The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong The Rest of The Story - Redux
Aug 26, 2025
Discover the wild narrative behind a 1939 hoax that misled many about the Great Wall of China. Delve into how a drunken revelation ignited outrage and affected cultural perceptions during a pivotal time. Explore the evolution of this tall tale, from its beginnings to its astonishing impact on American society and media. Uncover the story of Soapy Palman, a cunning con artist, and the fierce competition among 19th-century journalists desperate for sensational stories. This mix of history and intrigue is sure to captivate!
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Barroom Hoax That Traveled Fast
- Four Denver reporters invented a bogus story about Americans tearing down the Great Wall while drunk at the Oxford Hotel bar.
- Their fake item was picked up by multiple U.S. papers and circulated nationally within days.
Why Newspapers Propagated Hoaxes
- Late 19th-century newspapers routinely published hoaxes and sensational items to attract readers.
- Penny papers and partisan outlets rewarded outrageous copy over careful verification.
Newspaper Owners Who Loved Sensation
- Harry Tammen and Frederick Bonfies bought the Denver Evening Post and turned it into a sensational paper.
- They grew circulation from 4,000 to 27,000 by prioritizing lurid headlines and spectacle.
