In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray explore a remarkable “what if” moment in American history. On April 14, 1865, the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia were invited to join the Lincolns at Ford’s Theatre. They declined. A last minute decision changed their plans and likely saved their lives. Chris and Ray examine why the Grants declined the invitation, what might have happened if they had attended, and how this choice connects to one of the most tragic nights in American history. Sometimes history turns on the smallest decisions.

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray welcome Dr. Misti Harper, Assistant Professor of African American Studies at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. The conversation explores the Great Dismal Swamp and the communities that formed within it, focusing on maroons, runaway slaves, and the vital roles women played in sustaining these hidden societies. Dr. Harper sheds light on how people lived, resisted, and built lives in one of early America’s most challenging environments, offering a powerful look at resilience and survival that is too often overlooked.

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Ray and Chris dive into the tragic story of the SS Pulaski disaster off the North Carolina coast in 1838. Often called the “Titanic of its time,” the Pulaski carried some of the wealthiest and most connected passengers in America until a catastrophic boiler explosion shattered the illusion of safety in a matter of seconds. From the elite lives on board to the chaos, survival, and a remarkable love story that emerged from the wreckage, this episode explores how one night at sea exposed the dangers of early steam travel and left a lasting mark on maritime history.