Why San Francisco was built on Hundreds of Shipwrecks

Why the Columbia Bar is so deadly to ships

At the edge of the Pacific Northwest lies the Columbia Bar, one of the deadliest stretches of water in North America, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This region has claimed over 2,000 vessels due to unpredictable sandbars, deadly tides, and violent storms, earning it the title "Graveyard of the Pacific." In this episode, we explore the harrowing history of this infamous region, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the shipwrecks of the SS Valencia and SS Pacific, whose wreckage remained hidden for over a century. We also examine the brave efforts of bar pilots who navigate these perilous waters and the role of the U.S. Coast Guard in protecting this dangerous coastline. #GraveyardOfThePacific #ItsHistory #Shipwrecks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The truth behind Arizona's toughest jail

In the heart of Maricopa County, Arizona, Towers Jail was originally built in 1982 as a temporary solution for overcrowding. Designed for pretrial detainees, it has faced issues such as outdated infrastructure, extreme heat, and overcrowding. Critics highlight its role in showcasing the failures of Arizona’s justice system, while supporters emphasize its continued necessity. With deteriorating living conditions and rising maintenance costs, the future of Towers Jail remains uncertain. This episode of It’s History delves into its rise, controversies, and implications for mass incarceration in America. #TowersJail #MassIncarceration #ArizonaPrisons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What remains of Route 66's oddest landmark?

Explore Cadillac Ranch, an iconic Route 66 landmark featuring a half-buried fleet of classic Cadillacs. Installed in 1974 by artists and funded by a Texas millionaire, this site has become a symbol of roadside Americana. Discover the history of Cadillac Ranch, its cultural significance, and why it continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. #Route66 #CadillacRanch #Americana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The dangerous legacy of Picher, Oklahoma

Picher, Oklahoma, established in 1913, was a thriving mining town known for its zinc and lead production. At its peak in the 1920s, Picher boasted a population of around 5,000, alongside various businesses and amenities. However, as mining operations declined and environmental issues arose, the town faced significant challenges, leading to a decrease in residents and its official dissolution in 2009. Today, Picher serves as a testament to the boom-and-bust cycle experienced by many mining towns in the United States. #UrbanDecay #MiningTowns #History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What Happened to Mile-Long Circus Trains?

At one point in American history, circus trains transported everything from elephants to performers, transforming empty lots into vibrant hubs overnight. This episode delves into the fascinating history and operational mechanics of circus trains, exploring their epic scale and the factors that led to the decline of this spectacle. Were these the real-life Snowpiercers of showbiz? #CircusTrains #AmericanHistory #ItsHistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]