1

Apple Pie

Image: Patrick Fore

No dessert is more synonymous with American culture than the humble apple pie. Dating back to the colonial era, this sweet treat has evolved from simple fruit-filled pastries to an unofficial symbol of the United States. Whether served à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, apple pie remains a beloved classic for Americans of all ages.

2

Cheeseburger

Image: Christian Wiediger

While the two basic ingredients that make a hamburger—bread and beef— have been present in the cuisine of most cultures for millennia, historical evidence suggests that the first country where the two were combined into a "hamburger sandwich" was the United States.

However, it was the addition of cheese that catapulted this culinary creation to legendary status. Whether topped with cheddar, American, or blue cheese, the cheeseburger represents the spirit of affordability and innovation that defines American cuisine.

3

Clam Chowder

Image: Louis Hansel

Consumed by Americans at least since the early 19th century, clam chowder is a creamy soup brimming with fresh clams, potatoes, and onions. Although the most popular version of this dish hails from the shores of New England , there are many other regional variations like the Manhattan or Rhode Island clam chowder.

Served in a bread bowl or alongside oyster crackers, this comforting dish has warmed the hearts of generations, earning its place as a regional favorite.

4

Fried Chicken

Image: Shardar Tarikul Islam

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried chicken is a Southern staple that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers nationwide. The origin of this popular dish in the Southern states has been linked to similar recipes from Scottish and West African cuisines.

Today, thanks in part to brands like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Popeyes, fried chicken has become a beloved classic enjoyed across the country and around the world, while still retaining its deep-rooted popularity in the South.

5

Jambalaya

Image: stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0

Hailing from the Louisiana bayou, jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines rice with an array of meats, seafood, and vegetables. According to linguists, its curious name comes from the Provençal language —spoken in modern southeastern France—meaning something like a mixup.

While there is some evidence that points to the origin of this dish being the French Quarter of New Orleans, what is certain is that it reflects the complex cultural tapestry of the South , with influences from French, Spanish, and West African cuisines.

6

Pot Roast

Image: charlesdeluvio

A quintessential Sunday supper, pot roast is a slow-cooked marvel that transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Simmered alongside hearty vegetables—often carrots, potatoes, and onions—in a savory broth, this comforting dish has been bringing American families together for generations.

Similar recipes are found in many cultures, but the origin of the "Yankee pot roast," is often thought to be a local variation of the French dish boeuf à la mode ****, also influenced by German sauerbraten and traditional Jewish cuisine.

7

Shepherd's Pie

Image: JIP, CC BY-SA 4.0

Shepherd's pie, with its comforting layers of seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, has long been a staple of American comfort food. Originally hailing from the British Isles—where it was made of lamb meat— this hearty dish found its way to American tables, where it quickly became a timeless classic.

Whether enjoyed on a cold winter's night or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, shepherd's pie warms the soul with its hearty flavors and rustic charm.

8

Cornbread

Image: Nik Owens

Cornbread holds a special place in American cuisine, particularly in the South, where it's considered a culinary cornerstone. Made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs, cornbread is a versatile accompaniment to countless meals , from barbecue ribs to fried chicken.

With origins in Native American cuisine , the role of cornbread as a pillar of the Southern diet emerged mostly out of necessity, as the heat and humidity of the region made it almost impossible to store wheat for long periods of time.

9

Macaroni and Cheese

Image: Ronaldo de Oliveira

Few dishes evoke nostalgic memories quite like macaroni and cheese. By simply combining tender pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, this childhood favorite has been delighting taste buds for generations.

While its origins can be traced back to Europe, macaroni and cheese became an American household staple during the 20th century , thanks in part to its convenience and affordability.

10

Meatloaf

Image: 4marknelson, CC BY-SA 4.0

Meatloaf, with its hearty blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, is the epitome of classic American food. Originating in traditional German, Scandinavian, and Belgian cuisines , the dish as we know it today was likely first prepared in colonial Pennsylvania, using a mixture of ground pork and cornmeal.

This humble but nourishing dish has graced dinner tables all across the nation, and to this day remains a favorite for its simplicity and budget-friendly ingredients.

1

$10,000!

Image: Eyestetix Studio

Did you know that, for a time, there was a $10,000 bill? That's right! The bill featured the portrait of Salmon P. Chase, President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, and it was the highest denomination of US currency ever to be publicly circulated! While there was also a $100,000 bill, the latter was only used for large transactions between Federal Reserve Banks.

2

The first President on a coin

Image: Sebastian Enrique

We're totally used to seeing Abraham Lincoln's face on a penny, but that wasn't always the case.

Lincoln's image first appeared on the penny in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth, making him the first US president to appear on a coin, an honor befitting our great Honest Abe! More than 115 years have passed since that addition, and his face is still featured on the iconic penny.

3

Silver pennies

Image: Josh Appel

In addition to featuring Abraham Lincoln's face, pennies are famous for their classic copper color. However, there was one year when the penny took on a different hue.

During WWII, a copper shortage occurred, hindering the usual production of pennies. For that reason, in 1943, pennies were made of steel coated in zinc, giving them a silver color and making them closely resemble dimes.

4

2 and 3 cents?

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

Did you know that, in the 19th century, the US had 2- and 3-cent coins? That's right! The 2-cent coin was minted from 1864 to 1873. On the front, it featured a shield symbolizing the Union during the Civil War . On the reverse, it bore the phrase "In God We Trust," making it the first coin to use the motto . The 3-cent coin had two versions: the silver 3-cent coin (1851–1873) and the nickel 3-cent coin (1865–1889).

5

Long lifespan

Image: Shot by Cerqueira

While each coin is used with a different frequency, the average lifespan of a coin can be as long as 40 years ! Just think about all the places and situations it might pass through during that time. Of course, the more a coin circulates, the quicker it will wear down. That’s why the penny has the shortest lifespan , lasting about 25 years on average.

6

In God We Trust

Image: Kelly Sikkema

"In God We Trust" is not only the official motto of the United States (and the state of Florida), but also the phrase that appears on all US currency currently in circulation. But how long has this phrase been there?

"In God We Trust" first appeared on some coins during the Civil War, starting with the aforementioned 2-cent piece. By 1938, the motto appeared on all US coins, but it wasn't until 1955 that President Eisenhower signed a law requiring "In God We Trust" to be included on all US coins and paper money.

7

Precious metals

Image: Jingming Pan

Today, US coins are primarily made of zinc, copper, and nickel. However, back in the early days of the US Mint, things were quite different. In the past, US coins were made not just of copper, but also of silver and even gold!

Over time, using those materials for coins became too expensive, and production shifted to more affordable metals such as zinc and nickel.

8

Safety edges

Image: Joshua Hoehne

When coins were made of precious metals like gold and silver , there was always the risk that someone might tamper with or shave the edges to extract the valuable material. Fortunately, the brilliant Isaac Newton came to the rescue. He introduced the clever idea of adding reeded edges to coins, which helped protect them from opportunistic tampering. With these marked edges, any shaving of the coin would be immediately noticeable. Pretty smart, right?

9

The most coins in the world

Image: Sarbasri Bhaumik

The US Mint manufactures billions of coins each year for circulation, and while that’s nothing new, there’s something about it that might surprise you: the United States is actually the world’s largest producer of coins . No other country makes more!

Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are produced in large quantities every day. But that’s not all—dollar coins and special collectors’ coins are also minted, though in much smaller amounts.

10

"Paper" currency

Image: Adam Nir

Our paper money isn’t actually made of paper . It’s composed of 25% linen and 75% cotton. This blend gives US bills greater strength and flexibility, making them not only more durable but also more difficult to counterfeit. Plus, if you accidentally toss a buck in the washing machine, there’s a good chance it’ll come out just fine!

1

A bar hidden in plain sight

Most visitors know the famous Oyster Bar, but few stumble upon The Campbell, an elegant lounge tucked inside Grand Central. Originally the office of 1920s finance tycoon John W. Campbell , this spot sat forgotten for decades until 1999, before being restored to its former Jazz Age glory. Step inside today, and you’ll find velvet couches, grand rugs, and cocktails that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the roaring 1920s.

2

Two clocks worth a fortune?

Grand Central has one of the most valuable clocks in the world , although there’s a myth that says there are two. The Tiffany clock outside towers 14 feet across, framed by Roman gods carved in stone. This clock is worth around $20 million. Inside the terminal, the four-faced opal clock crowns the information booth. Contrary to popular belief, this clock was not made of an actual opal, but out of opal glass, so there’s nothing priceless about it.

3

Hidden oaks and acorns

Take a closer look around, and you’ll start spotting oak leaves and acorns carved into chandeliers, railings, and stonework. These aren’t random designs. They’re a nod to the Vanderbilt family’s symbol: The acorn. The family funded the terminal’s construction in 1871 and wanted everyone to know it. Now, their family symbol quietly decorates every corner of their legacy.

4

The mysterious whispering gallery

If you whisper into one corner of the tiled archway near the Oyster Bar, someone standing diagonally across can hear you perfectly. The "Whispering Gallery" is one of Grand Central’s quirkiest secrets . The Guastavino tiles that make up the arched ceiling carry sound in an odd way, creating an intimate little magic trick, though no one really knows whether it was designed that way or just a happy accident.

5

A sky painted backward

Look up, and you’ll see the breathtaking celestial mural that covers the concourse ceiling. But here’s the kicker: the constellations are painted backwards . Whether it was a mistake or an artistic choice remains debated, but the Vanderbilts claimed it was intentional—to give us the "divine perspective" of looking down at the heavens. Either way, it’s still one of the most photographed ceilings in the world.

6

Game, set, match (inside a train station)

If you think tennis in a train terminal sounds impossible, think again. The Vanderbilt Tennis Club, perched on Grand Central’s fourth floor, is open to the public . You can book a court, take a lesson, or just peek inside to see this unexpected slice of luxury tucked away above the bustling commuters below.

7

Secret walkways above the windows

Those grand arched windows in the main concourse aren’t just decorative; they hide narrow walkways used by staff to move unseen between offices . These catwalks give a bird’s-eye view of the terminal, though they’re strictly off-limits to the public. Only a select few with key passes get to experience the view from up there.

8

A hidden entrance to the Waldorf

Deep beneath Grand Central lies Track 61, a secret passage that once connected directly to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It was used by VIPs who preferred to travel without public attention —most famously, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it to conceal his polio and wheelchair from the public eye. Today, it’s sealed off, but the legend remains.

9

Almost lost to the wrecking ball

In the 1960s, plans were made to tear down Grand Central and replace it with skyscrapers. After the destruction of Penn Station in 1963, New Yorkers were not having it. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists , Grand Central was saved and officially declared a landmark in 1967. Their fight ensured we could still enjoy one of the city’s true architectural gems.

10

A 21st-century makeover

While much of Grand Central dates back to 1913, its evolution continues. The massive East Side Access Project, completed in 2023, added a new terminal for Long Island Rail Road passengers, complete with 40 miles of new track buried beneath Park Avenue. It’s a modern expansion of a century-old masterpiece.