1

Paul Bunyan

Image: Abby Savage

Paul Bunyan , the colossal lumberjack of American folklore, is said to have cleared forests from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest. With his blue ox, Babe , he performed incredible feats of strength, like carving out the Grand Canyon just by dragging his axe behind him, and creating the Great Lakes with his footprints.

Originating in oral traditions among lumberjacks, Bunyan’s exaggerated exploits gained momentum with the American westward expansion during the 19th century and soon became deeply ingrained in the popular imagination.

2

Johnny Appleseed

Image: Aarón Blanco Tejedor

Born John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed wandered the American frontier planting apple trees and spreading goodwill in the early 19th century. A devout Christian, he became a folk hero for his kindness, environmentalism, and pioneering spirit.

Contrary to the popular image of Johnny Appleseed randomly scattering apple seeds, he was a skilled nurseryman who meticulously planted apple tree nurseries. Each nursery was carefully fenced to shield the saplings from livestock and wildlife. After establishing these nurseries, he entrusted them to neighbors but revisited them periodically.

3

Pecos Bill

Image: JosephHershMedia

Pecos Bill , a fictional cowboy raised by coyotes in the wilds of Texas, became a larger-than-life figure known for taming cyclones and roping tornadoes. His adventures, first popularized in the early 20th century, embody the frontier spirit and Texas mythology, blending humor with tales of rugged individualism.

Among his many tales, one credits him with creating the Gulf of Mexico . According to legend, during a severe drought in Texas, Pecos Bill lassoed a storm cloud in California and brought it to Texas. The resulting deluge caused extensive flooding, ultimately forming the Gulf.

4

Davy Crockett

Image: Joseph Corl

Davy Crockett , known as the "King of the Wild Frontier," was a real-life frontiersman later turned politician whose exploits were mythologized even during his lifetime. Born in East Tennessee, he quickly gained fame for his sharp hunting skills and captivating storytelling.

During his time in the U.S. Congress, he staunchly opposed many of President Andrew Jackson’s policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act, and championed the rights of small landowners. Crockett’s life ended with valor at the Battle of the Alamo , solidifying his folk legend as a symbol of courage and patriotism. His legacy remains an enduring part of American history.

5

Calamity Jane

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Martha Jane Canary, better known by her alias Calamity Jane, was a frontierswoman and scout famed for her sharpshooting skills and daredevil exploits. During her youth, she stepped up to provide for her large family, taking on various jobs, from ox team driver to scout for Fort Russell. Eventually, she embraced the rough and adventurous lifestyle that made her a legend.

Despite her fearsome reputation, Calamity Jane was compassionate and often helped those in need. Her adventures in the Wild West alongside figures like Wild Bill Hickok cemented her status as a legend of the American frontier.

6

Molly Pitcher

Image: Garry T

Molly Pitcher, the nickname given to Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, became famous for her bravery during the American Revolutionary War. Although several historical figures are known by this moniker for similar deeds, Mary Ludwig Hays distinguished herself during the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778, where she served as a water carrier for the soldiers.

When her husband, an artilleryman in the Continental Army, fell to enemy fire, she took his place, swabbing and loading the cannon with such bravery and determination that she earned a commendation from George Washington.

7

Daniel Boone

Image: Scott Longerbeam

Daniel Boone was a legendary frontiersman and explorer who blazed trails through the Appalachian Mountains and into Kentucky. Born in 1734, Boone became famous for his expert hunting and survival skills, as well as his role in establishing the Wilderness Road, a trail that facilitated westward migration through the Cumberland Gap.

After serving as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War, he was briefly taken in by the Shawnees in the Northeastern Woodlands. After a few years, he returned and continued to help protect the Kentucky settlements.

8

Buffalo Bill

Image: Judy Beth Morris

William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody was a legendary figure of the American West, known for his Wild West shows that toured the United States and Europe. Born in 1846, Cody was a skilled buffalo hunter, Army scout, and showman who brought cowboy skills and frontier life to audiences worldwide.

He earned his nickname after the Civil War by providing Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with buffalo meat, hunting record numbers of the animal. He even engaged in hunting competitions with his partner, Bill Comstock. His legendary figure has been frequently portrayed in film and television, especially during the height of the Western genre in the 1960s.

9

Wild Bill Hickok

Image: Pablò

James Butler Hickok, famously known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a legendary figure of the American Old West. Born in 1837, Hickok gained fame as a skilled marksman, gambler, and lawman.

Though his exploits were certainly exaggerated by the outlandish tales he told about himself, he was involved in several notorious gunfights during his life. Most notably, he dueled with Davis Tutt, a local gambler with whom he had various disagreements, particularly over their mutual affection for the same woman.

10

John Henry

Image: Lucio Patone

John Henry was a legendary steel-driving man whose man-against-machine tale epitomized the strength and resilience of the American worker. An African American freedman, his dangerous job involved hammering steel drills into rocks to create holes for explosives used to blast open railroad tunnels.

According to the legend, John Henry's prowess was tested in a race against a steam-powered drill. He won the race but tragically died after victory, hammer in hand when his heart gave out from the immense physical stress.

1

Dance marathons

Image: Ardian Lumi

Dancing has always been a praised activity for having some fun and passing the time. It’s simple and requires nothing but a music-playing device. So, back in the ‘20s, people felt the need to find a new twist for this basic entertainment and so they thought making dance marathons was a great idea.

How did they work? The concept was as simple as dancing: Couples would compete to see who could dance the longest all for a shot at cash prizes. But we’re not talking hours here—the contest could last for days! Audiences watched in fascination (and a bit of morbid curiosity, we might add) as exhausted dancers pushed their bodies to the limit. Remember, this was a time when missing out on a chance for quick money and a bit of fun was not a possibility!

2

Flagpole sitting

Image: Jonathan Simcoe

We don’t know if he was trying to break a record or if he just needed some alone time, but after Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly climbed atop a flagpole in 1924 and stayed there for over 13 hours, a new fad was born: flagpole sitting.

And speaking of basic trends, this is exactly as you read it: People all over America were climbing up and sitting on flagpoles to see how long they could stay up there. We can all agree that these people were after entertainment and a bit of competition. And it got so serious the record eventually stretched to an astonishing 49 days!

By the 1930s, though, the thrill wore off and the fad faded, but the absurdity of it all remains—and earned it a spot on this list!

3

Stickball and stoopball

Image: Jeremy Stewardson

Sports today are no longer just about playing the game. For most of them, you need a lot of equipment, which is rather expensive, especially if you’re going to use it in the streets with your friends from the block.

Back in the ‘20s, baseball equipment was hard to come by. As a result, American kids in crowded urban areas came up with their own inventive versions of the game: stickball and stoopball. The fun behind this trend? Using whatever they had on hand to play: Broomsticks for bats, rubber balls, and parked cars or stoops as bases. The games required nothing more than creativity and a few friends. And no one can deny—the 1920s were indeed a creative time!

4

Johnny on a pony

Image: freestocks

This is a trend that started in the 1940s, and the names used for this game are simply hilarious: "Strong horses, weak donkeys," "Hunch, Cuddy, Hunch," just to name a few.

Johnny on a Pony, or Buck Buck, was a rough-and-tumble game in which one team bent over to form a "horse" while the other team took turns jumping on their backs, trying to knock them over .

You may think this was innocent, but not quite—it was chaotic, sometimes painful, and, more often than not, left participants in a pile of tangled limbs.

Kids do not care for those things, but the game’s physical nature made it exhilarating and dangerous at the same time. That’s why, eventually, concerned parents and schools stepped in and banned it—one too many injuries to keep it going!

5

Drive-In movie theaters

Image: Tim Mossholder

Movie theaters are great, but drive-in movie theaters are even better—they were the ultimate fusion of America’s love for cars and entertainment.

The first official drive-in theater opened in 1933, and it was an alternative for families to a fun and affordable night out under the night sky, watching a movie from the comfort of their car . No wonder this quickly became a beloved American pastime. And you can already imagine whose favorite this was: Teens and young couples, who enjoyed the privacy of their cars while watching the latest films of the time.

The trend slowly faded as film rentals became more popular, and later with the rise of streaming platforms. However, keep an eye out for this one, because it’s definitely making a comeback!

6

Miniature golf

Image: Will Porada

Some may argue that the fad behind miniature golf never actually died, and that’s partially true. But let’s go back to the time it first appeared and all the craze that erupted around it.

It wasn’t until Garnet Carter opened his "Tom Thumb" golf course in 1927 that miniature golf became a true sensation . Located in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Carter’s course wasn’t just about putting greens; it also featured miniature goblins, gnomes, and other fun obstacles for players.

We don’t know if he knew this would be so successful, but Carter went all in: He patented the design, and it hit the jackpot—miniature golf became a nationwide success.

7

Hood ornaments

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Funny thing about the past: You didn’t always need to be extravagant to be trendy—sometimes, just a tiny ornament on your car was enough.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, no car was complete without a stylish hood ornament adorning its radiator . At first, these ornaments were designed to check on the engine temperature. But they soon evolved into artistic expressions of each brand to showcase wealth and personality.

We all recognize the winged goddess or the jaguar jumping out of the car, right?

However, this trend didn’t last long. As car designs modernized and safety became a concern, hood ornaments became less common, and eventually, all but disappeared. If you see a car with one of these today, you can bet it’s worth more than one can get in a lifetime!

8

Kilroy was here

Image: Richard Cohrs

There are two generations: One is looking for Waldo, and the other is looking for Kilroy. Which one do you belong to? Now, if you’re wondering who Kilroy is, let us tell you.

Kilroy was a doodle, and the complete drawing consisted of Kilroy and a message that read "Kilroy Was Here." This graffiti popped up just about everywhere during World War II.

The doodle, featuring a bald, long-nosed figure peeking over a wall, was a symbol of American presence and humor. It’s said that Kilroy was originally the work of James J. Kilroy, a shipyard inspector who scrawled it on equipment he inspected.

But that was just the beginning—the drawing spread to every corner of the globe. Have you ever come across one?

9

Swing dancing

Image: Clarisse Meyer

Few things are as time-sensitive and culturally reflective of an era, don’t you think? In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s and 1930s, the dance that dominated every dance floor was swing . And it makes perfect sense—this was the Jazz Age, so swing dancing perfectly matched the exuberance of that music!

Dances like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Jitterbug took over dance halls, with young people spinning, jumping, and flipping to the infectious rhythm of big bands.

Older generations sometimes frowned upon the flashy, intimate dance styles, but that only made them more appealing to rebellious youth. Some things never change!

10

Stamp collecting

Image: Tolga deniz Aran

Philately is the collection of stamps or the study of them, and it became a fad across the United States during the 1920s and the ‘30s. Why? Here is the reason.

Stamps offered people a way to explore history, geography, and art. They were everyday items, easy to access, and nobody could escape them. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an avid stamp collector. Not that he needed them to learn about history or art—it was just a way to have fun.

Contrary to other trends we have discussed, schools encouraged this hobby, because it was both educational and enjoyable. Collecting stuff is a never-ending trend; there are all kinds of collections today and stamp collections today are almost invaluable!

1

Duct Tape Was Made to Protect Ammunition Cases

During World War II, the ammunition boxes sent to American troops were sealed with paper tape and dipped in wax to keep water out. Soldiers were supposed to pull a small paper tab to open them quickly. But the thin tape could tear, leaving them struggling to reach the ammunition. Vesta Stoudt, who packed and inspected these boxes at the Green River Ordnance Plant in Illinois, recognized this danger. She also had two sons serving in the U.S. Navy, so she devised a solution.

Stoudt proposed replacing the paper tape with a strong, waterproof cloth tape that soldiers could easily pull off. As she had no response from her supervisors, she wrote directly to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, including drawings of her idea. Roosevelt sent the proposal to the War Production Board, which asked a Johnson & Johnson operating company to manufacture the tape. It not only worked, but troops soon used the strong tape to repair boots and fix military vehicles too. Today, duct tape is still the solution to many everyday repairs.

2

M&M’s Were Designed With Soldiers in Mind

You probably remember the iconic M&M's slogan "melts in your mouth, not in your hand." Well, this characteristic was intentionally created for troops, allowing them to eat chocolate even under the hot sun.

When businessman Forrest Mars Jr. was travelling to Spain in the late 1930s during the Spanish Civil War, he observed how soldiers ate chocolate encased in sugar shells. The sugar crust prevented the chocolate from melting, and soldiers could enjoy the treat, even in hot temperatures. Mars soon partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey's president, to secure a steady supply of chocolate for American troops. Their collaboration led to the creation of M&Ms, named after the initials of their last names. By 1947, the candy was made available to the public.

3

The Jeep Was Built for the U.S. Army

In 1940, the U.S. Army asked automakers to create a small four-wheel-drive vehicle that could carry soldiers across rough terrain. Bantam, Willys, and Ford entered the competition, and Willys won the main production contract. However, the final Willys MB also borrowed some of Ford’s flat grille and hood fastener design.

The new Jeep could travel through mud, climb steep roads, and reach places trucks couldn’t. Soldiers and mechanics could repair it quickly, and its parts were easy to remove and replace. Soldiers liked it so much that demand continued after they returned home, and Willys introduced the civilian CJ-2A in 1945 shortly after the war ended. The modern Jeep Wrangler still carries the same adventurous spirit.

4

The Slinky Started With a Naval Engineer’s Spring

In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was developing a spring to keep equipment steady on ships during rough seas. One day, he knocked one of his experimental springs onto the floor. Instead of falling in one place, it moved end over end. James rapidly realized its potential as a toy.

He spent the next two years finding the right size and tension for the spring. His wife, Betty, named it "Slinky," because of its smooth movement, and they introduced it to the market in 1945. But shoppers were confused and didn’t know what to make of it at first. The situation changed after James demonstrated it at a Philadelphia department store: all 400 Slinkys were sold in less than two hours.

5

Super Glue Emerged From Wartime Research

Today, we use Super Glue to repair broken items, for crafting, woodworking, and for countless quick fixes. But in 1942, chemist Harry Coover created it while trying to make a clear plastic for military gunsights during World War II. He was testing chemicals called cyanoacrylates when his team found that they stuck to almost everything they touched. As that feature made them unsuitable for the original project, the researchers moved on.

Coover encountered the chemicals again in 1951 while his team was developing materials for jet canopies. This time, he realized that their powerful bond was useful because it required no heat or pressure. Kodak later refined the adhesive and released it as Eastman 910 in 1958. That accidental discovery became widely known as Super Glue.

6

Silly Putty Grew Out of a Search for Synthetic Rubber

Silly Putty is that stretchy stuff that comes in plastic eggs and bounces and bends, depending on how you pull it. It was created during World War II, when rubber was needed for tires, boots, gas masks, and other military supplies. Japan’s expansion in Asia cut the United States off from much of its natural rubber, so American scientists were forced to look for a replacement.

In 1943, General Electric engineer James Wright mixed boric acid with silicone oil and created a strange, elastic material. It bounced higher than rubber, but it wasn’t strong enough for the military’s needs. General Electric shared samples with scientists, hoping someone might find a practical use for it. Meanwhile, people began passing it around at parties for fun. At one of them, hosted by a General Electric executive, businessman Peter Hodgson watched guests play with it, recognized its potential as a toy, named it Silly Putty, and in 1950, he commercialized it.

7

Frozen Orange Juice Was Developed for American Troops

Orange juice provides vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body heal wounds. During World War II, the military understandably needed to make sure troops received enough vitamin C. However, regular frozen juice lost its fresh taste during storage and transport, sometimes developing a flavor compared to turpentine. So in 1942, the Army asked researchers to create a frozen version that could travel without losing its flavor.

And by 1945, scientists of the Department of Agriculture removed water from fresh juice at low temperatures and then added a little fresh juice back into the concentrate. The process preserved the orange oils responsible for its familiar taste. The Army ordered 500,000 pounds, but the war ended before the product could be delivered. Instead, it reached American grocery stores in 1946 under the name Minute Maid and soon became a breakfast favorite.

8

Penicillin Became Widely Available Through U.S. Wartime Production

Penicillin offered a powerful solution to bacterial infections, which could otherwise turn a small wound deadly. But there was still one major problem: even a small amount took a lot of time and effort to produce. With thousands of wounded troops needing treatment during combat, the Allies had to find a way to produce much more of it.

British researchers brought their work to the United States, where government laboratories and drug companies took on the challenge. Scientists then found that growing the mold in deep tanks with a corn-based liquid produced much larger amounts . By 1944, American factories were making enough penicillin to treat Allied troops wounded during the D-Day invasion.

9

Aerosol Bug Spray Protected Soldiers From Insects

A mosquito bite wasn’t just annoying during war; it could literally take a soldier out of action. In tropical regions, mosquitoes carried malaria and other diseases that sickened lots of soldiers. An easy way to kill insects in tents and planes was needed, and large sprayers weren’t that practical.

Department of Agriculture researchers Lyle Goodhue and William Sullivan developed a small pressurized canister that released insecticide as a fine mist. Nicknamed the "bug bomb," it allowed troops to spray an entire space in seconds. It was patented in 1943, and more than 40 million cans were produced for military use during the war. It didn’t take long for that same technology to be used for home repellents.

10

Synthetic Rubber Kept American Vehicles Moving

A great number of wartime items needed natural rubber. — to make tires, hoses, engine belts, seals, life rafts, gas masks, and many other waterproof parts . But after Japan captured major rubber-producing areas in Southeast Asia, the U.S. lost access to most of its supply. Recycling and rationing efforts helped, but it wasn’t enough.

The government took action and brought oil, chemical, and tire companies together to build a synthetic-rubber industry at home. Made mostly from petroleum-based chemicals, the new material could do many of the same jobs as natural rubber. U.S. production grew from only 230 tons in 1941 to more than one million tons in 1945. Synthetic rubber kept military vehicles moving during the war and remained essential for tires and other everyday products afterward.