Cabinet of Curiosities: "Swarmed" – A Detailed Summary

Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities invites listeners on a journey through the uncanny, the historical, and the mysterious. In the episode titled "Swarmed," released on June 3, 2025, host Aaron Mahnke delves into two intriguing tales that highlight the profound impact of seemingly small creatures on human history and society. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. The Rocky Mountain Locust Plague of the 1870s

Historical Context and Introduction to Locusts

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by exploring the fascinating world of collective nouns for animals, emphasizing how these terms reflect human perceptions. He introduces locusts by contrasting them with their solitary counterparts, grasshoppers:

“Not all grasshoppers are locusts, but all locusts are grasshoppers.” ([01:10])

This distinction sets the stage for discussing the infamous Rocky Mountain locust, a creature with a significant yet tragic place in history.

The Onset of the Plague

In the early 1870s, post-Civil War America was grappling with economic recession, harsh winters, and dry summers. Amidst these challenges, a new threat emerged—locust swarms. First sighted in June 1873, these swarms rapidly expanded, reaching their peak in the following year. Mahnke vividly describes the locusts' approach:

“The first sightings were in June of 1873, but they wouldn't reach their full peak until the following year, it started as a shadow in the sky, a glistening, vaporous cloud.” ([02:50])

Impact on Farmers and Communities

Farmers in the Great Plains took desperate measures to protect their livelihoods. Efforts included covering crops with blankets, locking windows, and safeguarding water sources. Despite these attempts, the locusts proved overwhelmingly destructive:

“The incoming locusts ate everything that wasn't nailed down. They ate away the blankets that protected the crops. They ate bridles from the backs of horses.” ([04:30])

The swarms, some stretching 1,800 miles and lasting five days, blocked the sun and consumed nearly all available vegetation and materials, causing widespread devastation and starvation.

Government Response and Measures

State governments responded with limited success, offering bounties for egg destruction. Farmers resorted to inventive, albeit futile, methods such as building tar-filled ditches:

“He dug a ditch around his farm, filled it with tar, and then lit it on fire to create a barrier between the locusts and his crops. But the locusts were so thick in the air that they smothered the flames with their bodies.” ([07:15])

Despite trillions of locusts wreaking havoc across 2 million square miles, these efforts were insufficient to curb the plague.

Extinction and Legacy

The locust plague abruptly ended in 1877, likely due to a severe winter that destroyed many of their eggs. Tragically, the Rocky Mountain locust is believed to have gone extinct by the early 1900s, rendering the 1870s plague one of their last significant impacts:

“Few creatures on their way to extinction go out with a bang rather than a whimper.” ([09:50])

Mahnke reflects on the locusts' ability to leave a legendary mark on history, underscoring the profound influence even the smallest insects can have.

2. Dr. Charles Campbell and the Battle Against Malaria in 1911 Texas

Introduction to Dr. Campbell and the Mysterious Structure

Shifting from insects to human ingenuity, Mahnke narrates the story of Dr. Charles Campbell in 1911 Texas. The residents of Mitchell's Lake were perplexed by an enigmatic wooden tower constructed by Campbell:

“The people of Mitchell's Lake had questions. Namely, what in tarnation was Dr. Charles Campbell building on the edge of town?” ([05:20])

Campbell, a respected bacteriologist and Tulane graduate, had turned reclusive, focusing on this mysterious project amid a malaria epidemic.

Malaria Crisis and Campbell's Intervention

Malaria was rampant in Texas, particularly around Mitchell's Lake, where millions of mosquitoes thrived. With a staggering 78 out of 87 local residents infected, desperation was high. Campbell's past achievements, like halting a typhoid epidemic, gave hope that he might have a solution.

Upon completing his tower in spring 1911, strange occurrences followed—noxious odors and loud nocturnal noises led locals to discover Campbell's true purpose:

“The tower at Mitchell's Lake was a house after all, just not for people.” ([07:05])

Innovative Use of Bats for Pest Control

Campbell ingeniously used the tower as a bat house, attracting bats by soaking cheesecloth with guano. The bats, in turn, significantly reduced the mosquito population, tackling the root cause of malaria:

“The Mitchell's Lake mosquito population plummeted as a result, and with it went the disease.” ([08:40])

His method proved effective, leading to zero malaria cases upon retesting the following year.

Wider Impact and Legacy

Campbell's success inspired similar bat houses across Texas, Florida, and even Italy. Although malaria was eventually eradicated through conventional medical advances, Campbell's bat houses left a lasting ecological impact. Bats, once vilified as pests, became recognized for their essential role in pest control and are now protected by state law:

“Today they're protected by state law in recognition of their ecological importance.” ([09:30])

The legacy of Campbell's innovation persists, with modern bat houses like the one near Bracken Cave housing over 20 million bats—the largest mammal colony in the world.

Conclusion of the Stories

Through these two tales, Mahnke illustrates how natural phenomena and human ingenuity intertwine to shape history. The locust plague demonstrates the devastating power of nature, while Dr. Campbell's bat houses showcase human resilience and creativity in combating crises.

Final Reflections

In "Swarmed," Cabinet of Curiosities skillfully intertwines historical events with captivating storytelling, revealing the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world. By spotlighting the Rocky Mountain locust plague and Dr. Campbell's innovative fight against malaria, Aaron Mahnke underscores the profound and sometimes unexpected ways in which small creatures and inventive minds can leave indelible marks on history.

“It turns out Dr. Campbell learned a thing or two wandering around in those woods. Thanks to him, we finally learned that sometimes bat neighbors make the best neighbors.” ([09:55])

This episode serves as a compelling reminder to stay curious and appreciate the hidden stories that lie beneath the surface of historical events.

Key Takeaways:

• Rocky Mountain Locust Plague: A devastating five-year swarm in the 1870s that covered over 2 million square miles, leading to significant agricultural and societal impacts before the species' extinction.

• Dr. Charles Campbell's Bat Houses: An innovative solution in 1911 Texas that utilized bats to control mosquito populations, effectively combating malaria and reshaping ecological perceptions of bats.

• Human-Nature Interactions: Both stories highlight the delicate balance between human endeavors and natural forces, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the lasting influence of ecological relationships.

For listeners intrigued by these tales, Cabinet of Curiosities offers a treasure trove of similar stories that blend history, mystery, and the extraordinary with engaging narratives.