Outhouses in America: The Surprising History of an American Necessity

Long before indoor plumbing, the humble outhouse was a vital part of daily life across America’s farms, towns, and frontier communities. But these simple structures served an unexpected purpose during times of war. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of outhouses in America—from sanitation and rural living to their surprising role in producing saltpeter, a key ingredient in gunpowder used to make ammunition.