12 Famous Historical Codes and Their Stories
Codes have been used throughout history for different purposes, mainly to hold secretive conversations. From covert wartime signals to secretive Prohibition-era terms, these codes have been central to some of the most historical moments the globe has seen. In this piece, you’ll discover some of the codes and their origins, creators, and purposes behind these enigmatic messages.
763
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“763” wasn’t just a number; it was a lifeline during the Revolutionary War. Major Benjamin Tallmadge used it with his Culper Spy Ring team to crush the British movement in New York. It hid critical intelligence for Washington from British spies, helping the United States in its cause.
Do You Drink, Officer?
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This would sound to you like a casual question. However, it was a clever Prohibition-era code. Created by bootleggers, it determined if a police officer would accept a bribe or not. If the officer replied positively, they were in on a deal. It kept illegal trades flowing despite the strict laws.
Hornet
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This code was created in the era of Telegram by financial institutions to ensure information security. Needing to discuss trade secrets without giving them away, banks used this code. Specifically, Wells Fargo used it in discussions about gold to avoid eliciting curiosity. Cipher books were used to crack these codes.
Fleece
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During slavery, the Underground Railroad created a series of safehouses for slaves who had successfully escaped. They needed terminology that would be used to discuss the escapees without raising issues. The word “fleece” was created to refer to escaped slaves to prevent them from being discovered.
Bacon and Magic
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The different wars fought across the globe have given rise to a myriad of codes used to hide military secrets. The American Expeditionary Forces used the word “bacon” during World War I to refer to an automatic rifle. They also used “magic” for horse-drawn combat carts.
Blind Tiger
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“Blind Tiger” isn’t a mythical creature but an innovative Prohibition-era code. Illegal bar owners used this code to alert patrons to their hidden businesses. Patrons would pay to see the “blind tiger” and secretly receive a drink instead. It ensured that illegal alcoholic drinks were sold without attracting the authorities.
Holly and Brimstone
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This was another set of war-induced codes used to hide military intelligence. Allies during the Second World War used “Holly” to refer to Canton Island. The word “Brimstone” was used as a reference to the plan to capture Sardinia. This was during the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942.
Besh-lo
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Another code from the Second World War was “Besh-lo.” This was used by the Navajo Code Talkers for military terms that did not exist in their language. The code was used to refer to the “iron fish,” which was their reference to the submarine.
Blessent Mon Coeur D’une Langueur Monotone
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“Blessent mon cœur d’une langueur monotone” may sound poetic, but it signaled the start of D-Day. The French Resistance used this line, part of a Paul Verlaine poem, to alert allies about the imminence of the invasion. This beautiful phrase played a principal part in the coordination of this historical military operation.
Jane
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This common female name was also a lifeline for women in the 1960s and ’70s. The Jane Collective, an underground abortion service in Chicago, used this code to protect their identities. Women seeking abortion would be encouraged to “call Jane” to ensure they received the services without raising an alarm.
Liberty
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This popular patriotic term had an important use during World War II. It was a covert code created by Allied forces and used by the French Resistance. It was an alert to the beginning of sabotage missions against Nazi occupiers. This harmless word carried powerful implications, influencing activities to disrupt enemy operations.
Broken Arrow
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This dramatic code was developed by the U.S. military. It was used to signal a severe nuclear weapon incident. It was used to alert the authorities to a missing, stolen, or accidental detonation of a nuclear device. It indicated a high level of urgency that carried catastrophic consequences if not addressed immediately.