Uncommon History

Patrick Henry: The Firebrand Who Taught America to Speak | UNCOMMON HISTORY

Patrick Henry: The Firebrand Who Taught America to Speak UNCOMMON HISTORYhttps://uncommonhistory.substack.com/Discover the shocking real story behind Patrick Henry in this episode of the Uncommon History Podcast. Go beyond the textbook version as we uncover the firebrand orator who sparked a revolution with his fearless speech, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Learn how Henry became the unlikely voice that awakened a nation, why his iconic speech was never written down, and how his passion for freedom still shapes America today. Perfect for history lovers, students, and anyone who wants the untold truth about America’s founding era.Sponsor: Book: Christian Basics: Foundations in Faith: 12 Fundamental Truths Every New Believer Should Know Available on Amazon Uncommon History digs into the stories, speeches, and forgotten moments that textbooks leave behind. Hosted by Brian Thomas, this podcast uncovers the hidden layers of the past — the overlooked characters, the untold motivations, and the surprising twists that shaped America and the world.Each episode brings you deeper into the real history: the controversies, the conflicts, the human flaws, and the extraordinary courage that rarely make it into classroom versions. From explosive political moments to strange events, lost ideas, and bold personalities, Uncommon History brings the past to life with clarity, storytelling, and a fresh perspective.If you’ve ever felt like the history you learned was incomplete, sanitized, or missing the good parts — this podcast is for you.Uncommon History: Real stories. Hidden truths. The past the way it actually happened.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/uncommon-history/exclusive-content

Mark Lee Gardner's "Shot All to Hell, Jesse James, the Northfield Raid

https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/The End of an Era in the Wild WestThe American Wild West continues to captivate the public imagination, with figures like Jesse James remaining iconic symbols of an untamed frontier. This enduring fascination often romanticizes the era's dramatic events, yet historical accounts, such as Mark Lee Gardner's "Shot All to Hell," promise to cut through the legend to reveal a more complex reality. Gardner's work stands as a gripping, true account that delves into what is widely regarded as "the most famous bank robbery of all time" – the infamous Northfield Raid – and the subsequent "thrilling two-week chase that followed". "Shot All to Hell" is presented as a "galloping true tale of frontier justice featuring audacious outlaws and intrepid heroes". It meticulously covers the lives of Jesse James, Frank James, and the Younger brothers, leading up to and following the pivotal Northfield incident. The book's primary contribution extends beyond merely recounting a familiar historical event. It offers a fresh, meticulously researched perspective that aims to resolve long-standing historical ambiguities, "solving mysteries about the raid that have been hotly debated for more than 130 years". While the Northfield raid has been extensively covered in various media, Gardner's commitment to correcting the historical record and providing new interpretations elevates his work beyond a simple retelling. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of how historical narratives evolve and how diligent research can challenge long-held beliefs, making the subject particularly compelling for detailed discussion.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/uncommon-history/exclusive-content

Bloody Breathitt- Murder, Power, and the Price of Silence.

https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/You’d think a courthouse would be the safest place in town. Built of stone, with a flag waving above and a judge inside. But in Jackson, Kentucky, around the turn of the 20th century, you’d best keep your head down—especially on court day. Because in Breathitt County… justice didn’t wear a robe.It carried a Winchester rifle.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/uncommon-history/exclusive-content

The Untamed Frontier: When Justice Wore a Six-Gun

The Untamed Frontier: When Justice Wore a Six-Gun https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/We are going to begin a multi part series into a foundational text for understanding American outlaw: Emerson Hough’s 1907 classic, The Story of the Outlaw: A Study of the Western Desperado. It's not just a collection of biographical sketches about cowboys and bad guys; it's a deep dive into the very nature of justice, survival, and identity on the edge of civilization.So, buckle up. Let's head back to a time when justice sometimes wore a six-gun.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/uncommon-history/exclusive-content

Benjamin Franklin's Satirical Spark: The Accidental Birth of Daylight-Saving Time

https://linktr.ee/uncommonhistoryBenjamin Franklin's Satirical Spark: The Accidental Birth of Daylight-Saving TimeIn 1784, Benjamin Franklin penned a satirical letter to the Journal de Paris that would inadvertently plant the seed for what we now know as Daylight Saving Time. This humorous piece, far from being a serious policy proposal, showcased Franklin's wit and economic mindset.The Accidental DiscoveryFranklin's letter began with an anecdote about waking up at 6 AM, surprised to find his room filled with sunlight. This unexpected early rise led him to ponder the economic implications of aligning waking hours with daylight.Franklin's Tongue-in-Cheek ProposalsIn his characteristic style, Franklin proposed several outlandish ideas to encourage Parisians to rise earlier:·     A tax on window shutters to discourage blocking out sunlight.·     Rationing candles to one pound per family per week.·     Firing cannons at sunrise to wake "sluggards". These suggestions were clearly meant in jest, poking fun at rigid regulations while highlighting potential energy savings.The MisattributionDespite popular belief, Franklin did not actually invent or propose Daylight Saving Time as we know it today. His satirical essay was more about changing sleep schedules than adjusting clocks.The Real Origins of DSTThe concept of Daylight-Saving Time didn't gain traction until over a century later:In 1895, New Zealand entomologist George Hudson proposed a two-hour time shift to allow more daylight for bug collecting.British builder William Willet suggested advancing clocks in spring in his 1907 pamphlet "The Waste of Daylight"   .Implementation During World War IDaylight Saving Time was first implemented in Germany in 1916 as an energy-saving measure during World War I. Other countries, including the United States, soon followed suit.Franklin's Lasting ImpactWhile Franklin's letter was satirical, it highlighted the economic potential of aligning human activity with natural daylight. This idea, though not directly responsible for DST, laid the groundwork for future discussions on energy conservation and time management.Modern DebatesToday, the practice of Daylight-Saving Time remains controversial. As we continue to debate its merits, we can look back at Franklin's witty letter as an early, if unintentional, contribution to a discussion that still impacts our daily lives over two centuries later.Benjamin Franklin's humorous proposal, meant to lampoon Parisian habits, inadvertently became part of a larger conversation about time, energy, and society – a conversation that continues to this day.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/uncommon-history/exclusive-content