Custer County, Nebraska, 1886. Emma and Sylvester Rawding with Bessie, Philip, William and Harry, in front of their sod house. Look closely: the cow is standing on the roof. Photograph: Solomon D. Butcher. Library of Congress.
FROM OUR MISSION
Someone built it.
Someone crossed the mountains before there were roads. Someone raised the first house where a city would eventually stand.
We tell the real story of the people who built America: the grit, the sacrifice and the hard truths. We do it so they’re never forgotten, and so their story still teaches us how to live.
Helping You Understand Our World Better Through American History.
The patterns of the past, and the lessons they still teach.
History is more than a list of dates. It’s the record of real people facing hard times and doing extraordinary work, and the same patterns show up again and again. Understanding them gives you context for the country you live in and makes you better prepared for what comes next.
The Latest From the Record
American history. Western expansion. Life lessons.
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Read About Untold American History
American history is full of iconic names, forgotten figures, and stories far more complex than most people realize. This page brings together articles on the people, moments, and frontier legacies that helped shape the United States—told with depth, curiosity, and a fresh perspective.
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“This Day in History” Archives & Chronicles
The archive at Chronicles of History is your go-to resource for discovering the fascinating events that shaped our world—one day at a time.
Dive into a curated collection of five key historical events for every date of the year, organized by month. From groundbreaking innovations and pivotal battles to cultural milestones and political turning points, explore what happened on any given day and uncover the stories behind the dates that continue to influence our lives today.
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The Fetterman Massacre: How 81 U.S. Soldiers Rode Into a Lakota Trap
December 21, 1866. In the bitter cold of Wyoming Territory, 81 U.S. soldiers and civilians rode into a deadly confrontation with Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Known as the Fetterman Massacre, the battle became one of the U.S. Army's most devastating defeats on the Great Plains and a defining moment in Red Cloud's War.
That old photo of Sacagawea? There is no photo.
The record: no photograph of Sacagawea is known to exist. Every "photo" you see shared online is someone else, or a modern rendering.
Read the real story →Pull up a seat.
Once a month: real, authentic stories from American history, and one lesson in leadership, discipleship, and heritage you can live out now. Learn from the people who blazed the trail before us, and understand who we are as Americans. The Chronicles community goes behind the history. It’s a community for leaders, learners, and everyday people who want more from their lives.
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