In the fading days of summer 1877, Crazy Horse, the fierce Oglala Lakota warrior, stood at a pivotal moment in his life and the history of his people. After years of defiance against U.S. expansion, including his legendary role in the defeat of Custer’s forces at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in June 1876, Crazy Horse now faced a new reality. Starvation and relentless military campaigns had driven many Lakota to surrender. By May 6, 1877, at Fort Robinson in Nebraska Territory, Crazy Horse made the heart-wrenching decision to lay down his arms. He led his band, numbering around 1,100 people including women and children, into the custody of the U.S. Army, hoping to secure safety and sustenance for his people.

The months that followed were filled with tension. Crazy Horse was deeply mistrusted by both U.S. authorities and rival Lakota leaders who had aligned with the government, causing him to became a figure of suspicion. By September 1877, rumors spread that he planned to flee the reservation and start fighting back. These allegations, coupled with his refusal to conform to reservation life, sealed his fate. On September 5, 1877, Crazy Horse was arrested at Camp Sheridan, near the Spotted Tail Agency, and transported to Fort Robinson. There, he was informed he would be sent to a distant prison, a decision he vehemently opposed.

As soldiers attempted to detain him, chaos erupted. In a desperate struggle to resist imprisonment, Crazy Horse was fatally wounded by a bayonet said to be wielded by a fellow Lakota, named Little Big Man, who was serving as a police officer. He succumbed to his injuries later that evening, his final moments shrouded in pain and betrayal. Crazy Horse's death marked the end of one of the most resilient leaders of Native resistance. His passing at Fort Robinson symbolized the crushing weight of U.S. expansionism and the fading hope of indigenous sovereignty. Today, Crazy Horse remains a towering figure of courage and defiance.

On January 8, 1889, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn emerged in London as one of the most influential secret societies in Western esotericism. Founded by three Freemasons—William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Robert Woodman—the society claimed its roots in a mysterious cipher manuscript. Drawing from diverse mystical traditions like Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and the Tarot, the Golden Dawn aimed to guide its members toward spiritual enlightenment and mastery of esoteric knowledge. Its hierarchical structure divided members into three orders, with increasing access to advanced magical practices and teachings, culminating in communication with the enigmatic "Secret Chiefs."

The Golden Dawn attracted intellectuals, artists, and writers, leaving a profound cultural legacy. Figures such as Aleister Crowley, W.B. Yeats, and Arthur Edward Waite were deeply involved, influencing modern occultism, neo-pagan movements, and Tarot interpretation. However, the society's secrecy and connection to controversial figures like Crowley fueled conspiracy theories about its true purpose, ranging from alleged political manipulation to supernatural mastery. These theories, combined with the public exposure of its rituals, contributed to internal disputes and its eventual disappearance in the early 20th century. But some say the cult is still out there…

Despite its decline, the Golden Dawn's teachings and practices endured, profoundly shaping modern spirituality, ceremonial magic, and popular culture. Revered as a cornerstone of Western esotericism, the society bridged ancient mystical traditions with modern spiritual exploration. The birth of the Golden Dawn remains a significant milestone in humanity's quest for hidden knowledge and truth behind secret societies.

The First Recorded Attempt at Flight Was by a Monk
In 1010, English monk Eilmer of Malmesbury attempted to fly using wings he crafted. He glided for a short distance before crashing.

The Oldest Known "Your Mom" Joke is Over 3,500 Years Old
A Babylonian tablet dated to 1500 BCE contains what is considered the oldest recorded yo mama joke, though its exact wording has been lost.

A U.S. President Owned a Pet Alligator
John Quincy Adams kept an alligator in the White House bathtub. It was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette.

Ancient Romans Used Urine as Mouthwash
Urine contains ammonia, which is a natural cleaning agent. Romans used it to whiten their teeth—though the practice might not sound too appealing today!