On February 3, 1780, a small town in Connecticut, became the site of what is considered the earliest documented mass murder in U.S. history. The crime took place at the home of Captain William Butler, a Revolutionary War officer, when a man named Barnett Davenport—who had been taken in as a farmhand—brutally killed five members of the household, including Butlers young child. The gruesome crime shocked the local community, not just for its brutality but for its senselessness. Davenport, a former soldier, later confessed that he had been driven by greed and resentment, robbing the family before setting their home on fire.

This murder was particularly disturbing because it stood out in a time when violent crimes were usually tied to war, frontier conflicts, or personal duels—not random acts of mass violence. Davenport’s case was one of the first examples of a premeditated mass killing in American history, making it a grim milestone. His capture and confession provided insight into the mind of a mass murderer long before psychology and criminal profiling existed. Authorities quickly sentenced him to death, and he was executed for his crimes, marking one of the first documented instances of capital punishment for mass murder in the U.S.

Davenports murders remained infamous for years, but they also reflected the darker side of early America. The young nation was still forming its laws and justice system, and crimes like this raised unsettling questions about human nature and violence outside of wartime. Though mass killings are often thought of as a modern phenomenon, Davenport’s case proves that such horrors have deep historical roots. His story remains an eerie reminder that even in the earliest days of American history, the capacity for brutal violence was never far from the surface.

In 1928, a groundbreaking discovery in human evolution took place when Dutch paleoanthropologist Ralph von Koenigswald uncovered fossils of Homo erectus on the Indonesian island of Java. Though earlier remains had been found in the 19th century, this find solidified the species' place in the human evolutionary timeline. Homo erectus, which means "upright man," was a life changing find—it provided clear evidence that early humans walked on two legs, used tools, and even controlled fire. These ancient primate, who lived over a million years ago, were the first to spread beyond Africa, setting the stage for future human migration across the globe.

What made the 1928 discovery particularly exciting was that it supported the idea that human evolution was not a simple, linear process but a complex web of different species adapting to their environments. The Java fossils closely resembled earlier Homo erectus remains found in China, often referred to as "Peking Man," confirming that these early humans were more widespread than previously thought. Scientists realized that Homo erectus was incredibly resilient, surviving in diverse climates from the savannas of Africa to the forests of Asia for nearly two million years—a feat that no other hominin had achieved before.

The impact of the discovery still resonates today. Homo erectus is now recognized as a direct ancestor of modern humans, showcasing an important step in our evolutionary journey. This species pioneered many behaviors we associate with humanity, from crafting tools to possibly communicating in complex ways. The Java fossils reinforced the idea that human history is much older and more intricate than once believed, proving that our ancestors were explorers and survivors long before modern civilization emerged.

Shakespear’s Swagger 🕶️
William Shakespeare didn’t just write plays—he practically invented half the English language. He’s credited with coining over 1,700 words, including everyday favorites like bedazzled, gossip, lonely, and yes, swagger. How did he do it? He tweaked nouns into verbs, mashed words together, and straight-up made things up when English didn’t have the right vibe.

Big Hair, Little Mouse 🐭
In 18th-century France, fashion was all about big hair—literally. Women wore extravagant, towering wigs, sometimes reaching three feet high and decorated with everything from feathers to miniature ships. But since these wigs were often coated in animal fat-based pomade (to keep them styled), they became prime real estate for mice. Some women, rather than freaking out, just rolled with it—even keeping the little critters as pets.

A Nerdy Invention 🥸
Back in the 13th century, an Italian banker wanted to look smarter—so he did what any reasonable person would do: he invented eyeglasses. While early lenses had been used for reading, this guy (likely a Venetian merchant) decided to slap them on his face, not because he needed them, but because they gave off serious smart guy vibes. Soon, monks, scholars, and other high-status folks started wearing spectacles as a symbol of wisdom. Over time, eyeglasses evolved into an actual vision aid, but let’s be real—people still wear non-prescription glasses today just to look smart

Washington’s Teeth 🦷
The legend says George Washington had wooden dentures—but history tells a much darker truth. His false teeth were actually made from a mix of cow, horse, and even human teeth, some of which were taken from his slaves. His dentures also included ivory and metal springs to hold everything together—meaning he was most likely riled up on me lead poisoning when leading the country!

If you enjoy this edition of Today In History be sure to send it to a friend and force them to sign up because that’s what good friends do. Until next time, stay curious, question everything, and keep uncovering the mysteries of the past. - Zach⛺️