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
-
Related Investigation
Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Did this motorcycle see action in World War I?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Spybook
What does this little black book reveal about spying on the home front during World War I?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Kahlil Gibran Painting
Is this painting an unknown work by an immigrant poet whose words inspired an American generation?
-
Also in Season 5
Lincoln Letter
Does this cryptic letter reveal Abraham Lincoln's secret strategy for winning political power?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Movie Palace
Is this small Wisconsin town theater the country's first great movie palace?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
John Brown Letters
How is this woman in Sacramento related to John Brown, the 19th-century abolitionist?
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.