Ep 1. Railroad Heroine / Niagara Falls Daredevil / Accidental Nuclear Bomb

In season 4 episode 1 of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers are taken on a journey through three captivating tales of heroism, bravery, and accidental disaster from the annals of history.

The episode kicks off with the Railroad Heroine, the story of a woman named Mary Edwards Walker who defied gender norms and expectations to become a doctor and Civil War surgeon. But her bravery extended beyond the battlefield and into the world of transportation, where she tirelessly advocated for the safety of passengers traveling by train. Viewers will learn about her efforts to improve fire prevention, emergency braking systems, and other crucial elements of rail safety, culminating in the dramatic moment when she saved the lives of dozens of passengers during a terrifying railroad accident.

Next up is the story of the Niagara Falls Daredevil, who risked life and limb in a series of death-defying stunts at one of the world's most famous natural wonders. From tightrope walking to barrel-riding, the daredevil known as the Great Blondin thrilled audiences with his feats of physical daring and showmanship. But his most dramatic and dangerous stunt came in the form of a mid-air relay, where he balanced precariously on a wire while transferring a man from one platform to another. Viewers will witness the heart-stopping moments of this incredible feat, and learn about the toll that Blondin's obsession with the Falls ultimately took on his health and wellbeing.

The episode closes with the Accidental Nuclear Bomb, the chilling tale of a terrifying incident that nearly caused a catastrophic nuclear detonation on American soil. In 1961, a B-52 bomber carrying two live hydrogen bombs crashed near Goldsboro, North Carolina, unleashing a deadly payload that could have killed millions of people and caused untold environmental damage. Viewers will learn about the harrowing chain of events that followed the crash, from the desperate efforts of the crew to successfully eject the bombs to the shocking revelation that a flawed failsafe mechanism had come perilously close to triggering one of the bombs' explosive charges. With expert testimony and eyewitness accounts, this fascinating and sobering story sheds light on a little-known chapter of the Cold War and its ongoing legacy in the world of nuclear weapons.

With its combination of gripping storytelling and meticulous historical research, Mysteries at the Museum season 4 episode 1 is a must-watch for anyone interested in the strange and fascinating stories that make up the fabric of our world.