history
Basics
The Interstates Did Not Need Villains; They Had Criteria
"Ask what your region's decision rule rewards. Then ask what it has no way to count."
September 25, 2026
The Forgotten History of ‘Bloody 66’ And How Public Memory Helps Perpetuate Traffic Violence
Centennial events downplay the violent history of one of America's most "iconic" highways, and obscure how that violence persists to this day.
May 25, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: The Lost Subways of North America
Author Jake Berman discusses transit histories through the lens of racial dynamics, monopolies, ballot measures and overlooked cities.
January 15, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: The Menace of Prosperity
Daniel Wortel-London on his new book, "The Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1875–1981."
August 28, 2025
Black Transportation Justice: A Closer Look at Intersectional Labor Movements
Throughout the 20th century, Black civil rights leaders used transportation as a means to challenge white supremacy, aiding movements for organized labor and feminism along the way.
June 24, 2025
Friday Video: Where Was the First Public Bus Route in the World?
...and which surprising historical figure helped launch it?
May 9, 2025
Is the Overnight Train A Luxury or a Necessity?
Before the advent of the car in the 1960s, sleeper trains were America's primary method of long-distance transportation — but today, it's more often seen as a luxury. Is it time for that to change?
With the recent fear of air traveling, is the time for a sleeper train's comeback?
March 19, 2025
Friday Video: How America Got Hooked on Cars
CNBC put together a solid 15-minute explainer on car dependency that's perfect for sending to anyone who's never thought about the role of automobility in their life.
February 14, 2025
The Car Stole Our ‘Bliss’ 125 Years Ago Today
The automobile got its first taste of blood 125 years ago tomorrow — and it's never been able to kick the habit.
September 13, 2024
Talking Headways Podcast: Highway Fighting in Texas
Jeff Wood talks to Megan Kimble about an amazing footnote to the creation of the Interstate Highway system.
May 9, 2024
