HISTORY

Why Are Elections Held on Tuesdays?

There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.

White House portraits of Abraham Lincoln (by William F. Cogswel), Harry Truman (by Greta Kempton), and Theodore Roosevelt (by John Singer Sargent).

9 U.S. Presidents Who Testified Before Congress

Can Congress subpoena a former president? Yes—but it’s often more of a voluntary situation.

This person has as many faces as a churchyard clock!

15 Old Words for the Duplicitous That We Should Bring Back

Consider reviving these words the next time you encounter anyone twistical.

Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time?

The long, winding history of Daylight Saving Time includes a few false starts and a cameo from Benjamin Franklin.

Swedish rockers Rednex perform in Hamburg, Germany.

The Murky Origins and Controversial History Behind the Song “Cotton Eye Joe”

Rednex's fiddle-fueled '90s hit “Cotton Eye Joe” was a reworking of an old American folk song that do-si-doed all the way to No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

There’s a reason we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11.

11 Things to Remember This Veterans Day

The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War I, which occurred at the 11th hour of 11th day of the 11th month.

6 Hoaxes People Actually Believed

In this episode of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy shares some clever hoaxes that had people tricked.