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

Elvis Presley’s senior prom

Image: No-longer-here

Did you know Elvis Presley wore actual blue suede shoes to his senior prom? In 1953, at just 18 years old, the soon-to-be King of Rock and Roll attended Humes High School's formal dance at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Wearing a tuxedo for the first time, Elvis picked up his date, a 14-year-old girl named Regis Wilson, in a dark blue rented Chevy. Once they were at the Continental Ballroom Elvis confessed he didn’t know how to dance, so they spent the night watching from the sidelines. Sadly, a few weeks later Regis’ family decided to move to Florida and they never saw each other again.

2

I have a dream

Image: Unseen Histories

2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. But did you know that Martin Luther King Jr wrote the finishing touches for it in the lobby of The Willard InterContinental hotel just hours before addressing the people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial?

It's no wonder such an important event in U.S. history occurred at this Washington D.C. hotel. Located just a few blocks from the White House, the Willard was witness to numerous key political moments: It was Lincoln's temporary residence before his inauguration, and Calvin Coolidge lived here during his vice presidency. Not only that, the lobby of this hotel is where Ulysses S. Grant coined the term "lobbyist".

3

Marilyn’s last photoshoot

Image: Marten Bjork

In late June 1962, six weeks before her passing, Marilyn Monroe was photographed in suite 261 of the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The most desired and sought-after actress at the time arrived at the hotel with a suitcase loaded with dresses and necklaces and ordered three bottles of Don Perignon. Over the next three days, photographer Bert Stern took 2,571 snapshots of her.

These iconic images were published by Vogue magazine just one day after her death and have since become history as the last portraits of one of the most beloved American stars of all time.

4

Blonde on Blonde

Image: Janka Jonas

The Hotel Chelsea in New York City boasts perhaps the longest list of celebrity residents: Mark Twain, Patti Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Stanley Kubrick, Leonard Coen, Sid Vicious and Robert Mapplethorpe all resided here at some point since its opening in 1884.

Another famous guest who spent time at this iconic Manhattan hotel is American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. More bohemian than glamorous, the place fitted perfectly with the musician's style and was the ideal environment for his upcoming work. And so, in 1965 while staying in room 211, Dylan wrote a couple of songs for his seventh studio album, Blonde on Blonde .

5

First Organized Crime Convention

Image: cottonbro studio

The Blackstone in Chicago is best known as "The Hotel of Presidents" since it has welcomed several heads of state since its opening in 1910. However, it is also associated with some notorious American gangsters. Al Capone himself reportedly held meetings at this hotel while getting his haircut in the barbershop during the Prohibition Era.

Another Blackstone infamous guest was Italian-born gangster Charles "Lucky" Luciano. In 1931, he hosted his first crime convention in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Apparently, the purpose of the meeting was to create a board of directors for his "National Crime Syndicate", a confederation of several criminal organizations.

6

The birth of the Academy Awards

Image: Felix Mooneeram

This story involves not one but two mythical American hotels. In 1927, film producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B. Mayer, felt the need to create an organization that would bring together all the players in the film industry. He invited a small group to a formal banquet at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles where he officially presented his idea of an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A few months later, on May 11, the first organizational meeting was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel. At that meeting, they appointed the first authorities and granted the first honorary membership to American inventor Thomas Edison. In addition, they agreed to establish an annual award. According to legend, art director Cedric Gibbons sketched the design of the Oscars statuette that very day on one of the hotel's napkins.

7

The British invasion

Image: Boer, Poppe de, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

By 1964 the Beatles had become so popular that it was no surprise that 3,000 fans were waiting for them at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport the first time they traveled to the United States. The Fab Four stayed at The Plaza in Manhattan and the scenario was the same: the hotel was overrun by hordes of teenage girls who eventually found their way into the fire stairways.

Paul, John, Ringo, and George occupied the 10-room Presidential suites on the 12th floor. They sometimes waved to the fans downstairs, guarded by over 50 policemen. After four days of commotion, the hotel authorities did not want them to return, so, on subsequent visits, the Beatles stayed at the Warwick Hotel.

8

Golden Globe splash

Image: Carolyn Ne

In 1999, before the Golden Globes ceremony, Angelina Jolie promised that if she won the award for Best Actress for her role in the movie Gia she would take a dip in the Beverly Hilton pool. She not only held her promise but also was accompanied by some friends and even ended up throwing in a journalist.

In an interview, the actress said that the dare came about because one very hot summer afternoon when she was a girl, she ended up diving into the hotel pool with a girlfriend. As expected, they were kicked out and she never came back —that is, until the night of the famous splash, ball gown and all!

9

Good Will Hunting

Image: Life-Of-Pix

Since its opening in 1976, the Viceroy L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, has been a true Hollywood institution. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Brad Pitt, and Laurence Olivier, have stayed in one of the 116 suites of this luxurious and secluded hotel numerous times.

But perhaps the spot that holds the most mystique in this hotel is The Lobby Lounge and Bar, once known as the Writer's Bar. Rumor has it, that this is where the biggest names in the industry used to hold their meetings and writing appointments. Apparently, the most fantastic stories in the history of cinema were conceived here, one of these masterpieces being Good Will Hunting . In this bar, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon penned the script for one of the most beloved films of the 20th century. Did you know that?

10

Bungalow 4

Image: Andrew Campana

American business tycoon Howard Hughes was possibly the most peculiar long-time hotel resident who ever lived. Hughes stayed at several hotels during his lifetime but he had a soft spot for the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel in California. So much so that in 1942 he bought three or four of the famous pink stucco bungalows and moved in.

This hotel, built in 1912, accommodated all his eccentricities, including making room for his personal chef —apparently, the only one who knew exactly how to make his favourite pineapple upside-down cake— and delivering his roast beef sandwiches to a specific tree on the premises. Being a billionaire certainly has its perks!

1

Monopoly

Did you know that Monopoly played a key role in the European theater of World War II? Originally conceived in 1903 by Elizabeth Magie Phillips as The Landlord's Game to highlight the inequities of capitalism, the board game was later rebranded by Parker Brothers in 1934.

When thousands of Allied soldiers, including Americans, were captured by German forces during WWII, the British Secret Service began manufacturing specialized editions to be smuggled into prisoner camps inside Red Cross packages. The German guards welcomed the games as harmless ways for prisoners to pass the time. Little did they know, these boxes contained customized silk maps, real local currency, and precise escape routes hidden within the board and game pieces. Intelligence experts estimate that up to 10,000 Allied soldiers successfully escaped enemy capture because of these rigged board games.

2

Silly String

In the early 1970s, inventors Leonard A. Fish and Robert P. Cox were working on an aerosol spray-on cast for broken limbs. Although they failed spectacularly, they patented the sticky mess as "foamable resinous composition." Eventually, American toy company Wham-O picked it up and re-labeled it as Silly String.

Decades later, this joke device went to war. In 2006, while stationed in Iraq, Specialist Todd Shriver and his unit found themselves lacking official gear to safely detect the invisible tripwires used to detonate explosives. Because the spray of Silly String could shoot more than 10 feet away and was very light, it became an unlikely but useful tactical tool.

3

Slinky

In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was attempting to design a spring system for naval battleships. When he accidentally knocked one of his prototypes off a shelf, he watched in fascination as it walked down a stack of books, onto his desk, and onto the floor. The Navy never bought his invention, but the world got the Slinky, selling over 100 million units in its first two years alone.

Years later, the toy’s military purpose came into fruition during the Vietnam War. U.S. communications troops operating in dense jungles frequently struggled with terrible radio reception. They quickly discovered that a standard steel Slinky could be stretched out and tossed over high tree branches to serve as an effective improvised antenna.

4

View-master

When the View-Master made its grand debut at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, it was marketed as an alternative to scenic postcards. Co-inventors Wilhelm Gruber and Harold Graves paired standard stereoscopes with circular cardboard reels containing seven 3D color film images, which allowed people to marvel at the Grand Canyon from the comfort of their homes.

By 1942, the United States military realized that this photographic novelty could become a useful tool. In the midst of WWII, the U.S. Armed Forces purchased more than 100,000 View-Master viewers and commissioned thousands of custom-made reels. Instead of tourist images, these reels featured detailed, three-dimensional models of enemy aircraft, naval vessels, and artillery. It allowed troops to practice identification, making it a critical asset for gunners and pilots.

5

Silly Putty

Silly Putty is another marvel of accidental wartime engineering. During WWII, the United States faced shortages of natural rubber due to several blockades. In an attempt to create a cheaper alternative, General Electric engineer James Wright mixed silicone oil with boric acid. The result didn’t work for tires, but it became a hit when packaged inside plastic eggs.

Eventually, this gooey and bouncy material caught the attention of NASA. In 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 packed Silly Putty into their spacecraft. In the zero-gravity environment, the astronauts used the sticky compound to secure their gear to the walls to prevent it from floating away around the cabin.

6

Buzz Lightyear

While Buzz Lightyear began his life as a fictional space ranger in Pixar’s 1995 hit Toy Story, the physical action figure manufactured by Thinkway Toys achieved a few real-world milestones that would make Andy proud.

In 2008, NASA launched an authentic Buzz Lightyear action figure into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Buzz spent a staggering 15 months living aboard the International Space Station. There, he worked alongside astronauts to film educational videos designed to teach school children across America about weightlessness, orbital mechanics, and microgravity physics.

7

LEGO

The famous toy company was founded by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1949. While LEGO first reached the US in the early 1960s, the plastic interlocking bricks didn’t become massively popular until the 1970s. Once American children adopted the new toy, it completely reshaped modern STEM education.

Although schools had experimented with bricks for decades, LEGO allowed teachers to develop structured curricula designed to teach kindergarteners fine motor skills and spatial mathematics. By the time those students reached high school, LEGO’s advanced kits were serving as the backbone for introductory robotics, engineering, and programming courses nationwide.

8

Mr. Potato Head

Created by American inventor George Lerner in 1951 and distributed by Hasbro, the original Mr. Potato Head didn’t include a plastic body, just sharp metal pins attached to plastic facial features. Despite the risk of children stabbing themselves, the toy made history as the very first toy ever advertised on television.

From there, Mr. Potato Head had a surprising career as a public servant. In 1985, he received four legitimate votes during the mayoral election in Boise, Idaho. In 1987, he officially dropped his plastic pipe to become the face of the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" anti-smoking campaign. He later joined forces with the League of Women Voters to boost voter turnout and today acts as an official travel ambassador for the state of Rhode Island.

9

Cabbage Patch Kids

When American businessman Xavier Roberts first created his "Little People" in 1978, nobody could have predicted that they would spark Black Friday riots by 1983. But beyond the hysteria, Cabbage Patch Kids went on to become national ambassadors.

In 1992 and 1996, the United States Olympic Committee selected the dolls as the first-ever official mascot of the US Olympic Team, traveling with the athletes to Barcelona and Atlanta. In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service immortalized them on a stamp celebrating the icons of 1980s American culture. Over the years, the franchise has collaborated with NASA on science education and raised thousands of dollars for disaster relief efforts.

10

Teddy Bear

Did you know Teddy Bears were born in the United States? In 1902, a Russian-born businessman and inventor named Morris Michtom was inspired by a cartoon published in The Washington Post to create what would become the most beloved toy in America. The cartoon depicted President Theodore Roosevelt showing compassion for a bear on a hunting trip in Mississippi.

Morris Michtom made a small plush bear cub, sent it to Roosevelt, and asked for permission to use his nickname, Teddy. After the president’s blessing, Mitchom placed the doll in the window of his Brooklyn store with the caption "Teddy’s bear." The success was so great that he began mass- producing them, and within a few years, he founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which would become the largest doll-making firm in the United States.