Peetster

There are four categories: Who, What, Where and Why. Some will be easy, some not. I have as many as six clues to help you along, which I'll supply as needed.

Please limit yourself to one guess, and another guess for each clue I supply. No questions allowed. Partially correct answers won't be acknowledged.

Wild guesses are fine. In fact, they can add to the mystery and are fun to read.

You guys are pretty freaking smart. Let's see how this goes.

The Case:
A person tries for years to get the financial backing needed for a commercial venture. After finally finding a backer, the person buys materials, hires employees and begins work. The venture doesn't meet its objective, but the backers are elated by the results.

The Mystery:
Who was the person and what year was the venture launched?

Journeyman

Christopher Columbus in 1492.

And George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree and admitted it. That's a myth. :/

Peetster

Your answer to this mystery is correct.

So what? And Santa Clause isn't?

Stay tuned.

Peetster

oops, 5 points to Journeyman for the correct answer.