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TIL that in the War of 1812, the 93rd Highlanders regiment were halted within range of the enemy. The commanding officer was killed and with no orders to advance or retreat, the column held fast and took concentrated American fire. This continued until another general ordered their withdrawal.

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oAoK TIL that in the Victorian era, “ornamental hermits” were old men who lived in hobbit-like cottages in the gardens of wealthy people. These hermits were encouraged to dress like druids, and they would make scheduled appearances in front of their employee’s guests
kpo1 TIL the United States military is testing - a laser cannon that can be directed by an Xbox controller, an electromagnetic rail gun that can be placed on future tanks, and a ‘smart’ sniper rifle that can measure variables like wind conditions.
a8EJM TIL that during the building of the Panama Canal, the United States led one of the largest and most challenging engineering projects ever undertaken, overcoming extreme climate and health challenges to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
gr7xD TIL both Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays were banned from baseball temporarily for signing autographs in a casino, "no place for a baseball hero and Hall of Famer."
jmGn TIL the marsh mallow was a delicacy in ancient Rome and Egypt. By the 1800s, confectioners were making small batches of candy with mallow, sugar, and egg whites. Mass production was made possible by using gelatin and corn starch instead.