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TIL General Hancock chose to sacrifice an entire regiment to save the Union Army during the Civil War. The 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment, 250 men, was ordered to charge a brigade of roughly 1200 men. They suffered a staggering 82% casualties; the largest loss by any surviving U.S unit in a day.

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epgNg TIL Some cities are using blue light bulbs in public restroom, park lighting because the glow supposedly masks the blue-tinted lines of veins — making it harder for intravenous drug users to find a vein.
aweZy TIL That the mummified remains of a German man, Manfred Fritz Bajorat, were found on his boat off the coast of the Philippines in February 2016. He had died of a heart attack and a combination of salt air, ocean winds and hot temperatures created the perfect climate needed to preserve his body.
4kdJ5 TIL a 2.5mil gallon tank of molasses collapsed in 1919 Boston, sending a 35mph (56kmh) molasses tsunami through the streets. The city was sticky for years, and some claim basements were still filled with molasses 30 years later.
E1mbV TIL Oil of Magnesia isn't made of oil, but Chloride & water. Regular application on skin can remove mild body aches, cramps & dysmenorrhea for ladies.
rNLkx TIL in 1893, large calaverite deposits were found in Kalgoorlie Australia, but was believed to be akin to fool's gold. It was used for town construction. In 1896 it was realized that calaverite contained actual gold, so nearly all structures created in the prior 3 years was demolished for its gold.