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

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!

1

Cowboys

The image of the rugged cowboy is arguably the ultimate symbol of the American West, popularized by folklore and Hollywood westerns. Yet, the entire lifestyle and wardrobe of the classic cowboy were inherited from Mexican cattle herders, known as vaqueros.

When Anglo-American settlers moved into Texas and California in the 19th century, they encountered Spanish and Mexican ranching methods that had existed for generations. The settlers adopted these traditions immediately. The iconic cowboy hat evolved from the wide-brimmed sombrero; "chaps" came directly from the protective chaparreras; and the lasso was an adaptation of the reata. Even the language of the West reveals its origin: terms like rodeo, lariat, mustang, and buckaroo (a phonetic corruption of vaquero) are all borrowed from Spanish.

2

Skyscrapers

The towering skyscrapers of New York and Chicago defined 20th-century urban modernity and American architectural dominance. While American engineers perfected the high-rise and invented the safety elevator, the structural engineering that made skyscrapers possible belongs to Great Britain.

Before a building can safely scale dozens of stories, it requires an internal skeleton to support its weight. The world’s first iron-framed building was actually the Ditherington Flax Mill in Shropshire, England, constructed in 1797. British engineers pioneered the use of internal cast iron columns and beams to make textile mills fireproof. This exact framework was later adapted and upgraded to steel by American architects to create the modern skyline.

3

Hamburgers

Nothing says America like a juicy hamburger. While the fast food industry turned the burger into a multi-billion-dollar business, the dish is firmly rooted in European maritime history.

The clue is right there in the name: the hamburger originates from the port city of Hamburg, Germany. In the 19th century, Hamburg was a major transatlantic departure point. German immigrants travelling to the United States brought along a popular regional delicacy called the "Hamburg steak", a seasoned, minced beef patty that was grilled or fried. Once in America, creative food vendors realized that placing this German steak between two slices of bread made it the perfect portable meal for busy industrial workers.

4

The rocket takeoff countdown

The dramatic "T-minus ten seconds and counting" ritual heard during NASA launches feels like a product of pure Cold War American aerospace engineering. However, counting backward to build suspense wasn’t invented by scientists, but by a German filmmaker.

Director Fritz Lang introduced the concept of the countdown in his 1929 silent science fiction masterpiece, Woman in the Moon . During the film’s rocket launch scene, Lang realized that counting forward felt anticlimactic. To maximize dramatic tension, he decided to count down to zero instead. Years later, when German rocket scientists immigrated to the U.S. to help build the American space program, they brought this technique into real-life mission control rooms.

5

The song "My Way"

Frank Sinatra’s legendary 1969 hit "My Way" is considered the ultimate anthem of the self-made American man. But before Ol’ Blue Eyes put his spin on it, the melody belonged to a melancholy French pop song.

The original tune, titled "Comme d'habitude" ("As Usual"), was composed by Jacques Revaux and Gilles Thibaut, and released by French pop star Claude François in 1967. The original French lyrics tell a depressing story about the mundane, daily routine of a married couple whose love has completely died out. Singer-songwriter Paul Anka heard the track while vacationing in the South of France, bought the rights, and wrote entirely new lyrics tailored specifically to Sinatra’s persona.

6

American cheese

Although it is a staple of grilled sandwiches and burgers, the technology to create meltable processed American cheese was actually pioneered in the Alpine valleys of Switzerland.

In 1922, Swiss food scientists were looking for a way to stop regional cheeses like Emmentaler from spoiling during long export journeys to warm climates. They discovered that by shredding the cheese, heating it up, and adding sodium citrate, the dairy fats would emulsify. This prevented the cheese from separating into an oily mess when melted and allowed it to cool back down into a uniform, stable block. A few years later, American businessman James L. Kraft patented a similar process using cheddar cheese.

7

The Star Spangled Banner

The United States National Anthem tells the story of the 1814 bombardment of Fort McHenry. While Francis Scott Key penned the patriotic lyrics, the music belongs to a popular British club song.

Key wrote his poem to fit the exact cadence of a melody titled "To Anacreon in Heaven". Composed by John Stafford Smith around 1780, this tune served as the official anthem for an exclusive gentlemen’s amateur music club in London.

8

Cars

Car culture is deeply embedded in American life. Yet, the invention of the automobile belongs across the Atlantic, to one of the fathers of Mercedes-Benz.

German engineer Karl Benz patented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886, widely recognized as the world's first modern gasoline-powered automobile. At the same time, French innovators like Panhard and Levassor pioneered the modern automotive layout, including placing the engine in the front and using a rear-wheel-drive system. Henry Ford undeniably revolutionized the world by using the assembly line to make cars affordable for the masses, but the machine itself was a European invention.

9

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is an irreplaceable childhood comfort food in the United States, present in millions of lunchboxes every day. While American innovators like Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and George Washington Carver popularized and refined it, they didn't invent it.

The practice of roasting peanuts and mashing them into a smooth paste dates back thousands of years to the ancient Aztec and Inca civilizations, who used it for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Furthermore, the first modern patent for peanut paste wasn't American at all; it was granted to a Canadian chemist named Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884.

10

Fireworks

No American Independence Day celebration is complete without a massive fireworks display. However, this tradition predates the founding of the United States by more than a millennium.

Fireworks were invented in ancient China, tracing back as far as the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE. The technology eventually traveled west via the Silk Road, long before making its way to the New World.