate president Jefferson Davis with his family. He is sitting on the porch of his Mississippi home bouncing his granddaughter on his knee while a Black woman stands behind him in a servants uniform. I was somewhat shocked to learn that this photo was taken in 1885... 20 years after the Civil War. Davis had been the president of the Confederacy. He had waged war on the United States, a war that cost the lives of 700,000 Americans. He had committed the highest form of treason. And yet, here he was, relaxing on his porch as if nothing had changed. Join me this week to uncover what happened. Why weren't Confederate leaders punished for their crimes? What repercussions has that had? What precedent did it set? And how it's all affecting us now much more than you probably realize!

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This week, as promised, I welcomed special guest Lori Davis, host of Her Half of History podcast. Join Lori and me as we chat about the unknown history of laundry. Find out just what has made laundry a complete nightmare throughout pretty much all of history and why few people today are even aware of this millennia old struggle.

For more, check out the Her Half of History podcast episode about laundry, "Wash on Monday" and connect with Lori on Instagram @herhalfofhistory

Sources:

• Miss Beecher's Housekeeper and Healthkeeper

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• Buy Me a Coffee
• Venmo @Shea-LaFountaine