On the night of January 23rd, 1961, a lucky turn of events prevented the greatest nuclear disaster the United States would have known. Thousands of people would have died instantly, with millions more at the mercy of nuclear fallout. This lucky save is now known as the Goldsboro Incident.
The Goldsboro incident wasn’t the only nuclear mishap that happened in the 1950s and 1960s, but it is definitely the one that could have had the most severe outcome. On that fateful night in January, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber patrolling the skies over the Atlantic Ocean developed a fuel leak. The pilots were advised to seer their craft and make an emergency landing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro, North Carolina. While approaching the airfield, the pilots lost control over the plane, and to save their own lives - had to bail out. Only five of the crew members managed to parachute safely out. Three pilots were killed in the crash.
The official announcement of the US airforce claimed there was no danger of radiation in the area as the nuclear core of the weapons was intact. However, a former military analyst claimed to have seen highly classified documents that clarified how close the situation was to becoming complete chaos. According to said document, the bomb had accidentally armed itself while falling, and only one out of its seven arming switches was in the “off” position preventing detonation! This information was confirmed in 2013 by author Eric Schlosser. While researching his book Command and Control, Schlosser unearthed a declassified document written by the supervisor of the nuclear weapons safety department at Sandia National Laboratories Parker F Jones. “One simple, dynamo-technology, low voltage switch stood between the United States and a major catastrophe,” Jones wrote. The second weapon, which crashed without the parachute, broke up into several pieces, one of which was never found. The lost piece contained a significant amount of high-enriched uranium.
Had this one little switch not stayed on lock, the entire state of North Caroline might not have existed today. The fallen thermonuclear devices were 250 times more powerful than Little Boy, the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during WWII. If detonated, it would have produced a fireball 2 km in diameter and inflicted third-degree burns on anyone standing as far as 19 km away.
Some people disagree with this version of the incident, claiming the actual possibility of detonation was next to none. In their book Broken Arrow: The Declassified History of U.S. authors, Michael H. Maggelet and James C. Oskins point out that that the arm-ready switch was in the safe position, and the high-voltage battery was not activated, no electrical power could reach any components necessary to fire the weapon and produce a nuclear explosion.
Whatever the case may be, we should all be eternally grateful for the multiple safety systems that prevented the explosion, and most of all - to plain old luck.
You May Know These Photos, but Not Their History...
These photographs are so famous, there is no chance you don't know them. But do you the absolutely incredible stories that led to those moments?
The US Is Home to 6 Extremely Valuable Hidden Treasures
Yes, hidden treasures truly exist. And they might be closer than you though - these 6 lost treasures are believed to be somewhere in the US...
The Terrible and Unexpected Results of Prohibition
Delve into a fascinating chapter in American history with this video, which explains why prohibition failed and shouldn't be attempted ever again
QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About the US Constitution?
Think you're a true patriot of the USA? If so, then you're bound to know everything possible about the US constitution, right? It's time to find out...
This is The OLDEST American Motorcycle Company
Of these 10 motorcycle manufacturers, only 2 are operating today. Can you guess the two?
Panama Canal: Engineering Miracle with a Shocking History
You may not know it but the Panama Canal is one of the 20th century's greatest achievements. When you read its incredible history you will understand why.
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
SPECIAL: Just Wanted to Say, Have a Great Day!!!
Help someone have a great day today, by sending them one of our wonderful greeting cards.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
Cousteau: The Man Who Revolutionized Diving Forever
The life and works of Jacques-Cousteau, a man who single-handedly revolutionized diving technology and research
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
You’ll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom Has Echoed Throughout the Ages
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin left many a thought to ponder. Here are 15 of his most famous quotes.
History: When Napoleon Was Defeated By an Army of Bunnies
The greatest defeat of Napoleon wasn't Waterloo... It was against a bunch of bunnies.
This Man Will Teach You to Speak So You Are Always Heard
Julian Treasure is a sound expert who has been researching human speech and the psychology behind it and is now sharing his findings, teaching people how to speak so that others will listen.
This Incredible Love Story Brought Tears to My Eyes…
This is the most incredible wedding video you will ever see... A true demonstration to the power of love.
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
You Won’t Find Maps Like These in Geography Textbooks!
Explore this collection of 20 new and updated maps on a variety of fascinating subjects!
10 Cool Maps That Show How Much Unpopulated Space There Is
These maps will utterly surprise you when you realize just how unevenly the world's population is spread out. Most of the world is quite free of people!
22 Old Photos That Really Make History Come Alive
Looking through these old black and white photos you can really learn a lot about history and the world. These 22 photos generates that mind-blowing spark and teaches you something new.
How Are Men and Women Different? A Few Good Examples
In this series of funny but true pictures, we get a quick tour of some of the major differences between men and women...
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
115 Incredible Facts You Never Knew About Cats!
Cats are the most popular animal on the internet by far, so we made this extensive list of cat facts that will turn you into a feline expert!
15 of the Best Books for Seniors and Older Adults
Check out our definitive list of amazing books that every senior will enjoy.
Say Cheers & Raise Your Drinks to These 15 Terrific Toasts
I have been known to offer a few toasts myself when the occasion has grabbed me, but these are 15 of the very best toasts I have ever heard.
Fascinating Facts About The Middle Ages You Never Knew
If you thought you had read everything about the Middle Ages in school, you are mistaken. Read these interesting facts from that era.
Genghis Khan: Brutal Mass Murderer, or Enlightened Ruler?
Genghis Khan is one of the most famed and feared names in history, but how did he become so great?
Discussing 10 of the Most Expensive Divorces in History
Presented are ten of history's most exorbitant divorce settlements, serving as testament to just how expensive these events can truly be.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu: A Beautiful Summary
Sun Tzu's the Art of War is still perhaps the greatest treatise on military strategy ever. This animated short explains the book in under 10 minutes.
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
Printing a New Leg for Buttercup - Lovely!
Buttercup the goose was born with a foot that was turned the wrong way...
These Photos of 1920s Criminals are Fascinating
Through archival snippets, we uncover tales of deception, ambition, and survival, painting a vivid tableau of a bygone time where lawlessness wove its complex tapestry.
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
Step Back In Time: A Glimpse Into '50s and '60s New York
New York City was a vastly different places in the 1950s and 60s. These black and white photos by Vivian Maier captured it perfectly.
The 10 Most Successful Battle Tactics of the Ancient World
In this video, you'll learn about the 10 most powerful tactics used in ancient battle, a battle with no artillery or guns.
Check Out These Rare and Fascinating Antonyms!
Here are a few rare but fascinating antonyms we wish people used more often.
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
The English Samurai: The True History Behind 'Shogun'
In this article, we will look at the TRUE history behind the celebrated book Shogun.
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
Nostalgia: The Unforgettable Commercials of the 60s & 70s!
These classic television commercials from the 60s and 70s are a must watch!
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
The Stories Behind these Historic Swords are Fascinating
Discover the legends behind these historic swords