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The following show contains descriptions of violence related to shark attacks. You've been warned.

As the 1st of July approached in the year 1916,

as Americans were preparing for the 140th anniversary of the nation's birth,

a disturbing story appeared in select newspapers

across the country. Quoting from the Lancaster News Journal, on July 1st at Beach Haven, New

Jersey, Charles Eptic Van Zant of Philadelphia was attacked by a nine-foot shark as he was about to end a swim in the surf.

The great manhunter had been seen moving swiftly around him, and warning cries went up from

those on the beach, but they came too late. Mr. Van Zant was less than 50 yards from the beach,

but evidently failed to understand the meaning of the

warnings, for he appeared to swim leisurely on. Of a sudden, the shark made a dash with immense

jaws open. It caught the young man and closed upon his body, while the astounded onlookers

turned away in horror. The sea became crimson with blood as Van Zant

struggled to free himself. Alexander Ott, a champion swimmer, and others were quick to go to the

aid of the imperiled man and frightened off the monster, then brought the mangled form of Mr.

Van Zant to the beach. Everything possible was done for him, but he passed away

in a few moments. Van Zant was but 24 years old, a young man of unusual promise. It was the first

day of July. The events which followed during that unfortunate month would mystify scientists,

terrified beachgoers in New Jersey and New York, transform the nature of recreational destinations

along the East Coast, and set in stone a few myths and legends about the seas most misunderstood

...