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

World's largest office building

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Among its many record-breaking achievements, America has one lesser-known record that also deserves attention.

Our country is home to the largest office building in the world. Want to know which one? The world's largest office building by floor area is the United States Department of Defense, also known as the Pentagon.

Ok, but how big is it? Located in Arlington, Virginia, and famous not only for its size but also for its distinctive five-sided design, the building has a total floor area of approximately 6.5 million square feet.

2

People in New York

Image: Nicolai Berntsen

We all know that New York City is packed with people. In fact, it's the most populous city in our country. But how many live there?

As of 2024, around 8.8 million people call NYC their home. That's a huge number on its own, but it might be even more impressive when you consider that NYC's population surpasses that of 40 US states, including Montana, New Hampshire, and Mississippi, to name a few. In other words, NYC has more residents than each of those 40 states individually.

After all, New York City is famously known as "the city that never sleeps" for a reason!

3

Many versions of the flag

Image: Chris Hardy

The US flag is one of our most beautiful and beloved symbols and also one of the most recognized worldwide. With its distinctive stripes, stars, and classic red, white, and blue colors, it is an unmistakable icon. But did you know it has undergone several changes over the years?

The US flag has not just had 1, 2, or 3 versions; in fact, there have been 27 official versions! Each of these versions served an important purpose, reflecting some key changes throughout our history. For example, whenever a new state joined the Union, an additional star was added. This is how we arrived at the 50 white stars you see in the upper left corner of our beautiful flag. The current version was made official on July 4, 1960.

4

No official language

Image: Ben Duchac

While English is the most widely spoken language in the United States, the country does not have an official language at the federal level.

This might surprise some people, given that English is the primary language for most Americans and is used for government and legal purposes.

On the other hand, many other languages are spoken here as well. For instance, Spanish is the second most spoken language, though it is used considerably less than English. And that's not all; Chinese, Filipino, and French also have a notable number of speakers in the US!

5

The fastest-speaking states

Image: Chris Liverani

We all have that friend who speaks so fast it's hard to keep up, even if you know them well. Would you like to know how fast Americans speak?

Fortunately, there's not just data on the languages we use but also on how quickly we speak in our daily lives. And it turns out that a few states lead the pack in this speed race.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, Oregon, Minnesota, and Massachusetts are the states where residents speak the fastest . So, if you know someone from those states, why not give it a try and see if you can keep up with their speedy conversations?

6

Most airports in the world

Image: Alex Underwood

Americans seem to love air travel, and there's a good reason for that: the US holds the record for the most airports in the world!

This isn't just a coincidence. The vast size of our territory— yes, we're one of the largest countries in the world—requires fast, safe, and efficient ways to travel to all corners.

With thousands of airports of all kinds spread across the country, it's no wonder that so many movies feature airport scenes or are even filmed inside airplanes, right?

7

Alaska's price

Image: Joris Beugels

We have the great advantage of having the gorgeous state of Alaska as one of the 50 states. Beyond its natural beauty, it holds another impressive distinction: it's the largest state by area, covering approximately 663,300 square miles.

As you may know, Alaska was purchased in 1867 when US Secretary of State William H. Seward sealed a deal with Russia to acquire the territory. However, what some people may not know is just how affordable it was: the purchase cost $7.2 million, which means we acquired Alaska for about 2 cents per acre! To put it in perspective, adjusted for inflation, that $7.2 million would be equivalent to about $140 million today.

8

The first national park in the world

Image: Nicolasintravel

The United States is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse national parks in the world. And not only that, but we also have the honor of being the country that established the world's very first national park.

Inaugurated on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the Earth's first national park. This event marked a turning point, leading to the creation of many other national parks and protected areas both in America and around the globe.

The incredible Yellowstone spans approximately 3,472 square miles , primarily in Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho. Have you had the chance to visit it?

9

A special feature on Washington National Cathedral

Image: Ryan Arnst

The Washington National Cathedral offers many attractions for visitors, starting with its beautiful Gothic-style architecture. However, it also holds some secrets and fun facts within its walls.

Construction began in 1907 and took 83 years to complete. The wait was well worth it, as the Washington National Cathedral is now the sixth-largest in the world! And here's a fun fact: its famous Space Window features a real piece of moon rock at its center. Amazing!

Additionally, there's also a quirky feature that some visitors overlook: on the Cathedral's façade, there's a gargoyle with the face of none other than Darth Vader! This Star Wars character was added to the building's northwest tower in the 1980s after a children's design competition. A curious touch, isn't it?

10

Miles of bookshelves

Image: Roman Kraft

The Library of Congress is much more than a beautiful complex of buildings. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this famous landmark was established over 200 years ago in 1800 . Since then, it has preserved and protected countless documents, treaties, and books that reflect and constitute our nation's history.

Adding to our list of world records, the Library of Congress holds the title of the largest library in the world. It boasts an incredible 164 million items, which translates to 838 miles of bookshelves. That's enough to cover the distance from Atlanta, GA, to New York City, NY!

1

The Civil War began and ended on Wilmer McLean’s property

Virginia businessman Wilmer McLean tried to escape the Civil War by moving away from Manassas after the First Battle of Bull Run erupted near his home in 1861. Confederate General P.G.T. Beaugard even used McLean’s house as headquarters, and a Union cannonball crashed through his kitchen.

McLean relocated about 120 miles south to Appomattox Court House, hoping for peace. Instead, on April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in McLean’s parlor, effectively ending the war. McLean later joked that the war "began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

2

A bullet links the first and last soldiers who lost their lives in the Civil War

One long-circulated Civil War story claims that the bullet removed from the first Union casualty was later melted and reused years afterward, eventually ending with the life of one of the final soldiers of the conflict . Historians debate parts of the tale, but it became one of the war’s more enduring legends.

The coincidence works as a reflection on how Americans tried to make sense of the terrible human cost of the war. More than 600,000 people lost their lives in the conflict, making it the deadliest war in U.S. history.

3

A baby fell from a building twice, on the same man

In Detroit, during the 1930s, street sweeper Joseph Figlock reportedly became part of a bizarre accident when a baby fell from an apartment window and landed on him . The child survived, and so did Figlock.

About a year later, the same child allegedly fell from the same building again and once again landed on Figlock . Newspapers at the time treated the story as one of the strangest coincidences ever recorded in America. One might argue that street sweepers spend a disproportionate amount of time on the same streets, but the situation is still quite incredible.

4

Anthony Hopkins accidentally found the exact book he needed

While preparing for the 1972 film The Girl from Petrovka , actor Anthony Hopkins searched London bookstores for a rare copy of George Feifer’s novel. After failing to locate one anywhere, he sat down on the subway and noticed a forgotten copy of the tome in question lying on a bench .

Months later, Hopkins met Feifer himself and learned that the author had lent his annotated personal copy to a friend, who had lost it on the London Underground. The abandoned copy Hopkins found turned out to be that exact copy.

5

John Wilkes Booth is in one of Abraham Lincoln’s last photographs

John Wilkes Booth was already a nationally famous actor before assassinating President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865. Because of that fame, photographers had captured detailed images of Booth years before the crime that made him infamous.

One especially eerie coincidence is that Booth appears in photographs connected to Lincoln’s second inauguration festivities shortly before the crime took place . Historians later realized that the future assassin had unknowingly been documented near the President before he changed history forever.

6

A woman survived all three major White Star ship disasters

Violet Jessop worked as a stewardess for the White Star Line, the company behind the Olympic-class ocean liners. In 1911, she was on board the RMS Olympic when it collided with another ship.

In 1912, she survived the sinking of the Titanic . Four years later, in 1916, during World War I, she was aboard the HMS Britannic when it struck a mine and sank in the Aegean Sea. Jessop survived all three disasters and later became known as "Miss Unsinkable."

7

Theodore Roosevelt’s speech manuscript helped stop a bullet

During the 1912 presidential campaign, former President Theodore Roosevelt was shot in Milwaukee before giving a speech. The bullet first passed through a folded 50-page speech manuscript and Roosevelt’s metal eyeglass case in his breast pocket.

The thick stack of papers slowed the bullet enough that Roosevelt survived . Remarkably, he still delivered the speech, speaking for about 90 minutes (those 50 pages were no joke) before seeking medical treatment. Doctors later decided that the bullet was safer left inside his chest permanently.

8

A man unknowingly photographed his own future car accident

In the 1970s, amateur photographer Robert Landsburg reportedly took pictures of everyday traffic while experimenting with a new camera. After developing the film later, he realized one image showed the exact intersection where he would soon be involved in a collision .

The eerie coincidence became famous because the photograph captured the other vehicle that would later crash into his own car.

9

The "Jim Twins" lived nearly identical lives without knowing each other

Identical twins Jim Lewis and Jim Springer were separated at birth in Ohio in 1940 and adopted by different families. Amazingly, both adoptive families independently named the boys James. The twins did not meet again until they were 39 years old.

When reunited in 1979, they discovered a shocking number of similarities. Both had married women named Linda, later remarried women named Betty, owned dogs named Tony, drove similar cars, and even suffered from the same headaches .

10

The Wizard of Oz costume accidentally belonged to the book’s author

While filming The Wizard of Oz in 1938, costumers searched for an old-looking coat for actor Frank Morgan, who played both Professor Marvel and the title character. Costume staff reportedly bought several secondhand jackets from a thrift store in Los Angeles and picked one that looked perfect for the Marvel role.

Later, while examining the coat, the team discovered a label sewn inside with the name "L. Frank Baum", author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Baum’s widow later confirmed that the jacket had indeed belonged to her late husband.