Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

Post by Wicked Awesome History.

The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm

The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm by J. North Conway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many New Englander's take the Cape Cod Canal for granted but it took a lot of time and effort to get it finally see it come to reality. First thought of in the 1600's as a bypass for the dangerous trek around Cape Cod it was until the early 1900's it was finally opened. This easy to read book gives you the story behind this New England iconic landmark. Worth a checking out if your interested in New England history.

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The Mouse on the Mayflower

Wicked Awesome History this day - 1942

Tragically this day 492 people were killed in the infamous Cocoanut Grove Night club fire. It spread through the popular and crowded nightclub in a matter of minutes. It led to sweeping changes in fire codes and building codes. It brought about changes in in treating burn victims also. It was so big it replaced World War 2 news from the front pages at the time. Was the second biggest nightclub fire at the time.

The Devil in Massachusetts by Marion L. Starkey

The Devil in Massachusetts by Marion Lena Starkey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If one really wants to learn about the infamous Salem witch trials this is the place to start. This gives a thorough accounting of the witch trials that took place in Salem Village(present day Danvers, Massachusetts) in colonial Massachusetts in 1692-1693. When the daughters of the local minister fell ill the local doctor diagnosed the with "bewitchment". The ensuing investigation eventually overcame the community and surrounding area. Many accused witches were only spare lives if they repented and confessed. In turn they would accuse others of witchcraft which had a snowball effect. In the end nineteen men and women were hanged, one was crushed by stone trying to get to talk and seven more died awaiting trial in prison.The trials ended as more sensible voices were heard and remaining accused were eventually set free. Years later the Massachusetts colony admitted error and compensated many victims but everyone was forever changed. It has become a symbol of mass hysteria and persecution. Reminiscent of the "McCarthyism" in the early 1950's.

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