History Detectives Season 4 Episode 3 Coca-Cola Trade Card; Vicksburg Map; Lawrence Strike

In season 4 episode 3 of History Detectives, the team delves into the mysteries behind a Coca-Cola trade card, a Vicksburg map, and a Lawrence Strike.

First, they investigate a Coca-Cola trade card that features an image of a young woman holding a Coca-Cola bottle. The card appears to be from the early 20th century, and the team wonders about the woman's identity and the significance of the card. To get to the bottom of it, they speak with Coca-Cola historians, vintage advertising experts, and even a descendant of the artist who created the image. As they uncover the history behind the trade card, they also learn about the early marketing strategies of Coca-Cola and the ways in which the company helped shape American culture.

Next, the team turns to a civil war map of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This map was found in a box of papers belonging to the grandfather of a man who brought it to the show. The man believes that his grandfather may have acquired the map during his service in the Union army. The team works with historians and map experts to determine the map's authenticity and to piece together the events that led to its creation. They investigate the significance of Vicksburg in the civil war, the role of maps in military strategy, and the ways in which soldiers recorded and used information during the war.

Finally, the team investigates a labor strike that occurred in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912. The strike was led by textile workers who were protesting low wages and poor working conditions. The team investigates the story of one strike leader in particular, a woman named Annie LoPizzo. They work with historians and descendants of the strikers to learn more about the strike and its impact on American labor history. They also explore the gender dynamics of the strike, the challenges faced by immigrant workers in America, and the broader context of labor movements and industrialization in the early 20th century.

Overall, this episode of History Detectives offers a fascinating look at three different historical artifacts and the stories they tell about American history and culture. Through interviews with experts and on-the-ground investigations, the team uncovers the hidden histories and meanings behind these objects, shedding light on some of the most important moments in America's past.