The Draft, a Punch, and Portland, Oregon

Listen to “The Draft, a Punch, and Portland, Oregon” on Spreaker.

The Facts: we explore some interesting pieces of history, including the original professional football drafts, the controversial comic book cover where Captain America punched Hitler in the face, and how a popular city in Oregon received its name.

First, we delve into the origins of the professional football draft. Did you know that the first NFL draft was held in 1936? Back then, the draft consisted of just nine rounds and was done over the phone. It’s quite different from the elaborate events we see today!

Next, we talk about one of the most iconic moments in comic book history. In 1941, just before the United States entered World War II, Captain America Comics #1 was released, featuring Captain America punching Hitler in the face on the cover. This cover was controversial at the time, but it ultimately became a symbol of American patriotism and resistance against the Nazi regime.

Lastly, we explore how the city of Portland, Oregon got its name. It turns out that the city was named after a coin toss between two of its founders, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove. Lovejoy wanted to name the city after his hometown of Boston, while Pettygrove wanted to name it after his hometown of Portland, Maine. The two men flipped a coin to decide, and Pettygrove’s choice won.