Born into slavery, Robert Smalls dreamed of freedom for not just himself and his family, but all oppressed people. As the US became consumed in the Civil War, he hatched a daredevil plan to make this dream a reality -- by stealing a Confederate ship and sailing straight past the southern authorities all the way to the Union. In part one of this episode, the ... Show More
Today
The Rasputin Episode, Part Two: A Death and Mysterious Rumors
As Grigori Rasputin manipulated his way into the upper reaches of the aristocracy, he gained great influence over the Emperor's family, who were convinced that only Rasputin could save their hemophiliac son. Yet even Rasputin's powerful patrons could not shield him from a growing ... Show More
53m 27s
Oct 24
CLASSIC: A Grave Mistake: The Story of Patton's "Abandoned Rear"
In this week's Classic episode: When George S. Patton decided to found a tank training school in the tiny French village of Bourg, the mayor approached him in tears. "An American soldier has died here," said the mayor, "and I would like to lead you to his grave." Patton followed ... Show More
25m 30s
Feb 2024
The Backstory: From slave to congressman
This is the remarkable story of Robert Smalls. In 1862, he was a young slave who managed to commandeer a rebel warship in Charleston, South Carolina’s heavily fortified harbor, turn it over to the North and go on to have a spectacular business and political career. Follow Clay & ... Show More
6m 50s
Aug 2025
The Sailor Who Escaped Slavery
Enslaved on a plantation in South Carolina, Robert Blake had little chance for freedom. Then came a surprise battle, a bold choice, and a new mission in life: serving in the U.S. Navy. Robert’s heroism would make him the first Black sailor to receive the Medal of Honor. But what ... Show More
34m 53s
Apr 2022
EP253: Reconciling Dad the Farmer and Dad the Veteran Pilot, How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery and Why it Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back
On this episode of Our American Stories, Iowa listener Joy Neal Kidney shares her father's story. Our regular contributors Jon Elfner and Dr. Kate Masur, author of "Until Justice Be Done," tell the rest of the story that begins with three runaway enslaved people. Tyson Timbs tell ... Show More
38m 13s
Mar 2023
Secrets of the Civil War: North Toward Freedom
Today in our series, Secrets of the Civil War, we’ll meet some of the key players in the Abolition Movement–a persuader, an agitator, and a conductor. Their ideals and actions helped foster the success of the Underground Railroad and the path to emancipation. How did so many ensl ... Show More
31m 37s
Feb 2024
The Underground Railroad | Crossing the Line | 3
On the morning of April 16th, 1848, dozens of Washington, D.C. slaveowners woke up to find that their slaves were gone. The previous night, 77 enslaved men, women, and children had quietly run away and boarded a ship docked in the Potomac River.It was the largest single escape at ... Show More
39m 42s
Feb 2024
The Underground Railroad | The Light of Freedom | 1
In the early 1800s, slavery rapidly expanded across the American South. But each year, thousands of courageous enslaved men, women, and children fled their owners in search of freedom. And in Philadelphia, secret allies came to their aid. Quaker abolitionists collaborated with fr ... Show More
41m 45s
Jan 2025
Colton Harris-Moore: The Teenager Who Stole Airplanes
Uncover the extraordinary life of the Barefoot Bandit: a tale of rebellion, survival, and redemption shaped by trauma, ambition, and a relentless quest for freedom.
Sponsors:
rocketmoney.com/casual - cancel your unwanted subscriptions today
shopify.com/casual - sign up for your ... Show More
1h 27m