AskHistorians

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Supposedly the dish called the Hangtown Fry got its name because a man on death row delayed his execution by asking for an oyster omelet, so law enforcement had to undertake a week’s ride on horseback to get the ingredients. Were "last meal requests" ever really honored so rigorously?	3876
Sean's Bar (as it's now known) in Athlone, Ireland, is supposedly the oldest bar/pub in Europe, if not the world, dating to ~900 A.D. What would have been on tap back then?	2037
In the 1941 children's book Curious George, George prank-calls the Fire Department, which is able to locate his signal on a map of the city, and which sends firemen to his location. Would this have been possible? Would children have understood this concept?	412
How did the Teutonic Knights go from controlling much of northern Europe with an elite mercenary force in the 15th century to managing a modern General Hospital in Friesach, Austria today?	126
Were water towers collapsing and flooding streets actually a thing in the wild west?	100
Right now in Volgograd, which was Stalingrad during WWII, there is a massive plague of insects, causing problems for everyone, especially at the World Cup. Did the Germans and Soviets have to deal with anything similar at the Battle of Stalingrad?	89
Who decided Bouncy Castles were a good idea and when did they start becoming popular?	60
Turkish Delight: I had the real version the other day for the first time. How much does American candy owe to Turkish Delight recipes?	47
Why have nutmeg, mace, and cloves been so important to European history when there were so many other tasty spices more easily available?	45
Why did people get so crazy about subliminal messages and backwards voices in songs?	42

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