America's First Serial Killer: HH Holmes and The Murder Castle
America's First Serial Killer: HH Holmes and The Murder Castle
Prepare yourself for an unsettling journey as we recount the transformation of Herman Mudgett into the infamous H.H. Holmes. From bullied child to manipulative mastermind, Holmes' story is one of deception, fraud, and the eerie "Murder Castle" in Chicago. We explore his chilling exploits, focusing on his fraudulent insurance schemes and the tragic fate of Ben Pietzel and his family. While the myths around Holmes are numerous, our focus centers on the verifiable, showcasing a man who thrived on chaos and left a ghastly legacy behind.
As we wrap up, the haunting specter of H.H. Holmes lingers, intertwined with debunked theories and the somber tale of his castle's mysterious caretaker. The episode leaves you pondering the complexities of Holmes' life and the enduring fascination with his crimes.
Where Did They go??: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Where Did They go??: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Zach has the history and theories on the Lost Colony of Roanoke!
As the episode unfolds, we uncover the history of the founding and disappearance of Roanoke Colony. Founded in 1587 on Roanoke Island off the coast of present-day North Carolina, the colony was intended to be England's first permanent settlement in the New World. Led by John White, the colonists were left on the island to establish a foothold while White returned to England for supplies. However, when he returned in 1590, the colony had vanished without a trace. The only clues left behind were the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post and "CRO" etched into a tree, leaving historians and archaeologists with centuries of unanswered questions.
We’ll explore the most popular theories surrounding Roanoke's mysterious disappearance, from assimilation with nearby Indigenous tribes to the possibility of starvation, disease, or conflict with other European settlers. And then, there are the wilder ideas: were the colonists abducted by aliens, taken by witches, or possibly eaten?!
Join us as we sift through historical records, folklore, and modern research to piece together what may have happened to the Roanoke colonists and why their story still captures our imaginations today.