How Amateur Radio Sank the Titanic

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The Titanic during its construction. Reprinted from Richmond, Virginia, and the Titanic by Walter S. Griggs Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (pg. 28, The History Press, 2015).

At 12:15 AM on April 15, 1912, a message rang out across the Atlantic: “CQD MGY 41.46 N 50.24 W.” The message, sent by a Marconi radio operator, came from the doomed RMS Titanic 30 minutes after striking the iceberg that would end the ship’s maiden voyage. It was followed by a series of messages from the ill-fated vessel, many of which went unreceived, or failed to establish any meaningful contact. Meanwhile, novice radio operators on land clogged the airwaves with false news of the sinking, leading to the early spread of misinformation, and later, overwhelming public ire. While the Titanic’s radio and its operators were to thank for the 745 survivors of the tragedy, the malicious behavior of amateur operators was blamed in the disaster’s aftermath – raising questions of how something so disastrous had been allowed to occur, and what could have been done to avoid it altogether.

Radio technology was still in its infancy in 1912, and was surprisingly complicated to use: Restricted to Morse code for transmissions, most radio transmitters at the time were referred to as “spark” transmitters, as they relied on sparks of electrical energy. This type of transmitter could not continuously emit radio signals, making voice messages virtually impossible. Spark communications also covered a large bandwidth, making interference from outside messages inevitable. As a result, despite being marketed as a maritime technology, radio was considered a relatively inefficient means of emergency communication.

RMS Titanic with its sister ship, RMS Olympic. Reprinted from Richmond, Virginia, and the Titanic by Walter S. Griggs Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (pg. 30, The History Press, 2015).

This inefficiency was evidenced by its problems on the Titanic – although a radio was onboard the ship with two operators, it was never intended for emergency communication. Instead, the “Marconi room” was primarily for passengers to send telegrams from the ship as it journeyed from Southampton to New York City. The Titanic was one of only four ocean liners to employ two Marconi company radio operators, named Jack Phillips and Harold Bride. Both Phillips and Bride struggled with the volume of telegram requests, which were difficult to transmit to the far-off Marconi station in Newfoundland.

This focus on telegrams led to the first of many mistakes by the Marconi operators, as they ignored several warnings of ice, failing to deliver them to the bridge for review. Their negligence was complicated further by the fierce competitive nature of their position’s – in 1912, Marconi nearly held a monopoly over the radio industry, and there was an intense rivalry with their main competitor Telefunken. As a result, even after the Titanic had begun issuing distress signals, some Telefunken operators who answered were told to “keep out” by Phillips, who refused to deal with his company’s competition. As a result, while the radio could have helped to prevent the tragedy outright, it instead only helped to save a small portion of those onboard the ship.

Reprinted from Richmond, Virginia, and the Titanic by Walter S. Griggs Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (pg. 48, The History Press, 2015).

The limited scope of early radio technology was further complicated by its popularity with novice operators, who neglected to keep airwaves clear for official messages, and often maliciously interfered with transmissions. Professional radio operators had struggled for years with amateur operators (derisively called “hams” for their “ham-fisted,” poor Morse code skills) interfering with messages. Many of these amateur operators were younger than twenty years of age, and considered it good fun to play practical jokes on the Navy by delivering false messages. They also tended to clog the large bandwidth of spark transmitters, making it difficult for others to send crucial messages.

The government failed to remedy the complaints made about amateur operators, who were completely unregulated at the time of the Titanic’s sinking in 1912. This led to several complications concerning the disaster, particularly with information relayed in the aftermath. It had been initially reported on land that a radio transmission claiming that “all Titanic passengers safe; towing to Halifax” had been delivered to a Marconi station, which was quickly printed within major newspapers to assuage the fears of passengers’ relatives. The falsity of this transmission was quickly discovered, as the truth began to spread late on the 15th, nearly a day after the crash. Many were incensed at such misinformation, and blame quickly fell onto ham operators. It was suggested by Captain Herbert Haddock of the Titanic’s sister ship RMS Olympic that novice radio operators had interfered by stitching together two separate telegrams (one asking “are all Titanic passenger safe,” and another stating “towing oil tank to Halifax”) to create the misleading message.

The accusations directed at amateur radio practitioners did not stop there: It was also claimed that ham operators had been “gumming up” the available bandwidth, making it difficult for the Titanic to send messages, or be heard by nearby ships. In the weeks following the Titanic’s sinking, both the UK and US launched investigations into the catastrophe, concluding that several factors had contributed to the large-scale of the disaster, including failures in radio and “amateur interference,” as Marconi officials blamed “unrecognized stations” making communication difficult. As a result, a grand majority of the blame of the sinking was placed on faulty radio operation, particularly by amateur users, along with a lack of sufficient lifeboats and poor leadership from the vessel’s captain.

Reprinted from Richmond, Virginia, and the Titanic by Walter S. Griggs Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (pg. 84, The History Press, 2015).

The Titanic sinking had some inevitably large effects on radio and broadcasting, given all of the confusion and fury over the sinking. Only four months after RMS Titanic was lost, the American government passed the Radio Act of 1912 – the law was the first action taken by the US government to gain control of the airwaves, and required all operators to hold a valid federal license to use radio equipment. In addition, it restricted amateur users to bands less than 200 meters – wavelengths far below where official maritime communications would be conducted, reducing the chances of interference with transmissions. These requirements carried hefty consequences if ignored: Someone found in violation could be subjected to a fine of up to $2500 USD (approximately $63,000 USD today) and up to five years in prison.

Amateur radio soon found itself with far less operators, forever changed by the events onboard the Titanic, though it was impossible to blame only one factor in the sinking. Unfortunately, the combination of poor leadership, a lack of emergency preparedness, and both professional and novice radio errors was simply too much for the Titanic to bear – creating one of the greatest maritime disasters in history, and leaving an indelible legacy on those industries surrounding it.

For more information on RMS Titanic, check out Richmond, Virginia, and the Titanic to learn about the ship’s connection with the people of Virginia. Or try our radio titles for more information on broadcasting in the United States.

​Annals of True Crime: The Most Infamous Prisons in America

In the pages of true crime history books, there are infamous crimes, infamous cases and, inevitably, infamous prisoners. The institutions where these notorious murderers, mobsters and swindlers were locked up naturally become infamous too.

It’s the particularly shocking crimes, and the criminals themselves, that earn some penitentiaries the infamy award. But it’s also the conditions, the big-screen depictions and the escape attempts that make these clinks so canonical.

Folsom State Prison

California’s second-oldest prison, Folsom Prison, earns a spot on the list for its historically harsh conditions. The prison was built in 1880 and quickly became known as one of the state’s most unwelcoming, due to its dungeon-like cells and solid metal doors.

A laundry list of escape attempts, violent riots, and Hollywood depictions have earned Folsom some serious street cred over the years. Its famous inmates have helped, too. Folsom housed crafty criminals like Charles Manson, Erik Menendez, and serial killer Edmund Kemper. Johnny Cash famously played concerts at Folsom and recorded a song titled “Folsom Prison Blues.”

Sing Sing Correctional Facility

Originally published in Sing Sing Prison

Located 30 miles north of New York City along the Hudson River, Sing Sing has an almost 200-year-long history of confining many of the most dangerous mobsters, murderers, and spies in the region. But Sing Sing’s reputation isn’t all hard love.

In fact, in the 1920s, warden Lewis Lawes transformed it into one of the most progressive prisons of the time. The Yankees traveled there to play against the prison’s own team, and Lawes developed gardens and educational programs for inmates. Despite this, Sing Sing played host to many frightening convicts, including notorious serial killers Albert Fish, David Berkowitz (Son of Sam), and Gary Evans, as well as gangster Gerhard Puff.

Portsmouth Naval Prison

If you think civilian clinks are scary, then you’ll be shocked to hear the tales of torture, redemption and violence that occurred at Portsmouth Naval Prison in Kittery, Maine. The now-shuttered medieval prison served as the “Alcatraz of the East” between 1908 and 1974, during which time it cemented its reputation as a dungeon of punishment.

Like Alcatraz, Portsmouth was built on an island to deter potential escapees, with the strong, quick currents of the Piscatagua River keeping inmates at bay. This didn’t deter some from trying, but only one was successful. Allegedly, an AWOL soldier convicted of selling drugs escaped by sawing through the prison’s bars and sailing across the river, all while guards watched TV.

Rikers Island Prison Complex

Serving as New York City’s main jail since 1935, Rikers Island is the only prison on our list that’s a city jail, not a state prison. The Bronx prison houses an average of 10,000 prisoners daily, with approximately 85 percent of them not yet convicted of a crime.

Rikers has been accused of running a system favoring violence, brutality, and neglect. Before a landmark 1986 ruling, all prisoners taken to the facility, even those accused of minor crimes, were strip-searched. Many reports have pointed to cases of extreme violence, inmate authority, sexual assault, and guard brutality within the prison’s gates.

It also has a reputation for overusing solitary confinement, even for underage prisoners. Over the years, Rikers has housed many famed rule-breakers, including Lil Wayne, Sid Vicious, Tupac Shakur, Mark David Chapman, and Sonny Rollins.

San Quentin State Prison

Located just north of San Francisco, San Quentin is California’s oldest prison. It was founded in 1852 and served as a notoriously violent and dangerous facility until torture as a method of interrogation was banned there in 1944. But what makes this facility particularly haunting is that it houses the majority of California’s death row criminals and has the largest death row population in America.

In 2015, San Quentin’s Condemned Unit, otherwise known as death row, held some 700 inmates waiting for execution, more than Florida and Texas. Additionally, all executions in California must occur at San Quentin’s execution facility. Thus, some of the state’s most ruthless killers, like Richard Ramirez (The Night Stalker) and William Richard Bradford, were executed here, and terrifying criminals, like Charles Ng, William Suff, Chester Turner, still await execution today.

More Fascinating True Crime Tales

America’s crime history is an important part of our overall history. It tells a story of both humanity and inhumanity and shapes the way that we view the justice system today. Make sure to explore our complete selection of historical crime books for more fascinating tales from these notorious facilities.

6 Amazing West Coast Destinations To Visit For Spring Break

April is a popular month for spring break vacations for youth and adults alike. This month we’re going to explore popular vacation destinations and adventures all over the country. Today we’re starting with great spots to check out on the West coast of the United States.

1. Take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway, formally known as California State Route 1, is the ultimate road trip route, whether alone, with family, or with a couple good friends. It’s been designated an All-American road for its scenic views, but be wary of the narrow shoulders and sharp drop-offs; the route can be a bit tricky for RV’s or other oversized vehicles.

Though you will be captivated by the beautiful coastal views, don’t forget to stop and enjoy some of the many sightseeing and activities on offer. Have a seal lover in the group? Stop by The Children’s Pool to check out all the harbor seals lounging in the sun! Just remember not too get too close; they are wild animals after all. Perhaps the excitement of the drive renders the passengers eager to relax? Check out the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa for a soak in their mineral water baths. Looking for a unique place to stay along the route? Might we suggest The Queen Mary Hotel? It’s the historic luxury ocean cruise liner that sailed the open seas from the 1930’s-1960’s and is now a tourist attraction, museum, and hotel. For a quintessential California experience, check out the historic Santa Monica Pier for a spin on the carousel, a visit to the aquarium, or just enjoy the beach and people-watching.

Is there a maritime history buff in your midst? We’d advise making some time for the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, which covers every aspect of coastal living. For the wino in your group, plan a visit to Palmina Wines for a laid back afternoon of wine tasting and charcuterie. To enjoy some amazing views on foot, consider the Fiscalini Ranch preserve, which features some of the best hiking in the area! To savor a taste of boozy history, check out the Haunted Moss Beach Distillery, which was a popular celebrity watering hole during the Prohibition era.

No matter where you choose to stop, or whether you just want to drive and enjoy the scenic views, a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is a great spring break vacation destination!

2. Visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located on the southern end of the Puget Sound, between Olympia and Fort Lewis, in Washington State. It’s home to myriad animals and offers a variety of trails for hikers of all ability. When planning your trip, be sure to pack binoculars or rent some from the visitor center so that you don’t miss a thing!

While you’re hiking, you can hope to see all manner of wildlife, including seals, otters, beavers, minks, several species of ducks, and even birds of prey. There are several great lookout points as well. The Twin Barnes Observation Platform is a popular stop for those hiking with children, which offers views of the Puget Sound to the west and the tidelands just below your feet. The highlight of the area is generally considered to be the Puget Sound Viewing Platform, however, which provides a 360-degree view that includes McAllister Creek, the Olympics, Mount Rainier and several islands in Puget Sound.

Washington State’s Cascade Range was named Mount Rainier by Vancouver for his patron, Peter Rainier, RN. In 1841, Charles Wilkes of the US Navy measured it, and Dr. William Tolmie of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Nisqually was among the first to climb it. (Photograph by John Hough.) From Maritime Olympia and South Puget Sound



Whatever you hope to see or accomplish at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, you’re sure to enjoy every moment of your trip!

3. Experience Beautiful Moloka’i, Hawaii

If you’re thinking a more tropical destination will satisfy the travel bug in you this spring, consider a trip to the remote Hawaiian island, Moloka’i. A visit to Moloka’i will not include the glitz and glamour you might associate with other islands, yet it offers what many consider “The Most Hawaiian experience.” With its 8,000 residents, desolate beaches, modest buildings and breathtaking natural beauty, this island offers an unparalleled and relaxing vacation experience.

For fun, consider hiking, diving or a round on the links. There are a few fishing boats which will take you out to catch your dinner; who wouldn’t enjoy some fresh fish tacos? Certainly consider an ocean kayak trip or two. If you’re visiting from December to March, it’s peak season for whale watching!

Most importantly, engage with the locals. They’re invested in a non-commercial, spiritual, aloha lifestyle and are very friendly to visitors. Moloka’i is the perfect locale for a low-key, off the beaten path, tropical vacation.

4.  Cycle Moab, Utah

If an active spring break vacation is more your speed, consider a cycling trip in Moab, Utah. Moab offers trails for mountain bikers and cyclists, alike, and for all skill levels. It’s best known for the world famous and highly technical Slickrock Bike Trail. It is considered by many to the ultimate biking experience. Yet if you’re angling for a bit less challenging ride, an assortment of trails of varied terrain are available.

It’s also worth noting the beautiful scenery you’ll enjoy, riding through beautiful canyons and mesa tops. Plus, you can’t miss views of the neighboring Arches National Park.

Moab isn’t just for cyclists, however. It’s also a popular location for all manner of outdoor adventures, including rock climbing, hiking, and running. Whatever your pleasure, Moab offers a number of options for an adventure-heavy trip.

5. Explore Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, the park receives an estimated 4 million visitors per year.

For your trip, first spend a couple days in Yosemite Valley. Widely considered the busiest part of the park, it has much to offer. Take an easy stroll up to the base of the double-tiered Yosemite Falls. Check out the picture-perfect Tunnel View of the valley floor. Later, ascend the slick granite-rock staircase on the Mist Trail; it runs so narrowly along Vernal & Nevada Falls that you’re likely to receive a refreshing spray of water from time to time. You might also consider a day hike to Half Dome, or take a rock climbing lesson at the Yosemite Mountaineering School. For something more relaxed, enjoy a picnic in El Capitan Meadow. Bring a pair of binoculars though because you’ll love watching the pro climbers scale the daunting granite face.

Vernal Falls has long been a beloved and photogenic spot at Yosemite. (Photograph by Carleton E. Watkins.) From Yosemite National Park and Vicinity


After a few days in the valley, make the hour drive to higher elevations, up to Glacier Point. You’ll wind through a beautiful pine forest which offers stellar views down into the valley and over the rocky rooftop of the Sierra Nevada. Stop along the way and walk through the beautiful wildflower meadows. For a more jaw-dropping scenic route, consider driving the historic Tioga Road to high-altitude Tuolumne Meadows, which beckons climbers and hikers alike.

However you choose to enjoy your visit to Yosemite National Park, you’ll be glad you did it!

6. Visit Sonoma County, California

Our last suggestion for an amazing spring break this April is a visit to California’s Sonoma County. Whether you want to visit for the wine, the beach, the food, or Safari West, there’s something here for everyone.

Though Napa Valley may be the famed king of wine tasting and charm in California, Sonoma is considered its more charming cousin, and for good reason. Sonoma County boasts 60,000 acres of vineyards and is home to more than 425 wineries. It is also frequented by fewer tourists than Napa, for those looking for a slightly less crowded and tourist-heavy experience.

If wine isn’t really your taste, never fear, Sonoma has much more to offer. Consider the Riverfront Regional Park, a fairly desolate oasis for canoeing, hiking, and biking on the Russian River. If you’re looking for more of a coastal experience, check out Bodega Bay, a town popular for its great fishing, beaches, surfing, hiking, and whale watching.

Love animals, but not the water? Plan a visit to Safari West, the 400-acre nature preserve located in Sonoma County. The preserve hosts a variety of wildlife, specializing in species native to Africa, including giraffes, rhinoceros, cheetahs and myriad bird species.

Whatever your flavor this spring break season, choose the activities and location that suit you best. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or with friends, you’re bound to have an amazing getaway. It just requires a little planning on your part and then you’ll be on your way!

If you prefer a staycation this year, or perhaps would like to reference a few guidebooks, worry not, we’ve rounded up a few for you here! See below:

Napa: An Architectural Walking Tour
A Guide to Historic Hollywood Through Place and Time
Exploring Camano Island: A History & Guide
Backroads of the California Coast: Your Guide to Scenic Getaways and Adventures
Colorado Excursions with History, Hikes, and Hops

Discover more books from Arcadia Publishing about Travel.

5 Fascinating Culture and History Topics to Explore Today

If you’re absolutely in love with the experience of reading and learning, then it only stands to reason that you’ve read your share of non-fiction books over the years. It’s not hard to see why, either. Non-fiction literature on topics like history, culture, and people are so much more than just collections of information. They’re also part of our collective story as human beings. 

That said, if regional interest reading material isn’t on your radar yet, it definitely should be. Local interest books explore a wide range of different topics from unique points of view that you might not have the chance to experience otherwise. The following are just a few options to consider the next time you’re looking for something new to explore. 

1. Business and Entrepreneurship 

Thanks to modern technology and the Internet, more people than ever before are exploring the wide, wonderful world of going into business for themselves. Topics like economics, business management, and product development are no longer just topics of interest for CEOs and company managers. These days, just about everyone is interested in what makes businesses of all types tick. 

Local interest literature is a wonderful way to explore the topics of business and industry in detail. Explore the earliest days of some of the country’s most noteworthy industrial cities, big and small – everywhere from Bristol, Connecticut to Detroit, Michigan. Discover the origins of major brands like Zippo, A&P, and Levi Strauss, as well. 

2. Ethnic Studies and Immigrants 

Many people tend to think of America as not having much of a culture of its own. However, it would be more accurate to say that it’s a perfect patchwork of all the cultural influences that have made it what it is today. Our country would quite simply not be the same wonderful place without the immigrants that have called it home over the years. 

Exploring regional interest books on various communities and ethnic groups in America is a wonderful way to discover the amazing backstories of American immigrants and minorities through the ages. Learn how the contributions of immigrant Japanese, Italians, Irish, Chinese, and more helped shape their communities throughout history. Enrich your understanding of notable African-American communities from all over the nation. Explore the many cultural influences as they relate to your own hometown’s backstory. 

3. Food, Drink, and Restaurants 

Food and drink is another incredibly hot topic these days. Just about everyone is exploring the possibilities offered by farm-to-table dining, food truck culture, craft brewing, or fusion cuisine. Local interest literature offers you the opportunity to dig even deeper and get to know your favorite culinary topics on an entirely new level. 

Explore the origins and influences behind the local cuisine in your hometown or in regards to your favorite vacation spots. Discover the rich traditions behind Cajun cuisine or learn all about how food trucks came to be considered such an essential Los Angeles staple. Explore the backstories behind individual eateries, farms, and local ingredients throughout history.

4. Hauntings and Paranormal

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t appreciate a well-told ghost story. Stories of hauntings, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained happenings only become more fascinating when they’re rooted in history and based on real-life accounts. 

Regional interest literature is perhaps one of the best, most detailed ways to explore the history of hauntings and paranormal phenomena in America. Devour fascinating volumes devoted to some of America’s most infamously haunted cities, like Nashville, Boston, Charleston, and New Orleans. Even Reno and Las Vegas come alongside their own chilling tales of historic hauntings rooted in a fascinating past. 

5. American Sports History 

It’s hard to think of anything more American than sports. Whether you’re into baseball, football, hockey, or golf, the chances are excellent that you’ve been following your favorite teams in one capacity or another since childhood. However, there’s a lot more to being an avid sports enthusiast than stats and averages. 

Local interest history allows you a rivetingly intimate look at your favorite sports as they relate to American culture throughout history. Absorb the personal backstories of local legends that influenced the way sports are played forever. Learn more about the nation’s finest, most noteworthy college teams. Delve into the histories of famous venues, techniques, and strategies. 

With Arcadia Publishing’s robust collection of regional and local interest literature in your corner, the possibilities are wide open as far as all you can discover and learn. Start exploring today, and get to know all of your favorite topics, cities, and points of interest on an intimate new level.

A 19th-century woman offers a firsthand account of this deadly disease

A year ago, when the world was first wrestling with the coronavirus, one of the early vectors was cruise ships. But if you think that’s the first time a terrible disease overwhelmed a ship, you don’t know the story of the cholera outbreak on the James Monroe

In 1849, this steamship departed from St. Louis, with many of its passengers heading toward California and its booming gold rush. Their trip was interrupted when cholera broke out on board. It was a shocking event, and yet in 2021, it is also a familiar one. The best way to experience the cholera outbreak is to read this letter written by a female survivor. She addressed “To the Editors of the North American and U.S. Gazette.”

Here is the James Monroe‘s story in her own words:

“Permit a woman who has been rescued from the very jaws of death by a people whom she never saw, and scarce ever heard of before the [10th] of last month, the use of one of your columns for a single morning to express her gratitude, and to render honor to whom honor is due, as it is the only return she will ever be able to make for so much kindness, except to remember them in her prayers to the Almighty Ruler of the Heavens and the Earth. 

I ask this favor not because I have any right to demand it, but because the paper is an old acquaintance, my father having been a reader of it for a long series of years, whilst it was under the editorial supervision of Mr. Chandler. I was a passenger on the steamer Monroe, bound from St. Louis to St. Joseph on the Missouri river, and on the morning of the [10th] of May, arrived at this port, the capital of the State. 

A 19th-century lithograph of St. Louis, Missouri, around the time of the cholera outbreak.
Our city, (St. Louis, Mo.). Lithograph by A. Janicke & Co., St. Louis, circa 1859. Public domain per Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

“At the time of our arrival the dead, the dying and the sick were strewn everywhere about the ill-fated boat, and to get away from such a terrible pest house was the desire of every one. Before the boat touched the wharf the passengers were informed that it was impossible to continue the voyage on account of the cholera on board, and accordingly nearly two hundred of us, all carrying the seeds of the terrible pestilence in our systems, inundated this beautiful picturesque village. Not one human being in the town, so far as I know, had ever heard of one of us before, but to the honor of these people be it said that we were neither friendless or homeless. 

Immediately upon touching, our Captain deserted the boat, leaving the dead body of one of his own servants on board, shut himself up in a hotel, and forbid any access to him on any account. That night he left for St. Louis, and immediately after his arrival there, died of the epidemic. Oh! The sudden and terrible judgement [sic]. The clerk and owner of the Monroe ran away also, and through the columns of the Reveille, at St. Louis, calumniated most grossly a people whose kindness, sacrifices and philanthropy he was altogether unable to appreciate. Being thus thrown ashore, our voyage broken up, and deserted by the officers of the boat, we were thrown, with the terrible pestilence among us, upon the charity of this village of about twelve hundred souls. 

 As might have been expected,—especially as the visitation of the cholera had been anticipated, and in such anticipation the village had been thoroughly cleansed, and was then perfectly healthy,—a great terror seized the people; but at the very threshold, in addition to the prompt energy of the physicians, appeared a guardian spirit—the Hon. James W. Morrow—whose self possession, cool courage, and indomitable energy, rallied around him a body of young men, without whose aid the sufferings of the sick and the dying must have forever remained untold. At his suggestion, the well were separated from the sick; the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, and the White House and unoccupied hotel, were turned into hospitals, and the well furnished with all the vacant houses in the town. 

And now the work of death commenced in right good earnest. In less than a week more than sixty of the Monroe’s crew and passengers were in their graves, and at the end of about that time the dread scourge commenced its ravages amongst the citizens, and up to this date about twenty-five have died. 

In less than three days I saw father, mother, brother and sister, fall before the dread destroyer, and in the night of the fourth day my own summons came. I thought I had prepared to answer it, for I was without hope in this world, but Providence has ordered it otherwise, and I now live to tell the tale. To Dr. Wm. A. Davison, Judge Morrow, Capt. Parsons and Mr. Albert Baber I owe my life. 

Never, never, shall I forget the horrors of the first night of my attack. It was dark and tempestuous, and I had just seen for the last time the purple corpses of my parents, brother and sister, but true to their great mission, the gentlemen I have named provided me with a female nurse, and some of them, I do not know who, watched in the adjoining room until the morning. Never shall I forget the remark of Judge Morrow immediately after I had passed, (although I did not then know it) the crisis of my disease. Coming in, he put his hand upon my forehead, felt my pulse and feet, and turning around spoke to Capt. Parsons, saying, “thank God, Parsons, she is saved.” A re-action was taking place, and the next time I saw Dr. Davison, the kind, good man, he said to me; “you are out of danger if you are prudent.” The frequent recurrence of Judge Morrow’s name in this incoherent sketch is excusable upon two grounds—he is not unknown to fame in the West as a jurist, and as a writer of politics and pungent humor; but the tribute is due to him as a philanthropist. The dangers to which he has exposed himself to render assistance to entire strangers, his activity and effective energy in a most appalling and trying crisis, his disinterested sacrifices, and his affectionate offices to the dead, make it his due. He seemed to be possessed of the power of ubiquity—being everywhere at the same time—when he was away, everything seemed to be out of joint—the sick called for him and invoked his assistance—even his tread upon the stair was the words of hope to me. It was really affecting to see the rescued gather around him as he passed along the streets, and one morning when it was rumored that he had been assailed during the night by the fell destroyer, a thrill of horror ran through the whole town, and many of the city fathers flew to his residence to ascertain the truth. They returned almost shouting that it was nothing but a bilious attack brought on by exposure and fatigue. 

I do not feel justified in closing this long—quite too long—epistle, without rendering in the name of the dead and living, to the people of Jefferson City, the Capital of the state of Missouri, my sincerest thanks—and most especially to Drs. Davison, Winston, Edwards, Dorris, Matthews and Krauser, to the Babers, Millers, Kerr, Hartt, Murray, Deitz, McKenzie, Cloney, Shubert, Green, the Parsons and Lusks, the Misses Lusk, and Mrs. Linn and her son, young Dr. Linn, and Dr. Wells, and others whose names I cannot now call to my memory. May the Providence of God protect this town always.”

In 1849, a steamship named after President James Monroe headed from St. Louis to Council Bluffs, Iowa. The passengers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Philadelphia. At St. Louis, they were joined with a group of California gold diggers from Jeffersonville, Indiana. But their trip was interrupted when cholera broke out on board. Local fourteen-year-old James McHenry discovered the steamship after it landed at Jefferson City and observed the dead and dying victims along the riverbank. Author Gary Elliott details the history of the cholera outbreak in the city and its far-reaching effects.

The Forgotten Battle to Desegregate Washington DC’s Anacostia Pool

Barry Farm-Hillsdale was an African-American settlement created on the edge of Washington, DC. The settlement first rose up in 1867, under the auspices of the Freedmen’s Bureau, and its residents continued to fight for racial justice. In fact, in the years after World War II, youth from the community courageously desegregated the Anacostia Pool — a battle that would eventually involve a famous reporter, a Supreme Court Case, and most of all, the brave actions of some Barry Farm-Hillsdale locals.

The first protests

In the summer of 1949, the Department of the Interior controlled six public pools in DC located on federally owned land. In theory, these pools were not segregated. Nevertheless, by custom, the Anacostia, East Potomac, McKinley and Takoma pools were used exclusively by Whites, while the Banneker and Francis pools were used exclusively by Blacks. 

On Thursday, June 23, a group of young African Americans from Barry Farm–Hillsdale and Southeast tried to enter the Anacostia Pool without success. They continued trying for the next three days until June 26, when six “Negro youths from 14 to 21 years old were splashed and booed out” of the pool. According to the newspaper reports, between seven hundred and eight hundred Whites of all ages observed the eviction, with fifty of them actively evicting the would-be African American swimmers. Richard Robinson, Carl Contee and Richard Cook, friends and neighbors from Bowen Road, were part of the group evicted from the pool.

Not to be dissuaded, the African American kids returned on June 28. Ben Bradlee, then a young reporter at the Washington Post, described in his memoirs many years later what happened at the pool. Between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Whites and African Americans battled in the area around the swimming pool. Mounted park police rode their horses, trying to keep the two factions away from each other. Both sides were armed with clubs, and some of these clubs had nails sticking out of them. Bradlee and a colleague covered the event and filed the story, sure that it would appear in the paper the next day. The Post, to the disappointment and indignation of the young reporter, did not pick up the story. 

Things heat up

The attempt to desegregate the Anacostia Pool continued on June 29, with violent clashes between hundreds of Whites and African Americans. Some of the Whites were members of Henry A. Wallace’s Progressive Party and were there to demonstrate against segregation and distribute handbills urging the desegregation of the Washington, DC pools. Everett McKenzie also remembered that his younger brother, Eugene (whose nickname was “Mann”), and Clarence “Dusty” Prue were there. James Chester Jennings Jr., also present, remembered that the Anderson brothers—Otis, Thomas and Bill—were part of the crowd. Toussaint Pierce, who had attended the West Virginia State College the previous year, had come to the pool to swim but found that it was already closed. He was then attacked by a White youth who threw a stone at him. Then a park police officer ran him down on a horse. When Pierce picked up a rock to throw back, the police officer grabbed him and took him to the Eleventh Precinct. Pierce was kept for an hour until his father came to pay his five-dollar bail.

At the end of the demonstration, Everett and his brother were so afraid that they decided to head back home by following the railroad tracks that ran in front of the pool and went into the Barry Farm–Hillsdale neighborhood. That was the long way to get home instead of coming out through the usual route of Good Hope Road and Nichols Avenue, which would take them through White Anacostia. Otherwise, they might have been the victims of a car driven by a White man who was accused of trying to run down an African American youth at the entrance to the park. More violence occurred on Nichols Avenue when African American youths taking that route back home jostled and frightened a White girl, who then took shelter at a grocery store located on the 1900 block. 

Slow solutions

The solution for the rioting was to close the Anacostia Pool. Washington, DC organizations divided into two groups: those proposing the reopening of the pool on a desegregated basis and those adamantly against it. 

A sensible group of twenty-five White and African American mothers sent a letter to Interior Secretary J.A. Krug stating that they expected “‘determined enforcement’ of Interior’s nonsegregation [sic] policy” at the Anacostia Pool, with the provision of adequate policing by White and African American policemen.

In March 1950, the Interior Department decreed that all of its six swimming pools in Washington would reopen “on a non-segregated basis.” The Anacostia Pool opened on June 24, 1950, without incident. By October, after the end of the swimming season, integration of the pools was well established, but it was considered both a success and a failure. 

It was a success because there were no violent incidents. It was a failure because the attendance of Whites dropped considerably. At the Anacostia Pool, the attendance was now 90 percent African American. Desegregation of the swimming pools did not determine the desegregation of all recreational facilities in the nation’s capital. Actually, in White Anacostia, it created so much distress that the Anacostia Citizens Association withdrew its request for the creation of a playground in the neighborhood. The stated reason was that the residents feared that eventually the playground would be integrated and there would be trouble like with what happened at the Anacostia Pool. 

On March 18, 1954 the day following the Supreme Court decision on school segregation, the District of Columbia Recreation Board integrated all the recreational facilities in the city. It was almost five years to the date when the fearless youth from Barry Farm–Hillsdale had faced segregation head-on and integrated the Anacostia Pool by force.

Barry Farm–Hillsdale was created under the auspices of the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1867 in what was then the outskirts of the nation’s capital. Residents built churches and schools, and the community became successful. In the 1940s, youth from the community courageously desegregated the Anacostia Pool, and Barry Farm Dwellings was built to house war workers. In the 1950s, community parents joined the fight to desegregate schools in Washington, D.C., as local leaders fought off plans to redevelop the area. Both the women and the youth of Barry Farm Dwellings, then public housing, were at the forefront of the fight to improve their lives and those of their neighbors in the 1960s, but community identity was being subsumed into the larger Anacostia neighborhood. Curator and historian Alcione M. Amos tells these little-remembered stories.