George Washington is the highest-ranking officer to have served in the United States military. Still, it took 178 years since his last promotion and 177 years after his death before that accomplishment was realized.
In preparation for an anticipated war with France, Washington rose to the rank of lieutenant general in 1798, by order of President John Adams. While that war did not materialize, Washington remained the senior military officer in the United States until his death seventeen months later.
On September 3, 1919, General John J. Pershing was promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. He was the only person to be awarded this rank while still living. In 1976 Congress declared that no one should outrank George Washington, so they authorized his promotion, giving him seniority over Pershing, who, by this point, was also deceased.
Jargogle: The Lost Word for People Who Make Everything More Confusing
Ever attended a meeting that left everyone more confused than when it started? There’s a forgotten English word for that: jargogle. Discover how John Locke used it in 1692 and why lawyers, bureaucrats, and committee members have kept its spirit alive ever since.
The World’s First Traffic Light Was Supposed to Prevent Accidents—Then It Exploded
In 1868, London unveiled the world’s first traffic light to make its streets safer. There were no automobiles, the signal required a policeman to operate it, and the nighttime lights ran on gas. Less than a month later, it exploded and severely injured the officer. Traffic safety had gotten off to a rather explosive start.
Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Who Attacked Slavery With a Sword, Fake Blood, and Absolutely No Subtlety
Benjamin Lay believed owning people was incompatible with loving your neighbor, a position that proved surprisingly controversial among his fellow Quakers. Armed with a sword, a hollowed-out book, and berry juice, the abolitionist delivered a protest that left respectable slaveholders with uncomfortable questions and some unfortunate stains.
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