32 Forgotten Historical Events More People Should Know About
These remarkable moments rarely appear in textbooks, despite their lasting impact.
Nellie Bly didn’t just travel the world, she raced it, and the whole thing got weird fast when the Pacific threw a wrench into her schedule. In 1889, while people were still obsessed with Jules Verne’s fantasy of a speedy circumnavigation, Bly decided to prove the real world could keep up.
But her trip was never a neat little victory lap. Weather delays piled up, her employer stepped in with a private train for the final stretch, and suddenly the “72 days” story was as much about logistics and power as it was about speed. And that’s before you even get to the other forgotten headlines, like wounded Civil War soldiers glowing after Shiloh or the Harlem Hellfighters holding the line for 191 straight days.
These aren’t just odd footnotes, they’re history doing the most, in the middle of real people’s lives.
"Nellie Bly - Around The World In Seventy-Two Days"
Inspired by Around the World in Eighty Days, journalist Nellie Bly set out in 1889 to prove that the journey could be completed even faster. After weather delays in the Pacific, her employer arranged a private train for the final stretch.
She returned to New Jersey in January 1890 after circling the globe in just 72 days, later telling the story in her book.
wikipedia"Angel's Glow"
After the Battle of Shiloh, some wounded Civil War soldiers reportedly developed a faint glow around their injuries. Known as "Angel's Glow," it was likely caused by the bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens.
Because the bacterium also produces natural antibiotics, it may have protected the wounds from deadlier infections and improved the soldiers' chances of survival.
wikipedia"Harlem Hellfighters' Heroics"
The Harlem Hellfighters became one of the most respected American units of World War I. German soldiers reportedly gave them their famous nickname because of their relentless courage, while the French honored them as the "Men of Bronze."
They spent an unmatched 191 straight days on the front lines, longer than any other American regiment of similar size. Their bravery came at a devastating cost, with more than 1,400 casualties, making them one of the hardest-hit U.S. units in the war.
Harry Kidd (Colorized by Jordan Lloyd )Unearthing Hidden Narratives
This article highlights a crucial aspect of historical storytelling: the events that don’t fit neatly into the grand narratives we’ve been fed. The mention of significant yet overlooked moments, like the Taiping Rebellion or the Great Molasses Flood, invites readers to reconsider what they think they know about history. These events reveal the complexity and richness of human experience that textbooks often gloss over.
By shining a light on these forgotten stories, the article challenges readers to reflect on the biases inherent in historical documentation. It promotes a broader understanding of history as a tapestry woven from both celebrated and obscure threads.
"Canadian Indian Residential School System"
For more than 160 years, Canada's residential school system removed about 150,000 Indigenous children from their families in an effort to erase their cultures and traditions.
Run mainly by Christian churches and funded by the federal government, attendance became mandatory in 1894. The last government-funded residential school closed in 1997.
wikipedia"Morocco Was One Of The First Countries To Recognize The US"
In 1777, Morocco opened its ports to American ships, becoming one of the first nations to recognize the newly formed United States.
The relationship was formalized with the 1786 Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, one of the longest-standing treaties in U.S. history.
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Morocco (.gov)"The Sultana Explosion"
On April 27, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded and sank on the Mississippi River, becoming the deadliest maritime disaster in U.S. history.
Packed far beyond its capacity with Union soldiers returning home after being released from Confederate prison camps, the vessel claimed an estimated 1,864 lives.
wikipediaBly’s Pacific delays are exactly why her “72 days” claim doesn’t feel like a simple race anymore.
The Weight of Silence
The article's exploration of why some events fade from public memory is particularly poignant. It’s not just about overshadowing by major conflicts; it’s also about the narratives we choose to elevate. For instance, the story of the 1938 German-Soviet Pact is vital in understanding the complexities of pre-World War II alliances but often gets sidelined in favor of more dramatic tales.
This silence can perpetuate ignorance about how past decisions shape current global politics. If we don’t know these stories, we risk repeating mistakes. It’s a reminder of history's cyclical nature and the importance of revisiting the past.
"Claudette Colvin"
Months before Rosa Parks became the face of the Montgomery bus boycott, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus and was arrested.
Her courageous stand challenged segregation laws and helped pave the way for the civil rights movement, even though history largely remembers Parks' later protest.
US Department of State"Whiskey Rebellion"
From 1791 to 1794, frontier farmers protested a federal tax on whiskey introduced to help repay Revolutionary War debts. Their resistance became an early test of George Washington’s government and its power to enforce national laws.
wikipedia"Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire"
The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City killed 146 workers, most of them young immigrant women and girls. Many died from the flames, smoke, or while trying to escape the burning building.
The disaster exposed unsafe factory conditions and became a turning point that led to major workplace safety and labor reforms across the United States.
wikipediaThe article touches on how marginalized groups often find their stories lost in history. Events like the Zapatista uprising in Mexico showcase a struggle for rights and recognition that doesn't always fit the dominant narrative. Yet, these movements are crucial for understanding social justice and political change.
By neglecting these stories, we miss the opportunity to learn from the resilience and strategies of those who fought against oppression. The article serves as a reminder that history isn’t just about victors; it’s also about those who dared to challenge the status quo and the lessons they impart.
"Japanese Balloon Bombs"
Between late 1944 and early 1945, Japan launched around 9,300 hydrogen-filled balloon bombs toward North America. Carried by the jet stream, the paper balloons were designed to spark forest fires and spread panic.
Each carried explosive and incendiary devices, but only about 300 were ever found across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
wikipedia"The Gaspee Affair"
In June 1772, tensions between American colonists and British authorities escalated when a group led by Abraham Whipple and John Brown attacked the British ship HMS Gaspee near Newport, Rhode Island. The vessel had become unpopular for enforcing strict trade laws and ran aground while chasing another ship.
Seizing the opportunity, the colonists boarded it and set it on fire. The attack, coming just two years after the Boston Massacre, became another major step toward the American Revolution.
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"Bonus Army March"
During the Great Depression in 1932, about 43,000 people, including 17,000 World War I veterans and their families, gathered in Washington, D.C. Thousands camped near the Capitol, demanding early payment of bonuses promised for their military service.
With many struggling financially, the protest became one of the most significant demonstrations of the era.
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When her employer quietly arranged that private train, the story turns into a behind-the-scenes scramble, not just grit.
Curiosity vs. Complacency
One of the most engaging aspects of this article is how it piques curiosity. By listing events that many have never heard of, it stirs a sense of wonder and a desire to learn more. For example, the mention of the Dancing Plague of 1518 is bizarre enough to spark interest, but it also raises questions about societal pressures and mass hysteria.
This intersection of curiosity and historical seriousness makes readers grapple with how we remember and forget. It’s an invitation to dive deeper into the complexities of human behavior and societal reactions throughout history.
"The Battle Of Athens"
In August 1946, residents of Athens and Etowah, Tennessee, including many World War II veterans, launched an armed uprising against local officials. They accused the government of election fraud, police brutality, corruption, and voter intimidation.
The revolt, known as the Battle of Athens, became a rare example of citizens taking up arms against what they saw as an abusive local regime.
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"1957–1958 Influenza Pandemic"
First identified in southern China in 1957, the H2N2 Asian flu quickly spread worldwide, causing an estimated 1 to 4 million deaths. A related strain, H3N2, later sparked the Hong Kong flu pandemic in 1968.
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"FBI Investigation Of The Song 'Louie Louie' By The Kingsmen"
The Kingsmen's 1963 hit "Louie Louie" sparked rumors that its muffled lyrics hid obscene messages. The claims became so widespread that the FBI investigated the song in 1964, but after several months, agents found no evidence of inappropriate content.
FBI
The Cost of Forgetting
What’s striking about the events highlighted in this article is the real-world impact of forgetting them. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 serves as a reminder of how environmental disasters can reshape communities and policies, yet it rarely makes the headlines today.
This oversight can lead to repeated mistakes in disaster response and urban planning. By not acknowledging these historical events, we risk underestimating the lessons they could teach us about resilience and preparedness in the face of climate change.
Speaking of trailblazers, these women who broke barriers and shaped modern science deserve the spotlight too.
"Toba Eruption"
Around 74,000 years ago, a massive eruption in Sumatra created what is now Lake Toba. Rated VEI 8, it was the largest known explosive eruption of the Quaternary period and one of the most powerful in Earth’s history.
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"Stono Rebellion"
On September 9, 1739, enslaved Africans launched the Stono Rebellion in South Carolina, the largest uprising of its kind in the Southern colonies. Around 25 colonists and up to 50 enslaved people were killed.
Many of the revolt’s leaders likely came from the Kingdom of Kongo, reflected in their Catholic beliefs and knowledge of Portuguese.
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"The Pancho Villa Expedition"
From 1916 to 1917, the U.S. Army entered Mexico to capture or break up Pancho Villa’s forces. Known as the Pancho Villa Expedition, the operation followed Villa’s deadly raid on Columbus, New Mexico, during the Mexican Border War.
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Challenging Historical Narratives
The article’s focus on lesser-known historical events also prompts a reevaluation of how we view progress and change. For instance, the story of the 1917 Women’s March in Russia illustrates the complexities of revolutionary movements that are often simplified in mainstream narratives.
By exploring these intricacies, readers are encouraged to think critically about the factors that drive social change. It’s a reminder that progress is rarely linear and often involves a multitude of voices and perspectives that deserve to be acknowledged.
"Coal Wars"
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the United States experienced the Coal Wars, a series of violent labor conflicts. Coal miners, mainly in Appalachia, fought for fair pay and safer working conditions, while major clashes also spread to Colorado in the early 20th century.
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"Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition"
Ernest Shackleton's 1914–1917 Antarctic expedition never completed its planned crossing of the continent, but it became one of history's greatest survival stories.
After his ship was trapped and crushed by ice, Shackleton led his crew through months of extreme conditions, turning a failed mission into a lasting example of courage, resilience, and leadership.
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"Plot"
In 1933, retired Marine General Smedley Butler claimed that influential businessmen tried to recruit him to lead a coup against Franklin D. Roosevelt.
According to Butler, the plan was to use a veterans' group to seize power during the Great Depression and install him as the country's leader, making it one of the most controversial political conspiracy claims in U.S. history.
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Then Shiloh’s “Angel’s Glow” shows up, because even injuries had their own eerie, complicated plot twist.
The Power of Storytelling
This piece serves as a testament to the importance of storytelling in preserving history. The inclusion of quirky events like the Great Emu War in Australia not only entertains but also reflects on the absurdities of human endeavors.
Such stories remind us that history is not just a series of dates and facts; it’s filled with narratives that shape our understanding of the world. They provoke thought and discussion about how we define success and failure in various contexts, including warfare.
"Boston Molasses Flood"
On January 15, 1919, a storage tank holding 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst in Boston’s North End. The wave raced through the streets at around 35 mph, killing 21 people and injuring 150. Locals later claimed the sweet smell lingered in the neighborhood for decades.
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"Mexican Border War"
The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, brought years of violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Tensions peaked in 1916 after Pancho Villa raided Columbus, New Mexico, leading U.S. troops into Mexico.
On June 16, American and Mexican government forces fought side by side against Villa's rebels in the Battle of Ciudad Juárez, widely regarded as the last major battle of the Mexican Border War, although smaller border conflicts continued for several more years.
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"Tulsa Outrage"
In 1917, 11 members of the Industrial Workers of the World were arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after police raided their headquarters.
Following a brief trial, vigilantes known as the Knights of Liberty took the men outside the city, tarred and feathered them, and forced them to leave. Local newspapers defended the attack, but much of the national press condemned it.
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Controversies in Historical Memory
The article’s exploration of events like the Tulsa Race Massacre brings to light the ongoing struggle over historical memory and recognition. Despite its devastating impact, many people are still unaware of the massacre, showcasing how systemic racism can extend into the realm of historical erasure.
This lack of awareness perpetuates ignorance about racial tensions and injustices that continue to affect society today. By confronting these uncomfortable truths, the article pushes readers to engage with history in a more informed and responsible way.
"The Great Emu War"
In 1932, Australia launched an unusual operation after thousands of emus damaged crops across Western Australia's Wheatbelt. Soldiers armed with Lewis machine guns were sent to reduce the bird population, but the emus proved difficult to stop.
Despite killing many birds, the mission failed to prevent ongoing crop damage and became remembered as one of history's most unusual military setbacks.
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"The War Of The Worlds (1938 Radio Drama)"
On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles aired a radio version of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds in the style of a live news broadcast. Some listeners believed a real Martian invasion was happening, creating one of the most famous media stories in history.
While the scale of the panic remains disputed, the broadcast became legendary for its convincing format and lasting cultural impact.
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"Johnstown Flood"
After days of relentless rain, the South Fork Dam collapsed on May 31, 1889, sending a massive wall of water crashing into Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The flood killed 2,208 people, caused about $17 million in damage, and became one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history.
The tragedy sparked a large-scale relief effort led by Clara Barton and the American Red Cross, with aid arriving from across the United States and 18 other countries. It also helped drive tougher legal standards for dam owners.
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And the Harlem Hellfighters push that same theme into full force, 191 days on the front lines, bravery with a brutal bill attached.
Lessons from the Unremembered
Events like the 1947-1948 Partition of India offer crucial lessons on the consequences of political decisions.
"1958 Tybee Island Mid-Air Collision"
On February 5, 1958, a U.S. Air Force bomber collided with a fighter jet during a nighttime training mission near Tybee Island, Georgia.
To land safely, the crew dropped a 7,600-pound Mark 15 nuclear bomb into Wassaw Sound. Extensive searches failed to locate it, and the weapon remains officially missing.
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"Fenian Raids"
In the late 1800s, the Irish republican Fenian Brotherhood launched attacks on Canada from the United States, hoping to pressure Britain into leaving Ireland.
The raids targeted military sites and border posts in 1866 and again between 1870 and 1871, but none succeeded in changing British policy.
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"1811–1812 New Madrid Earthquakes"
Between December 1811 and February 1812, several massive earthquakes struck near New Madrid, Missouri. Estimated at magnitudes of up to 8.2, they remain the strongest known earthquakes to hit the contiguous United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
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Why We Need to Remember
This article’s focus on forgotten historical events serves a dual purpose: it educates and prompts necessary conversations about what we value in our collective memory. Events like the Seneca Falls Convention are foundational to women’s rights yet often receive scant attention in favor of flashier narratives.
By bringing these stories to light, it encourages readers to ask who gets to tell history and what criteria are used to decide which events are worthy of remembrance. This questioning is critical in an era where historical narratives are increasingly politicized.
"The Zimmermann Telegram"
In early 1917, Germany secretly proposed an alliance with Mexico, promising support to help reclaim Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico if the U.S. joined World War I. British intelligence intercepted the message, later known as the Zimmermann Telegram, and released it to the public.
When German official Arthur Zimmermann confirmed it was genuine, outrage spread across the United States, helping build support for America's declaration of war against Germany in April 1917.
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"War Of 1812"
The United States entered the War of 1812 by declaring war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. Even after peace was agreed upon in December 1814, the conflict did not officially end until Congress approved the treaty on February 17, 1815.
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History is far richer than the handful of events most people can recall from school. Behind every famous milestone are dozens of extraordinary stories that deserve another look.
Whether they ended in triumph, failure, or complete absurdity, these forgotten moments remind us that the past is full of surprises waiting to be rediscovered.
The Bottom Line
The exploration of forgotten historical events in this article underlines the importance of remembering diverse narratives that shape our world. As we reflect on these lesser-known stories, it raises a compelling question: what other crucial moments are we overlooking, and how can we ensure they’re included in our future discourse? Engaging with history means acknowledging both the celebrated and the obscure, and it’s up to us to seek out these stories and share them, ensuring they don’t fade into the background.
History isn’t forgotten because it’s boring, it’s forgotten because it refuses to stay tidy.
Want more high-stakes history storytelling, check out Apollo mission photos that still make the Moon landing feel astonishingly real.
