Articles written by David McNeill

Throughout history, gold has lured men to the American West. Most have been disappointed, but there are those who believe that gold is buried in an old mine in Colorado.

Jul 20, 2009 - David McNeill

America's breakfast habits changed in the late 1890s with the development and marketing of cold cereal. C.W. Post and the Kellogg brothers are unsung breakfast heroes.

Jul 1, 2009 - David McNeill

The practice of selling naming rights for sports stadiums has been very profitable for franchises, but it comes with questions and problems.

Jun 20, 2009 - David McNeill

Steve Dalkowski was a real pitcher, a minor league hurler for the Baltimore Orioles. He may have been the fastest ever. Stories of his speed and wildness are legion.

Jun 8, 2009 - David McNeill

In the 1860s, the Mormon Church became a utility builder by constructing a telegraph line across the Utah desert connecting their isolated settlements.

May 22, 2009 - David McNeill

Mormon polygamists forced into hiding on the Arizona Strip held unique beliefs that brought them into conflict with prevailing morality.

May 22, 2009 - David McNeill

Pipe Spring, a grassy site watered by three springs, saw use as a cattle ranch, frontier fort, and polygamist hideout.

May 22, 2009 - David McNeill

Crawford Howell Toy, a brilliant linguist and theologian, was forced from his position teaching at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for his progressive views.

May 19, 2009 - David McNeill

In the 1850s, the temperance movement scored a short term victory by passing prohibition in 13 states, a little known dry period in American history.

May 15, 2009 - David McNeill

Despite a business plan that was doomed to failure, the South Sea Company attracted hordes of investors willing to bet their savings on the company's profitability.

May 12, 2009 - David McNeill

During the Easter Rising, suffragettes and Irish nationalists joined forces to fight for a free Ireland.

Apr 17, 2009 - David McNeill

The history of BASE jumping in Yosemite is such that the Park Service has banned it despite accepting other dangerous activities like hang gliding and free climbing.

Apr 15, 2009 - David McNeill

Hang gliders in Yosemite National Park cooperated with park officials to create a safe, park approved flying program.

Apr 13, 2009 - David McNeill

The Hacienda Hotel Casino became a success because of the daring and innovative business initiatives of its maverick owner, Doc Bayley.

Apr 10, 2009 - David McNeill

Romantic histories of the Easter Rebellion abound. One misquoted Eamon de Valera. That misquote was repeated by later historians, creating a myth that refuses to die.

Apr 9, 2009 - David McNeill

From 1840 to 1880, the fireman changed and the public noticed. He went from being a volunteer with suspect political affiliations to being a respected professional.

Apr 8, 2009 - David McNeill

The firefighter is an iconic masculine figure. Through 19th century, the firefighter changed, but he remained in touch with popular views of American manhood.

Apr 4, 2009 - David McNeill

The Appalachian Trail is a mountain path that exists because of the efforts of two very men who agreed on the need for such a path, but were very different otherwise.

Mar 30, 2009 - David McNeill