Beyond Mount Rushmore

In this special bonus episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history. We kick off the episode by discussing how the Declaration of Independence was actually presented on July 2nd, but July 4th became the date we celebrate due to its catchy ring.

We talk about the remarkable fact that three of the first five U.S. presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, died on July 4th. Adams and Jefferson both passed away on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1826, with their last words reflecting the significance of the day. Adams, unaware of Jefferson's death, famously said, "Jefferson lives," while Jefferson's final words were a poignant acknowledgment of the date.

We also touch on James Madison, the fourth president, who, despite being the last surviving signer of the Constitution, passed away six days before the 60th anniversary of the Declaration.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the significance of the 4th of July to these leaders and the idea of divine intervention in their deaths. We wrap up by teasing our next episode, which will feature Grover Cleveland and his intriguing history. Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations, and we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dive into the lesser-known aspects of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We explore the intriguing story of Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box during the tragic event.

We discuss how the assassination was initially intended to be a kidnapping, and how it evolved into a conspiracy involving multiple targets, including Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward. Rathbone, who was a Union Army officer, reacted heroically during the assassination attempt, attempting to apprehend John Wilkes Booth after he shot Lincoln. However, Rathbone was severely injured in the process.

As we unravel Rathbone's life post-assassination, we reveal the toll that the traumatic event took on his mental health, leading to paranoia and ultimately a tragic incident where he fatally harmed his wife, Clara. We touch on the complexities of his trial, where he was deemed insane, and his subsequent life in an asylum in Germany.

This episode not only sheds light on the assassination itself but also highlights the ripple effects it had on the lives of those involved, particularly Rathbone, whose story is often overshadowed by Lincoln's legacy. Join us next week as we tease an upcoming episode about Grover Cleveland and a bizarre mystery involving a "rubber face."

Thank you for tuning in to Beyond Mount Rushmore, where we uncover the history you never knew you needed!

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dive into the intriguing life of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and his wife, Rachel. We explore the controversies surrounding their marriage, including allegations of bigamy and the mudslinging tactics used against them during Jackson's presidential campaigns.

We discuss Jackson's rise to prominence as a champion of the common man and his opposition to the federal bank, as well as his tumultuous relationship with Congress. The episode highlights the dramatic events leading up to the 1828 election, where Jackson faced off against John Quincy Adams, who had previously defeated him in a contentious election.

The personal attacks on Rachel Jackson during the campaign were particularly vicious, with opponents questioning her character and marriage status. We recount how these attacks affected both Andrew and Rachel, culminating in her tragic death just weeks before Jackson's inauguration.

As we wrap up, we reflect on Jackson's legacy, including his complex relationship with Native Americans and his role in American history. We also tease our next episode, where we'll discuss the story of the first female president of the United States, a topic that promises to be just as fascinating.

Join us for this deep dive into history, where we uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped our nation!

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dive into the intriguing life and presidency of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States. Stan Nawalaniec, our self-proclaimed presidential historian, and I explore Arthur's unexpected rise from customs collector at the Port of New York to vice president, and ultimately to the presidency after the assassination of James Garfield.

There's corruption, his connections to the powerful New York political machine, and some controversy surrounding Arthur's birthplace. As for Arthur's personal life, he was a widower, and his sister was the First Lady. And, we reveal that Arthur ordered all his presidential papers to be burned on his deathbed, leaving behind a mysterious legacy with little documentation of his time in office.

Join us for our next episode, where we'll discuss William McKinley, the 25th president, and the secrets surrounding his assassination. Thank you for listening to Beyond Mount Rushmore, where we explore the history you didn't know you needed!