The Case:
July 4, 1919 marks the day America found its true calling in a national obsession. Icon Jack Dempsey became the world’s first boxing superstar, and he did it with the clang of a bell.
Now, a contributor in Reno, Nevada wants to know: Is the bell he’s toasted many a night on the wall of his favorite bar the one that was ringside at Dempsey’s legendary world heavyweight championship match?
The question goes beyond a single fight. Dempsey’s bout ushered in the Roaring 20’s, America’s fascination with celebrity and the golden age of championship sports.
History Detectives sorts truth from myth to determine which clues ring true.
Season 5, Episode 3
Season 6, Episode 5
Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi
Location:Reno, Nevada and New York City
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Japanese Balloon Bomb
Is this scrap of fabric evidence of a secret wartime attack on the United States' mainland?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Howard Hughes Invention
Was this oil drilling device really a Howard Hughes invention?
-
Related Investigation
Broadway Ballet Shoes
Did this dancer's great-great-grandfather teach Salvatore Capezio to make ballet shoes?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Short Snorter
Was this British ten-shilling note witness to the forging of the alliance between America and Britain?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Newport U-Boat
Did these propellers come from a WWII German submarine?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Isleton Tong
Was this building a safe haven for persecuted immigrants, or a hub for organized crime?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.