Some mysteries have captivated the world for decades, some even centuries. From missing explorers, cryptic last messages, and unsolved crimes, causing endless potential theories. But sometimes, the truth is revealed from the absolute strangest anonymous sources. These are nine of history’s biggest mysteries and the presented truths around them:
The Lost Franklin Expedition
For more than a hundred years, the fate of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated journey in the Arctic was a mystery. However, stories passed down by Inuit people helped researchers discover the wrecks of two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, in 2014 and 2016. When these ships were found, they were surprisingly well-preserved and showed some haunting signs of what had happened: abandoned supplies, human remains, and evidence that those on board had desperately tried to survive.
The Plane That Vanished in 1947
In 1947, a British plane called Stardust went missing in the Andes Mountains. Before disappearing, the crew sent out a mysterious message: “STENDEC.” For many years, no one knew what had happened to the plane. It wasn’t until 1998 that melting ice in the area revealed some wreckage. Investigators found out that a navigation mistake had led to the crash, which finally solved the mystery of what caused it. However, the meaning behind the strange message “STENDEC” is still a topic of debate and remains unresolved.
King Richard III
For many years, the remains of King Richard III were lost, leading to many stories and theories about what happened to him. In 2012, archaeologists looked into historical records and discovered that his remains were buried beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England. When they excavated the site, they found his skeleton. Scientists used DNA testing to confirm it was indeed Richard III. They also noted his unique curved spine and injuries that matched descriptions of battles from a historical conflict known as the Wars of the Roses.
The Dingo Baby Case
In 1980, Lindy Chamberlain said that a dingo, which is a wild dog in Australia, took her baby named Azaria. However, instead of believing her story, the authorities accused her of murder and convicted her. Over the years, new evidence came to light when Azaria’s clothes were discovered in a dingo den, supporting Lindy’s claim. Finally, in 2012, a formal investigation concluded that a dingo was indeed responsible for the baby’s disappearance, which helped clear Lindy Chamberlain’s name after many years of public doubt and persecution.
The Golden State Killer
For many years, the Golden State Killer caused fear across California with numerous attacks and murders. In 2018, a game-changing technique was used that revealed the DNA found at crime scenes belonged to Joseph DeAngelo, a former police officer. This discovery brought an end to a search that lasted 40 years, showing that even the hardest-to-catch criminals can eventually be found.
A Woman’s Secret Past
After Lori Ruff passed away in 2010, her husband discovered a box filled with fake documents that showed she had been living under a different identity. This led investigators on a long ride to uncover her true story, eventually identifying her as Kimberly McLean, a woman who had vanished from her home in the 1980s. This shocking revelation left many with more questions than answers.
The Superbike Murders
In 2003, four people were shot and killed at a motorcycle shop in South Carolina. For a long time, there were no clear reasons or suspects in the case. Then, in 2016, police arrested serial killer Todd Kohlhepp for other crimes. While in custody, he revealed that he was responsible for the Superbike Murders, bringing an end to the mystery that had puzzled investigators and the public for 13 years.
Leo Frank’s Conviction
Leo Frank was found guilty of murder in 1913 during a trial that was heavily influenced by prejudice against Jewish people and intense pressure from angry crowds. In 1915, he was lynched, which became a powerful symbol of wrongful punishment and injustice. Many years later, new evidence came to light that hinted he might have been innocent, and in 1986, he was officially pardoned after his death. Despite this, his case remains a controversial and troubling part of American legal history.
Lost for 40 Years—Drought Uncovers Car With Missing Teens’ Remains
A long-standing mystery was finally unraveled in 2013 when a drought caused a South Dakota creek to dry up, uncovering a submerged Studebaker car. Inside, the remains of two missing teenagers, Cheryl Miller and Pamella Jackson, were discovered. They had been missing since 1971. Investigators were able to confirm that the girls had been in a tragic accident on their way to a party, and their car had been hidden underwater for 40 years, with Miller’s purse found still intact.
Sources:
10 Biggest Unsolved Mysteries In History
The 19 greatest mysteries in history
