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
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.
12 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.
23 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.
10 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | Battlelines | 3
The California Gold Rush unleashed a torrent of greed, altering the lives of both miners and Native inhabitants. Desperate Indigenous communities faced starvation and violence as settlers encroached on their ancestral lands. Tales of ethical dilemmas unfold amidst fierce storms and chaotic missions to survive. The tragic consequences of systemic discrimination and brutal conflicts, like the Bloody Island Massacre, highlight the dark side of this transformative period. Negotiations promised peace but often led to betrayal, further deepening the struggle for Native peoples.
Aug 27, 2025 • 41min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | Treason on Trial | 4
In the summer of 1807, the sensational trial of Aaron Burr captivated the nation. Accused of treason, Burr's fate hung in the balance as President Jefferson aimed for conviction while Chief Justice Marshall defended civil liberties. The courtroom drama unfolded amidst political strife, showcasing the struggle for justice versus political agendas. Burr’s turbulent life thereafter, marked by exile and regret, adds depth to his controversial legacy, which includes dreams of empire and a lasting infamy in American history.
Aug 22, 2025 • 38min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The Forty Niners | 2
In 1849, thousands flocked to California, driven by dreams of gold but often woefully unprepared. Personal stories highlight the struggles of a tailor and a young mother navigating fierce competition and harsh landscapes. The tales of resilience amidst disease and hardship reveal the intense camaraderie found among miners. Meanwhile, extravagant spending in saloons transformed cities overnight, juxtaposing the glittering dreams with the stark reality of despair. The profound impact of this gold rush era reshaped both lives and landscapes across America.
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | The Severance of the Union | 3
In August 1806, Aaron Burr preps for a mysterious expedition, rumored to involve a secessionist rebellion. Tensions rise as federal authorities pursue him, positioning him as a potential threat to the Union. Intriguing betrayals unfold among his closest allies, and a surprising grand jury ruling intensifies the political chaos. The risks grow as Burr navigates escape routes amid rising military pressures, testing the limits of civil liberties during this era of fear and ambition.
Aug 20, 2025 • 37min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The First Strike | 1
Explore the thrilling beginnings of the California Gold Rush as a construction worker stumbles upon gold at Sutter's Mill. Discover the diverse influx of hopeful prospectors from around the globe, including Chinese and Latin American miners, eager to seize opportunity amidst adversity. The podcast delves into the societal upheaval in San Francisco and the profound economic transformations that arose, highlighting both dreams of wealth and the harsh struggles against discrimination faced by many during this pivotal historic moment.
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | Gathering Forces | 2
Dive into the dramatic aftermath of Aaron Burr's notorious duel with Hamilton. Discover his daring ambitions to reclaim power through schemes in the Louisiana Territory, amid a backdrop of political intrigue and alliance-building. Explore how Burr sought British support for independence in the West and navigate the complexities of early 19th-century politics. Uncover his covert plans for territorial expansion and the skepticism he faced while maneuvering through a chaotic landscape, striving for conquest and influence.
