American History Tellers
Wondery
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more.Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 29, 2025 • 38min
Shootout at the O.K. Corral | Vendetta | 4
Tombstone is on edge after the O.K. Corral shootout, splitting locals over justice for the Earp brothers. Wyatt Earp's quest for vengeance ignites a dramatic vendetta, leading to deadly confrontations and ambushes. As tensions escalate, the law struggles to maintain order while Wyatt steps deeper into outlaw territory. The fallout from Morgan Earp's murder pushes Wyatt to organize a ruthless retaliation. The community is torn between supporting him and fearing the consequences, as his legendary status begins to form in the chaos.
Oct 22, 2025 • 38min
Shootout at the O.K. Corral | Thirty Seconds | 3
In Tombstone, Arizona, tensions escalate as the Earp brothers confront the outlaw Clanton gang, culminating in a chaotic 30-second shootout. The lawless town is divided over the controversial actions of the Earps, who face a barrage of assassination attempts. As the bodies pile up, public opinion shifts, with some supporting the Earps while others rally behind the cowboys. With heightened paranoia and danger looming, the battle for order in the Wild West intensifies, leading to an explosive clash that changes everything.
Oct 15, 2025 • 35min
Shootout at the O.K. Corral | Law and Disorder | 2
Tensions in Tombstone reach a boiling point as election fraud stirs conflict between the Earps and the Clantons. Virgil Earp's defeat in the marshal race highlights the political divide, while Curly Bill's provocations deepen hostilities. The fear of stagecoach robberies escalates, culminating in violence that shocks the town. Wyatt Earp attempts to restore order but faces obstacles as public outrage grows. Ike Clanton's descent into paranoia sets the stage for an inevitable showdown, leaving the community on edge.
6 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 38min
Shootout at the O.K. Corral | The Road to Tombstone | 1
Step back into the tumultuous streets of 1881 Tombstone, where Wyatt Earp and his brothers clash with outlaw gangs. Discover how the town’s silver boom attracted both fortune seekers and lawlessness. Wyatt's complex journey from gambler to lawman unfolds, alongside his intriguing friendship with Doc Holliday. Tensions escalate amidst strict gun laws and rampant violence, setting the stage for a legendary showdown. As rivalries deepen, the path to the infamous O.K. Corral shootout begins to take shape.
10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 41min
Daring Prison Escapes | Escape from Libby Prison | 5
Join historian Dr. Robert P. Watson, an expert onLibby Prison, as he dives into the gripping tale of the 1864 Union escape from one of the Confederacy's most notorious jails. Watson shares why he was drawn to this story, detailing the brutal conditions prisoners faced, including hunger and lice. Learn about intrepid leaders like Colonel Rose, their ingenious tunneling methods, and the vital role of spy Elizabeth Van Lew in the audacious plan. Discover the aftermath of the escape and the chaotic manhunt that followed.
24 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 37min
Daring Prison Escapes | Nazis in the Arizona Desert | 4
Discover the incredible story of Camp Papago Park, where German POWs ingeniously escaped from a seemingly secure facility in the Arizona desert. Learn about Captain Jürgen Wartenberg, a determined leader who orchestrated a tunnel escape involving over 20 soldiers. From the meticulous planning to the dramatic manhunt that followed, the podcast captures the tension and intrigue of one of the largest manhunts in American history. Explore the aftermath of their daring escape and how the war impacted their lives.
9 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 34min
Daring Prison Escapes | Escape from Leavenworth | 3
In 1909, Frank Grigware, a convicted train robber, faced bleak conditions at Leavenworth Penitentiary. He and five inmates executed a dramatic escape by hijacking a supply train. This daring breakout sparked one of the longest manhunts in American history. The podcast also dives into Grigware's wrongful conviction and the unjust circumstances leading to his life sentence. The harrowing realities of prison life and the desperate hopes for freedom among inmates add depth to this thrilling tale of resilience and risk.
24 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 36min
Daring Prison Escapes | Fleeing the Rock | 2
In the heart of the San Francisco Bay lies Alcatraz, a prison known as an unbreakable fortress. Frank Lee Morris and three accomplices devised an intricate escape plan in 1962, marked by desperation and clever tactics. The tension mounts as they navigate fears and the threat of discovery, culminating in perilous moments before their audacious bid for freedom. The aftermath leaves behind unanswered questions about the fate of the escapees, adding to the legend of this daring escape.
34 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 40min
Daring Prison Escapes | Bastille of the Confederacy | 1
In February 1864, over 100 Union officers executed a daring escape from the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. Conditions were dire, with disease and mistreatment rampant, pushing them to devise a bold plan. They secretly excavated a tunnel from the rat-infested cellar, driven by desperation and hope for freedom. Colonel Thomas Rose's harrowing experiences and leadership were crucial as their escape unfolded amid chaos, setting the stage for an exploration of remarkable prison breaks in history.
Aug 29, 2025 • 35min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | Digging Deeper | 4
In the 1850s, San Francisco thrived amid chaos, with fires threatening homes and lawlessness challenging new residents. Women carved out business opportunities in the male-dominated gold rush, showcasing resilience and innovation. As gold became scarce, industrial mining techniques shifted the landscape, highlighting the struggles of once-successful prospectors. Meanwhile, the explosive growth of the city fostered a transient community grappling with crime and civic unrest, reflecting a complex society transformed by the quest for wealth.
