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

His first home

Image: Lucija Ros

Elias and Flora were the parents of the iconic Walt Disney. But beyond raising one of the world's most famous entrepreneurs, they also had several talents and skills, thanks to which they could build their house with their own hands.

Determined to create their home, Elias obtained a permit in 1892 to build a two-story, 18 x 28-foot wooden cottage for $800. Flora was in charge of designing and drawing the plans, and Elias was responsible for every aspect of construction.

Nine years later, on December 5, 1901, Walt Disney was born on the second floor of that house.

2

His birth name

Image: Heike Mintel

But his parents didn't just give him a home; they also gave him a name . While we all know him as "Walt Disney", his full birth name was quite different.

Walt Disney was born Walter Elias Disney, inheriting his father's name as a middle name. Although he never officially changed his ID, he was most famously known by his diminutive , "Walt," which he had been called since childhood.

It didn’t take long for little Walter to begin showing an interest and talent in one of the artistic forms that would lead him to success: drawing.

3

Another name

Image: Steven Beyer

Speaking of names, let's take a look at Mickey Mouse.

Although "Mickey" and "Mouse" are inseparable for everyone today, this famous character was originally called something completely different when he was first created. Believe it or not, the rodent was originally named "Mortimer."

And guess who suggested the new name? Lillian, Walt Disney's wife. When Lillian first heard the name of the cute cartoon character, she felt it sounded too solemn. Instead, she suggested "Mickey," and thankfully, they decided to take her advice!

4

The voice

Image: kaleb tapp

The voice behind the lovable little mouse was none other than Walt Disney. That's right! He brought Mickey Mouse to life with his own voice from his creation in 1928 all the way until 1947. That's almost 20 years giving one of the world's most famous cartoons not only a voice but also a personality. So now you know: when you watch a Mickey movie from those years, you're hearing the voice of his very own creator!

After 1947, other actors took over the role of voicing Mickey, and they've done a great job. But it's always special to remember Walt was the first to take on that job.

5

A special character

Image: Marko Blažević

Besides Mickey, another character held a special place in Walt Disney's heart: the legendary Peter Pan, "the boy who never grew up."

As a young boy on his way to school, Walt Disney noticed posters for a theater company coming to Marceline, Missouri, to perform Peter Pan . Excited by the chance to see the play, the future animation legend got tickets and went with one of his brothers. But that's not all: shortly after, Walt was chosen to play Peter Pan himself in a school play!

Disney told this story himself, highlighting how much Peter Pan meant to him throughout his life. In 1953, he brought Peter Pan to the big screen, allowing thousands of children around the world to discover the magical world of Neverland!

6

High school dropout

Image: Khyta

In 1917, when Walt Disney turned 16, he decided to leave high school and try to join the army. But his plan did not succeed: he was too young to enlist and wasn't accepted. However, his brave spirit was stronger, so he joined the Red Cross to work with them in Europe.

In 1918, he was sent to France as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross, a role he performed for a couple of months. And there's one detail that highlights Walt Disney's passion. It's said that the inside of his ambulance was decorated with dozens of cartoons he had drawn himself!

7

Previous job

Image: JJ Ying

Walt Disney's passion for drawing was clear from his childhood, staying with him through his teenage years and adulthood.

After returning from France at the age of 18, Disney got a job as a commercial illustrator in Kansas City. The story goes that he ran to his aunt, exclaiming, "Aunt! They're paying me for drawing!" In that position, he created advertisements for newspapers, magazines, and posters. Shortly after, he discovered the world of animation.

There's no doubt that this job played an important role in helping Walt Disney eventually establish his own animation and production company.

8

Secret apartment

Image: Aubrey Odom

We could safely say that Disneyland is, without a doubt, a magical place filled with surprises.

But beyond the incredible attractions, such as exciting rides, parades, enchanting shows, and adored characters, there are also some hidden details that often go unnoticed. For example, the fact that Walt had a secret apartment in Disneyland, where he worked and spent time with his loved ones, managing and enjoying the park.

The apartment is still there, and while it's not open to the public, you can pass by and see a lamp that's kept lit as a symbol of Walt Disney's eternal presence in the hearts of many.

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Train enthusiast

Image: Mike Bergmann

Walt Disney was a multifaceted man, so drawing and animation were just a part of his many passions.

It turns out that the entrepreneur also had a love for trains that began in his childhood. Along with using trains for transportation and collecting model trains, he built a miniature railroad in his backyard where guests could enjoy short and fun rides! He named it the Carolwood Pacific Railroad.

As you might guess, this interest also influenced the design of Disneyland, where the railroad is one of the main features.

10

His favorite song

Image: Guillaume de Germain

One of the things that had a special place in the heart of Walt Disney was his favorite song. Want to know what it was?

Rumor has it that his favorite song comes from one of Disney's most enchanting films: Mary Poppins . Composed in 1964 specifically for the movie, the song "Feed the Birds" had a unique meaning for him.

Its complexity and emotional depth moved him deeply, as the song highlights the importance of being kind and respectful to others. If you haven't listened to it yet or need a refresher to remember the melody, go ahead; you won't regret it!

1

Rocky IV

If you want to see late Cold War patriotism condensed into a two-hour blockbuster, look no further than Rocky IV . Written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone, the 1985 sequel details the rivalry between self-made American underdog Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a state-sponsored Soviet boxer.

The film serves as an allegory for the geopolitical tensions between the USA and the USSR. With Rocky stepping into the Moscow ring wearing the late Apollo Creed's iconic stars-and-stripes trunks, his eventual victory symbolizes a triumphant win of Western individualism over Soviet collectivism.

2

Neil Diamond's "America"

Patriotism is not just about defending borders, it’s also about celebrating our country’s diverse mosaic of people. Neil Diamond proved it with his 1980 hit "America", written for The Jazz Singer soundtrack.

With its optimistic beat and soaring chorus, the track serves as an anthem celebrating the immigrant experience. Diamond's lyrics honor the millions of people who braved the seas to find freedom and opportunity, and has become a constant at political rallies, naturalization ceremonies, and sporting events.

3

George Washington’s suit

Did you know America’s very first president used his attire to send a message of national independence? For his 1789 inauguration, George Washington rejected the luxurious, imported silks favored by the European aristocracy. Instead, he arrived wearing a simple, American-made brown broadcloth suit crafted from wool produced at the Hartford Woolen Manufactory in Connecticut.

Featuring custom metal buttons engraved with the Great Seal of the United States, Washington's suit was an intentional statement meant to promote domestic industry, reject European economic dominance, and symbolize democratic equality.

4

Captain America

Comic books have long relied on patriotic superheroes to protect the innocent, but none achieved the legendary status of Steve Rogers. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America made his debut in March 1941, nearly a year before the United States officially entered World War II.

The iconic cover of Captain America Comics #1 featured the star-spangled hero delivering a right hook straight to Adolf Hitler’s jaw. Representing the ultimate underdog story, Captain America became an enduring symbol of anti-fascist determination that remains a multi-billion-dollar cinematic powerhouse today.

5

Catherine Malandrino's "Stars and Stripes" dress

Fashion and patriotism collided at the dawn of the 21st century. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the American flag evolved from a standard national symbol into an emblem of resilience and unity. French designer Catherine Malandrino captured this cultural shift perfectly with her flag-print chiffon shirtdress.

Originally debuted by Halle Berry just days before 9/11 at a movie premiere, the "Stars and Stripes Dress" quickly became a post-tragedy uniform for Hollywood's elite. It was worn by icons like Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, and Madonna to signal solidarity, hope, and patriotism on the red carpet.

6

Kid Rock's "Born Free"

Kid Rock’s 2010 single "Born Free" brought a raw energy to patriotic music. Blending elements of southern rock, country, and blues, the track was inspired by Kid Rock’s travels playing for American troops stationed overseas.

The musician has said that he penned the song as a tribute to liberty and personal freedom. The tune has been played at major sporting events, auto commercials, and has been adopted as a political campaign anthem.

7

The Americans

Instead of waving the flag openly, the critically acclaimed drama The Americans (2013-2018) examined American patriotism from a different perspective. The series follows Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell), two undercover KGB spies living as a typical American family in suburban Virginia during the 1980s. As Philip increasingly finds himself seduced by the genuine freedom and lifestyle of the "American way", the series serves as an endorsement of democratic values.

8

Patton

Biographical films often examine patriotism through a complex lens, and the 1970 masterpiece Patton is proof. Starring George C. Scott as General George S. Patton, the film opens with a legendary, six-minute monologue delivered in front of a colossal American flag.

The film, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, perfectly captures Patton's fierce love for his country alongside his military genius. Released during the height of the divisive Vietnam War, Patton managed to resonate across the entire political spectrum, even becoming a favorite of President Richard Nixon, who watched it repeatedly before making critical military decisions.

9

Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"

In 2002, Toby Keith aptly captured the raw emotion of the post-9/11 era with his "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Written in a burst of intense emotion following the terrorist attacks and the recent passing of his military veteran father, the song became a patriotic anthem.

With its lines promising that America would "put a boot in your ass," the song resonated deeply with a grieving public. It dominated the country charts, fueled troops overseas, and cemented its place as one of the most defining musical examples of early 2000s nationalism.

10

Yankee Doodle Dandy

During the uncertain early days of World War II, Hollywood became a critical tool for boosting national morale. No film captured this era's patriotic fervor quite like Yankee Doodle Dandy , a 1942 biographical musical drama directed by Michael Curtiz.

Starring James Cagney in his Oscar-winning role as vaudeville legend George M. Cohan, the film celebrates the life of the patriotic showman who penned iconic wartime anthems like "Over There" and "The Yankee Doodle Boy". Released just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the film's tunes and celebration of American resilience served as a perfect cinematic cry for a nation entering a massive global conflict.