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

World War II (1939–1945)

American veteran soldiers are entitled to several benefits as recognition for their service on behalf of the country, but this was not always the case. Before 1944, war veterans received pensions and disability-related medical care, but that was it. WWI veterans had received bonuses for their service, but these were not redeemable until 1945, which led to protests and turmoil during the Great Depression.

To avoid a similar situation with soldiers serving in WWII, a set of laws, popularly known as the "G.I. Bill", was passed in 1944. These laws guaranteed that, in addition to pensions and medical assistance, veterans were entitled to financial help towards education or training, low-cost loans, unemployment benefits, and job-search assistance . Since then, additional "G.I. Bills" have been passed, ensuring that veterans are looked after once their service is complete.

2

The Great Depression (1929–1939)

Historians agree that, despite President Roosevelt’s best efforts, the Great Depression was effectively ended by the industrial mobilization caused by WWII. America’s biggest economic crisis to date had been brought on by several factors , many of them related to reckless market speculation, inefficient monetary policies, lack of social security, and massive bank withdrawals made by panicked citizens.

While F.D.R.’s "New Deal" policies were insufficient to overcome the crisis, they successfully set up a system to prevent a similar economic collapse in the future . As a result of financial and banking reform, personal accounts were federally insured —which prevented future massive withdrawals that would deplete savings, commercial and investment banking were separated, and commissions were set up to regulate trading and prevent fraud. Additionally, social and welfare laws established pensions, work insurance, and unemployment compensation, and protected unions that allowed workers to collectively bargain with their employers.

3

The Great Chicago Fire (1871)

On October 8, 1871, a fire started on DeKoven Street, Chicago, and it burned for three days, destroying 17,450 buildings and leaving 300 casualties and thousands of people homeless. According to legend, the fire was started by a cow (owned by a woman named Mrs. O’Leary), although this was never confirmed; it was the wooden buildings, the strong wind, and the dry weather that turned an accident into a catastrophe.

Americans from all over the country rallied behind the relief effort, donating money, food, clothing, and more, but the tragedy also forced authorities to review their own municipal safety codes. New fire and building safety codes were implemented, banning wood buildings and requiring fire-safe materials such as brick, stone, or marble, as well as fireproof staircases, exit signs, and outward-opening doors. A new fire academy was founded to properly train firefighters, which put Chicago at the lead of America’s firefighting force.

4

Yellow Fever (1793)

In 1793, the city of Philadelphia received cargo ships from Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), and with them, an epidemic that lasted for half a year. Among the cargo from the Caribbean, there were yellow fever-carrying mosquitoes, which thrived in the crowded docks and in the humid spring and summer weather. The open sewers, poor waste management, and general ignorance about the disease worsened the situation, which only let up with the cold fall weather, with 5,000 people, about 10% of the population, as casualties.

Although the widely believed cause of the spread of the epidemic —foul "miasma" or bad air— was incorrect, it did lead to proper infrastructure changes to prevent a similar situation. The city targeted polluted waterways and rotten waste, exposing severely contaminated wells. Municipal water systems to provide clean drinking water were created, and paved streets with proper gutters and sewers reduced the amount of stagnant water . Additionally, the crisis led to the establishment of municipal health boards, proper quarantine facilities for incoming ships, and municipal hospitals all across the country.

5

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911)

Nowadays we expect any factory or building to have proper fire and safety systems in place, but not so long ago safe working conditions were not a given. Places like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York not only lacked fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire escapes, but also locked their doors during work hours to prevent unauthorized breaks and workers' union gatherings . On March 25, 1911, when a pile of rags caught fire, the single fire escape collapsed and, with firefighters' ladders only able to reach six of the ten floors, the factory became a deadly trap that took the lives of 146 workers.

New Yorkers were outraged by the conditions that led to the tragedy, and public pressure led to the establishment of an investigating commission. As a result, more than 30 safety laws were passed , making fire drills, sprinklers, fire escapes, and emergency exits mandatory, among other measures, all of which set a precedent for federal safety codes and protections. The event also strengthened labor unions all across the country, who pushed for better working conditions.

6

The Dust Bowl (1930s)

The 1929 Wall Street Crash had already kickstarted the Great Depression, but the American crisis was still deepening. By the start of the 1930s, years of severe drought had hit the Great Plains (comprising ten states in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions) and had worsened an environment already depleted by human intervention. Native grasses that protected the topsoil had been eradicated through plowing, leaving the land vulnerable to wind erosion, while intensive cultivation of single crops had depleted the land. All this caused severe dust storms that hit the plains, further eroding the fields and suffocating the crops. In an agricultural recession, thousands of families migrated West looking for work.

The government’s response had diverse approaches. The Soil Conservation Service focused on changing detrimental agricultural practices through educating farmers on contour plowing, crop rotation, and shelterbelt tree planting. FDR’s "New Deal" plan established subsidies for farmers, requiring landowners to distribute a percentage of the subsidy to their laborers, and thousands of cattle were acquired, butchered, and distributed by the government to the affected population. Ultimately, the return of rain in the 1940s ended the drought and helped restore the soil, but the education, conservation, and relief mechanisms implemented by the government ensured that the Great Plains would not be as severely affected by drought in the future.

7

The Cold War (1945-1991)

The euphoria of the WWII victory in American politics was short-lived, as the climate quickly shifted to a new threat: communism. The Cold War deeply affected domestic American life, and the paranoia of the Red Scare prompted the government to invest thousands of dollars in defense , infrastructure, political propaganda, and counter-espionage. Sadly, this paranoia also allowed government officials and politicians, like Senator Joseph McCarthy, to persecute and blacklist thousands of suspected communist sympathizers without solid evidence.

While the desire to beat the USSR in public achievements resulted in the government funding the military industry, science education and research, and sports programs, espionage and propaganda were targeted through the creation of federal agencies —among them the CIA, the NSC, and the NSA— that managed domestic security, international intelligence, information, and propaganda.

8

The Revolutionary War Smallpox Epidemic (1775–1782)

The 1775 North American Smallpox epidemic lasted for nearly a decade, well beyond the Revolutionary War, but the military leaders of the Revolution were the ones to put in the efforts to contain it and prevent further spreading of the disease. In 1775, smallpox was a rampant disease in the American colonies, and a big part of the population had not been exposed to it due to isolation. This meant that, when colonists from rural areas joined the Continental Army, overcrowded military camps became a hotspot of contagion. It is estimated that smallpox caused more casualties than the fighting itself.

While smallpox decimated the Revolutionary Army, the British, who had been traditionally exposed to the disease, were immune to it. Recognizing the need to stop the spread of the disease, George Washington ordered a secret mass immunization of the troops in 1777 , a measure that drastically lowered the mortality rates among the army. While several founding fathers were in favor of mass inoculations and better public health policies, most of the colonists were distrustful of vaccinations and of government-mandated health policies. The success of Washington’s mass inoculation showed that public health policies could make the difference, and paved the way for later policies and health systems.

9

The Cholera Waves (1832–1866)

The U.S. went through three major cholera waves in 1832, 1849, and 1866, with tens of thousands of casualties, economic crises, and mass panic. Rapidly growing cities lacked proper sewage, and rancid water accumulated in the unpaved streets, while overcrowding and poor living conditions furthered the contagion. New travel methods such as the railroad helped introduce the disease to different regions, while doctors blamed the epidemic on "bad air" or a divine punishment.

It was not until the 1866 wave that city governments decided to change their approach to the health crisis. New York was the first city to establish a Metropolitan Board of Health, which focused on improving sanitary conditions and reforming the hospital system. Police forces encouraged (or forced) residents to clean their yards and remove manure and rotten waste, while the city strived to maintain clean streets and build sewage systems. By the time the third cholera wave hit New York, the city was prepared, and the number of casualties was much lower. Following its example, other major cities established their own permanent boards of health, implemented municipal health codes, improved their hospitals, and constructed underground sewers.

10

The Smoking and Lung Cancer Crisis (1960s)

Although tobacco had been popular for decades, the 20th century saw a rise in consumption thanks to aggressive cigarette marketing campaigns in print, radio and television. Smoking was allowed everywhere, and it was portrayed as stylish and smart in movies and magazines. There was a lack of education about the addictive properties of nicotine and the chemicals present in commercial cigarettes , a fact that the tobacco industry was eager to keep concealed. By the 1960s, lung cancer and heart disease numbers had risen dramatically, forcing the government to address the situation.

The 1964 Surgeon General’s report was the first to publicly link lung cancer and heart disease with tobacco consumption. Following several reports by other specialists , public opinion about cigarettes drastically shifted, despite the efforts of the tobacco industry . In 1965, Congress passed a law requiring mandatory health warning labels on cigarette packaging, and in 1971, cigarette radio and TV ads were outlawed. As a result, from the 1960s to the 2010s, cigarette consumption decreased by nearly 50%.

11

The Pure Food and Drugs Act (1906)

If you are the kind of person who religiously scans the ingredient list on food and medicine labels, you might not know that these labels exist thanks to a novel (and several journalists' investigations). In the late 19th century, increased food and medicine demands led manufacturers to sell tainted or unsafe products with false labels and filled with unsafe preservatives. Factory sanitary conditions were also subpar, which led many journalists to write about the issue. In 1906, Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle described the meat-packing industry practices in a graphic and revolting way, which caused mass outrage.

The Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906 was the first of a series of laws passed by Congress to address the issue. It created a federal agency (now called the FDA) responsible for overseeing food and drug manufacturing , banned a series of commonly used substances and active ingredients, outlawed the sale of spoiled or contaminated food, set an inspection system for factories, and acted as a baseline for future consumer protection laws.