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

Marx Bros

Image: Braydon Anderson

We’ll start strong with the family of actors considered by many to be the most groundbreaking comedians of their generation: the five Marx Brothers. They truly took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark that forever changed Hollywood.

Throughout a career that lasted over 40 years, the Marx Brothers starred in 14 films, five of which were included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 comedies of all time. While it is indeed a gargantuan task to select the best moments from this remarkable career, we feel inclined to select 1933’s Duck Soup and 1935's A Night at the Opera as our top picks.

2

Abbot and Costello

Image: Los Angeles Daily News, CC BY 4.0

In the very likely event that you’ve ever played a game of baseball, we can almost guarantee that someone jokingly asked you, "Who’s on first?" in a marked Jersey accent. After all, any American born after the 1950s knows this legendary Abbott & Costello routine, which is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of comedy ever conceived.

This iconic duo met in New York City in 1935. After Bud Abbott’s comedy partner fell ill before a performance at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater, Lou Costello substituted for him, marking their first unforgettable performance. Many believe the duo’s groundbreaking chemistry was already present in that very first show. Over the course of their nearly 20-year career, Abbott & Costello produced several hilarious routines, including "Niagara Falls," "The Piano Bit," and, of course, "Who’s on First?"

3

Jerry Seinfeld

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Years before he starred in his groundbreaking Show About Nothing , Jerry Seinfeld was a scrawny and hilarious comedian making appearances on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman . While this young comedian’s talent was evident, little did anyone know that Jerry Seinfeld would soon become the world’s most famous comedian.

The TV show Seinfeld ran for 9 seasons between 1988 and 1998, winning a myriad of accolades and awards in the process. Part of the charm was that Jerry’s off-screen persona seemed like a carbon copy of his character: he was witty, sarcastic, and hysterically funny. After Seinfeld concluded, Jerry went on to produce several successful comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-nominated show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee .

4

Johnny Carson

Image: Arthur Osipyan

While Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show , he is definitively considered a pioneer in late-night TV history. This groundbreaking comedian hosted the iconic talk show for 30 years, earning the well-deserved title of "King of Late-Night Television" in the process.

It’s difficult to describe how immense Carson’s influence was, not only on the history of talk shows but also in American culture in general. It only takes someone mimicking a swing of a golf club for anyone to realize they are paying tribute to this legendary comedian. Johnny received numerous awards during his lifetime, including six Primetime Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5

Conan O’Brien

Image: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0

Conan O’Brien is truly a blue-collar comedian. Now, by no means are we trying to convey that other comedians didn’t work hard to get where they are; we are simply pointing out that Conan’s comedy resume dates back to his early twenties when he started writing for groundbreaking shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons .

In 1993, Conan debuted as a late-night host with Late Night with Conan O'Brien . What followed was a 28-year career filled with hilarity and creativity, which only ended after Conan announced he would be retiring and taking a well-deserved break from performing. However, he still continues to host a hilarious series of podcasts called Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .

6

Jackie Gleason

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0

If you happen to visit New York City (or if you are a New Yorker yourself), take a stroll to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and you’ll come across an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of a cheerful and lively bus driver. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that this is not a homage to any real-life bus driver. In fact, the man depicted in the statue is none other than the legendary comedian Jackie Gleason , portraying Ralph Kramden, his iconic character from The Honeymooners .

First broadcast in 1955, The Honeymooners was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted the life of bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. This show served as the inspiration for countless other sitcoms, including America’s favorite prehistoric family, The Flintstones .

7

Robin Williams

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Robin Williams’ legacy expands throughout several generations: People in the ‘70s adored him in Mork and Mindy , he inspired many ‘80s moviegoers with his films Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets’ Society , and he filled the childhoods of millions of ‘90s kids as the wisecracking genie from Aladdin .

What’s perhaps most astounding about Williams’ acting is the remarkable range he displayed. The fact that his performances in drama could move us to tears doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of his comedy chops. Not only that, but hundreds report that off-screen, Williams was an incredibly kindhearted and warm person, always ready to go the extra mile to make someone smile.

8

Chris Rock

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Don’t let the title of his Emmy-nominated TV show fool you: Not everybody hates Chris Rock . In fact, we are willing to go even further and state that, despite being known for his crude and sarcastic style, he is still one of America’s most beloved comedians.

Chris Rock's first jump to prominence came when he joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990. After that, he went on to perform in several stand-up specials and provided hilarious comic relief in films such as Lethal Weapon 4 , The Longest Yard, and Death at a Funeral .

9

Steve Martin

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1967, thousands of American families tuned in to watch another episode of the extremely popular game show The Dating Game . While that particular installment came and went without a second thought, it marked legendary comedian Steve Martin ’s first appearance on national television. Little did anyone know that it wouldn’t be by any means his last.

It was only a few years after that appearance on The Dating Game that Martin took the world by storm. By the mid-1970s, he was already showcasing his hilarious routines on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson , The Muppets, and Saturday Night Live . Today, at 79 years old, Martin continues to be as hysterical as ever, starring in the acclaimed show Only Murders in the Building .

10

Charlie Chaplin

Image: Edo Nugroho

While it is true that Charlie Chaplin was English, it would feel wrong not to include such a Hollywood legend in this list. In that regard, we have reserved the last spot for someone who many consider to be the best comedian of all time. Chaplin’s career goes as far back as the early days of cinema, first appearing as his iconic "Tramp" character in the 1914 film Kid Auto Races at Venice .

What’s perhaps most remarkable about Chaplin’s legacy is not only his hilarious and groundbreaking skits but also his unique ability to both inspire and entertain his audience. We’ll close this article by remembering what is probably his most famous line of dialogue (and that’s saying something for a mostly silent actor): the final speech in his 1940 film The Great Dictator .

1

Cars are dramatically safer

Those enormous old cars may look indestructible, but appearances are deceiving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average vehicle on the road in 2012 posed a 56% lower fatality risk to its occupants than the average vehicle of the late 1950s .

Seat belts, airbags, improved crash structures, electronic stability control, child restraints, and other innovations transformed driving. NHTSA estimates that vehicle safety technologies saved more than 600,000 lives between 1960 and 2012. We may love a beautiful classic car, but we'd rather crash in a modern one.

2

The air is cleaner

If you could travel back a few decades, one difference might hit you in the nose before anything else. Cigarette smoke was once commonplace in restaurants, offices, airplanes, and countless other public spaces. In 1965, an astonishing 42.4% of American adults smoked cigarettes. By 2022, that figure had fallen to 11.6%.

Outdoor air has improved, too. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that combined emissions of six major air pollutants dropped 79% between 1970 and 2024, even as the population, economy, and number of miles driven increased enormously . Whatever stylish old ads tell us, America literally breathes cleaner air today.

3

Medicine saves far more lives

Modern medicine isn't perfect, but compared with the not-so-distant past, its achievements can seem almost miraculous. In 1900, more than 30% of all American deaths occurred among children under five. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and diphtheria were among the country's leading killers.

Vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, diagnostics, surgery, and modern drugs changed that landscape. Cardiovascular death rates fell by roughly 60% between 1950 and the end of the 20th century , while treatments transformed diseases such as HIV. Today, the five-year survival rate across all cancers is approximately 70%, up from 20-25% in 1950.

4

Finding information takes seconds

Remember having to actually look something up in an encyclopedia? Before the internet, answering a simple question might involve a trip to the library, a telephone call, searching through reference books, or accepting that you simply weren't going to know the answer.

Today, most of humanity's accumulated knowledge is sitting inside the device in your pocket . By 2023, 95% of American adults were using the internet. A historical date, recipe, translation, weather forecast, repair manual, or explanation can appear within seconds.

5

Getting lost is no longer an option

Paper maps worked perfectly well: provided you knew where you were. Miss a highway exit, misunderstand someone's handwritten directions, or take one wrong turn in an unfamiliar city, and suddenly you might be pulling into a gas station to ask a stranger for help.

GPS changed all that. A breakthrough came in May 2000, when the U.S. government stopped deliberately degrading civilian GPS accuracy . Navigation eventually migrated into smartphones, adding turn-by-turn instructions, traffic conditions, alternate routes, and arrival estimates. Getting lost hasn't disappeared, but you almost have to work at it now.

6

Banking is almost instant

Banking once involved an impressive amount of paper. Checks had to physically move between financial institutions, deposits took time to clear, and many everyday transactions depended on whether your local bank happened to be open.

The transformation happened remarkably quickly. When Check 21 took effect in 2004, 100% of checks processed by Federal Reserve Banks were still handled as paper. By 2010, almost 99% were processed as electronic images. Today, online banking lets customers move money, pay bills, deposit checks, and monitor accounts without visiting a branch . FedNow even allows participating institutions to process payments around the clock, 365 days a year.

7

Buying almost anything is easier

Shopping used to depend heavily on geography. If the stores in your town didn't stock something, your options might involve a catalog, a long drive, a special order, or simply doing without it. Comparing prices could mean physically visiting several stores.

Online shopping demolished many of those limitations. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Americans spent an estimated $326.7 billion through e-commerce, representing 16.9% of all retail sales. Consumers can now compare prices, hunt down obscure replacement parts, buy products from across the world, and have groceries delivered without putting on their shoes . Whether that's always good for us is another question.

8

Emergency Response is more capable

This country didn't even have a universal emergency telephone number until the late 1960s. The first American 911 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama, in 1968. Early systems did little more than connect callers with an emergency answering point.

Today's systems can automatically provide callback and location information, helping responders find callers who may not even know exactly where they are . Next Generation 911 is expanding those capabilities further, allowing networks to handle digital data, text, and multimedia. Emergency response still varies enormously from place to place, but the technology available to find, understand, and help someone in trouble is worlds ahead of its predecessors.

9

Commercial flying is safer

Older air travel certainly had glamour: spacious seats, elaborate meals, and passengers dressed for the occasion. It also lacked decades' worth of safety lessons accumulated through engineering, regulation, training, maintenance, and painstaking accident investigations.

The results are dramatic. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that U.S. commercial aviation fatalities fell 95% per 100 million passengers over the two decades it examined . Worldwide, recent statistics put fatal airline accidents at roughly one per several million flights. Modern flying can still be uncomfortable, delayed, and frustrating, but the important part, arriving alive, has become astonishingly reliable.

10

Homes are more efficient, comfortable, and safe

A charming old house can be wonderful, until you discover the drafty windows, questionable wiring, terrible insulation, and complete absence of air conditioning. Nearly 90% of American households were using air conditioning by 2020 , something earlier generations could only have dreamed of during a sweltering summer.

Safety improved as well. Smoke alarms went from relative novelties to standard household equipment, and the death rate in reported home fires is about 60% lower when working alarms are present . Reported U.S. home fires themselves fell from roughly 734,000 in 1980 to about 363,000 four decades later.

11

Communicating with anyone is effortless

Not long ago, calling someone meant calling a place. If nobody was home, you tried again later. Long-distance calls could be expensive, international communication even more so, and letters might spend days traveling across the country.

Now the person travels with the telephone. Smartphone ownership among American adults climbed from just 35% in 2011 to 91% in 2025. A single pocket-sized device can make calls, send photographs, exchange messages, deliver email, host group conversations, and conduct live video calls across the planet .

12

Entertainment is available whenever you want it

Once upon a time, if your favorite television show aired at 8 p.m. on Thursday, you had better be sitting in front of the television at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Miss it, and you might wait weeks, or months, for another chance.

Recording devices began loosening television's grip on the clock, but streaming demolished it. Movies, television series, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks, and decades of archived entertainment are now available almost instantly . By 2026, the U.S. had roughly 593 million online-video subscriptions.