Valley Forge Deserters

During the winter of 1777-78, the American forces at Valley Forge suffered from cold weather, a lack of provisions and the threat of mutiny. Many soldiers simply deserted rather than continue to endure such hardship. On average, 8 to 10 men left the Continental Army each day.

When measured in terms of energy, the condensation heat released by a hurricane in one day could provide heat and light to U.S. homes and businesses for almost six months.

In 1824, when Lord Byron died in Greece, the attending physician removed and measured Byron’s brain. Its weight of “about six medicinal pounds” made it one of the largest human brains on record and at least 25 percent larger than the average.

Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, became the first college graduate to preside over the White House.

Etymologists claim that the English buckaroo most likely came from the Spanish word, vaquero, meaning cowboy or cattle driver.

In the late 1980s television show, “Beauty and the Beast,” Ron Perlman spent nearly five hours each day, getting made up for his role as Vincent, the beast. The series ended about a dozen episodes into its third season.