American History Tellers

American History Tellers

Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 | Fears & Falsehoods | 2

Season 51November 16, 202243 min

0:0042:30

About this episode

In September 1793, yellow fever continued to ravage Philadelphia. As the death toll mounted, Dr. Benjamin Rush raced to find a cure. Rush used an aggressive and controversial treatment to battle the grisly disease, sparking a political backlash. Soon Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and President George Washington were forced to flee the disease, leaving government on the verge of collapse. But the Mayor of Philadelphia, and ordinary citizens, stepped in to try to save their city from ruin.

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American History Tellers

The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race — how well do you really know the stories that made America? Hosted by Lindsay Graham, from Wondery.

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