1

Elvis Presley

The King of rock n’ roll had several distinct fashion phases across his nearly 25 years on the stage. From his rockabilly origins to his leather era and later to his Vegas glam, Elvis always favored bold colors, tailored suits, and extravagant fabrics that went against the standards , a trend he also followed with his hairstyles, accessories, and even in his custom-painted pink Cadillac.

2

Benjamin Franklin

One might not think of a Founding Father as a trendsetter, but Benjamin Franklin deliberately used fashion as a diplomatic tool, arguably becoming the first American fashion icon. Sent as ambassador to France in 1776, he set out to portray an image of republican simplicity and ruggedness, donning a fur cap, plain, dark clothes, and unpowdered hair that contrasted with Versailles’ opulence. His appearance impacted the French elites, who quickly started wearing the Coiffure à la Franklin , oversized hats and wigs that mimicked his fur cap. When Franklin later started using a white hat, the trend was quickly replicated by the French.

3

Sojourner Truth

Black abolitionist Sojourner Truth brilliantly used her image as one of her greatest tools. Unable to read and write, and often misquoted and misrepresented in the papers, she resorted to photography to establish an image of Black people different from the paternalistic portrayal favored by some abolitionists. Dressed in typical Victorian fashion, she was often photographed with books, knitting, or portraits of her family, all symbols of respectability. She used these photographs as presentation cards, and also sold them, with the quote "I Sell the Shadow to Support the Substance" printed on the back.

4

Jackie Kennedy

In 1961, Jackie Kennedy became First Lady at just 31 years old, but she knew that her appearance was an invaluable tool for her husband’s political image and presidency. In collaboration with Hollywood designer Oleg Cassini, she carefully curated a clean, striking, but still youthful style, centered around tailored suits, boxy jackets, shift dresses, and dramatic accessories. Her classic bouffants, pillbox hats, and pearl necklaces are among her most remembered signature fashion choices.

5

George and Martha Washington

As the first president of a young republic, George Washington knew that his actions carried a lot of weight, setting trends and potentially influencing future decisions, and this care extended to his fashion choices. He and his wife Martha purposefully wore simple clothes, favoring American textiles and sober adornments instead of luxurious British fabrics and fashion trends, as a way to represent independence and avoid giving an image of luxury and indulgence.

6

Amelia Bloomer

We often think of women's rights activists as mainly concerned with suffrage and political representation, but fashion and clothing were also part of their agenda. Figures like Amelia Jenks Bloomer (1818–1894) championed the women's dress reform movement (also known as the rational dress movement) against restrictive fashions such as corsets, petticoats, and heavy skirts. Although Bloomer herself was not the creator of this particular style, she favored loose trousers under a shorter dress, quite different from the heavy petticoats in fashion at the time . Her fierce advocacy of this ensemble, from wearing it publicly to printing patterns for it in her newspaper, resulted in the outfit, and later the pants themselves, being nicknamed "bloomers".

7

Duke Ellington

Black jazz musicians in the 1920s faced a double disadvantage. Not only were they victims of racial prejudice, but the new genre they championed was labeled as immoral, unsophisticated, and vice-inducing. For figures like Duke Ellington, fashion became a tool and a presentation card. He chose formal suits with impeccable tailoring, dress shoes, crisp shirts, and neckties, often traveling with multiple outfit changes. Considered a symbol of early 20th-century elegance, his formal wear and sophisticated image helped establish the idea of the jazz musician as a serious artist.

8

Mary Todd Lincoln vs. Varina Davis

While the Union and the Confederacy were at war, their First Ladies relied on fashion to aid the cause of their husbands. Mary Todd Lincoln and Varina Davis (the wife of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States) were both fashion icons and favored the same Victorian style in vogue, but their choices differed as the Civil War progressed . In the North, Mary Todd Lincoln chose lavish textiles and fashion-forward trends to project an air of cosmopolitan sophistication and confidence, while in the South, Varina Davis was forced to adapt her elegant fashion choices as the resources were diminished by the blockades, favoring a simpler and more practical style that transmitted an image of patriotic frugality. Fun fact: Varina’s former dressmaker, an emancipated Black woman named Elizabeth Keckley, began working for Mary Todd Lincoln when she became first lady.

9

Katharine Hepburn

Besides her magnificent career as an award-winning actress, Katharine Hepburn also made waves in Hollywood thanks to her fashion style. Unlike other leading ladies of the 1930s and 40s, she favored menswear such as wide-legged trousers, collared shirts, polos, structured blazers, loafers, and low heels . Her choice was based on comfort and practicality, but also on a defiance of Hollywood's expectations and of studios pressuring her to wear lavish and glamorous outfits and dresses. Her androgynous, fashionable style not only contributed to normalizing trousers as women's apparel, but also redefined what was considered feminine and acceptable in fashion.

10

James Dean

A cultural icon of the 1950s, James Dean redefined rebellion in his short five-year career through the use of everyday American workwear. Basics such as denim jeans, white T-shirts, leather jackets, and boots became synonymous with teenage rebels, defiance, and effortless style. Although his career was cut short by a fatal accident at 24 years old, his image permanently altered what was considered fashionable for young Americans.

1

Ford Mustang

Image: VizAforMemories

Often referred to simply as "the Mustang ," this series manufactured by Ford is one of the quintessential American automobiles.

The Mustang was born in 1964 and has been in production ever since (with the Mustang II being produced from 1974 to 1978), as its popularity transcends borders. Its smart, sporty design has evolved over the years, but it has never lost its pony car label.

Loved by many for its wide range of engine options and powerful performance, the Mustang is more than just a car; it's an icon of American automotive culture. Remember the Mustang GT 390 in the 1968 movie Bullitt ?

2

Chevrolet Corvette

Image: Abdul Bakar

With its iconic two-seater design and a very rich history, the Corvette is a legend that could not be left out of this list.

The Corvette was introduced by Chevrolet in 1953 , some 70 years ago! However, it has aged like fine wine. Far from being out of style, this classic remains a top choice for car enthusiasts worldwide, blending performance, design, heritage, and status.

And as if all that wasn't enough, the Corvette has multiple victories in prestigious endurance races such as the American Le Mans Series .

Fun fact: the Corvette gets its name from a small, fast type of warship!

3

Jeep Wrangler

Image: cody lannom

Famous for its off-road prowess, the Jeep Wrangler is definitely an icon.

The origin of this car perfectly explains its capacity. The Jeep Wrangler has its roots in the Willys MB , a military vehicle used during WWII, renowned for its rugged durability. Of course, the Wrangler has evolved into the version we know today, blending practicality and durability, and displaying features like removable doors .

The Jeep Wrangler's off-road expertise has earned it a global reputation that is hard to beat. As you might already know, a rugged Jeep Wrangler YJ appears in the iconic Jurassic Park . After all, no other car could handle dinosaurs!

4

Ford Model T

Image: Philip Schroeder

Who could forget the iconic Ford Model T ? A car instantly recognizable to everyone, whether you're a car lover or not.

Ford began producing the Model T in 1908 and ceased production in 1927. But in less than 20 years, over 15 million units were made! This incredible feat makes the Model T one of the best-selling cars in history.

As if its beauty wasn't enough, the T was also renowned for its durability and affordability , specifically designed to be accessible to the average American. Do you want to know how much the "Tin Lizzie" cost when it started revolutionizing the streets in the early 20th century? Initially, it was priced at around $850 , but its price even dropped in the years that followed!

5

Cadillac Escalade

Image: Craig Marolf

When Cadillac decided to enter the SUV market, it did so in a big way. In 1998 , the brand released one of its most acclaimed models: the Cadillac Escalade . Imposing from every angle, this SUV has a luxurious design both inside and out, with the quality and style that characterizes the brand.

Beyond its powerful performance, the Escalade distinguishes itself with leading technology . This includes multiple USB ports, high-quality sound systems, and advanced driver assistance systems.

With all these advantages, the Escalade became one of Cadillac's best-sellers and also a popular choice in the luxury SUV market!

6

Ford Thunderbird

Image: Maxim Simonov

In 1955 , Ford spiced up the car scene with their Ford Thunderbird , a stylish two-seat sports car. Quickly becoming an icon, this model was Ford's answer to Chevrolet's Corvette.

The " T-Bird ," as it came to be known, evolved over its production run. In 1961, a significant transformation occurred: it became a four-seat model. With its new sleek design, the Thunderbird earned a new nickname and became the " Bullet Bird ."

Over the years, Ford produced 11 generations of the Thunderbird, each with unique features. Unfortunately, Ford decided to stop production of the T-Bird in 2005 due to declining sales. However, its exceptional qualities and profound impact have made it one of America's classics.

7

Dodge Charger

Image: Tim Meyer

A legendary American muscle car , the Dodge Charger appeared in 1966 , right amid the dynamic 60s and 70s era.

You probably remember the first-generation Dodge Charger, which featured hidden headlights , something quite remarkable in its time! Its V8 engines and high-performance capacities also made it a star in the TV series " The Dukes of Hazzard ."

With many variations over the years, Dodge continues to produce the model to this day, always updating its technology but maintaining some of the main features of its iconic design. Are you among the many fans of this amazing model?

8

Pontiac GTO

Image: Vitali Adutskevich

If we talk about muscle cars , we cannot forget the Pontiac GTO . Born in 1963 , it became an instant hit, produced for eleven years until 1974 . It also made a comeback from 2004 to 2006, creating a new chapter in its history.

Considered by many as the perfect muscle car, the Pontiac GTO stood out for its powerful V8 front engine and its attractive design, which included dual exhausts and hood scoops. It was also available in a wide range of colors.

If you're wondering about its name, the abbreviation "GTO" stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato," Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated."

9

Chevrolet Camaro

Image: Tim Meyer

Classified as a pony car , the Camaro appeared in 1966 as Chevrolet's card to compete with the Ford Mustang. While maintaining its efficiency, speed, and powerful performance , the Chevrolet Camaro has seen its engines evolve across generations, ranging from V6s to V8s.

According to the legend surrounding its creation, the name of this famous model was conceived by Chevrolet's merchandising manager, Bob Lund. While flipping through an English-French dictionary, he found the French word c amaro , which translates as "friend, pal, or comrade." And that was exactly what the brand was looking for in its new pony car: to be a reliable companion for its owner.

10

Tesla Model S

Image: Jp Valery

Despite being a relatively new brand, Tesla has proven that it's more than capable of creating iconic cars.

A good example is the Tesla Model S , an all- electric luxury car that's relatively young, debuting in 2012 . Upon its introduction, it caused a sensation with its spectacular design and technology .

One of the most unique features of this model is its incredible speed. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds! That's the definition of fast. It is also capable of traveling up to 370 miles on a single charge , highlighting its efficiency among electric cars. Of course, the vehicle's functions are controlled through an elegant touchscreen display. Can you imagine yourself driving this model?

1

California’s state animal is extinct

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

The California grizzly bear adorns the state flag, but you won’t find one in the wild anymore. Once abundant throughout the region, this was a subspecies of Grizzly also known as "California golden bear."

By the 1920s, this majestic animal had disappeared from the wild, but it has remained a powerful symbol of the state, featured on the flag since the Bear Flag Republic’s short-lived attempt to break from Mexico in 1846.

2

The American flag was (probably) designed by a teenager

Image: Sharefaith

In 1958, around the time Alaska and Hawaii were being added to the Union, an Ohio high schooler named Robert Heft stitched a 50-star flag for a class project . His teacher gave it a B–, scoffing that the brand-new design "lacked imagination."

However, not long after, Heft’s design was selected from thousands of submissions sent to President Eisenhower to determine the official flag. That teacher later changed the grade to an A.

3

Texas’s state dish may have been invented by prisoners

Image: Zak Chapman

Chili con carne is the Lone Star State’s official dish. While its exact origins are uncertain, some say that Texan prisoners in the 1800s were the minds who concocted the dish. According to this version, the stew—made with beans, thin strips of beef, and chili peppers—was the local equivalent of bread and water: a kind of Texan gruel .

4

Alabama's state nut was once a life-saver

Image: Antoni Shkraba

Pecans aren’t just Alabama’s official nut—they’re also symbols of resilience from the Depression era. When cotton crops failed in the 1930s, families turned to harvesting pecans to survive. The nuts became a form of currency , traded for goods, and even used to make mortgage payments. Today, Alabama produces over 30 million pounds annually.

5

The Star-Spangled Banner was once a drinking song

Image: JosephHershMedia

You may know that America’s anthem has a boozy British past. The melody originated as "To Anacreon in Heaven," a raucous 18th-century tavern tune sung by a London gentlemen’s club. A relative of Francis Scott Key noticed that his poem fit perfectly with the melody—and thus, the anthem as we know it was born.

6

The Great Seal almost had a turkey

Image: Roman Manshin

Can you imagine if the Great Seal of the United States featured not a mighty eagle, but a turkey? It was none other than Benjamin Franklin who proposed the turkey as America’s symbol, calling it " a bird of courage ."

Instead, he dismissed the bald eagle as "a lazy scavenger." Congress ultimately overruled him, but Franklin did have a point: turkeys are known to be fiercely protective.

7

The flag’s colors weren’t meant to mean anything—at first

Image: Jon Tyson

Red, white, and blue may seem deeply symbolic today, but in 1775, the Continental Navy chose them simply to match the British flag’s palette. A rebellious decision, if you think about it. The "valor, purity, justice" meanings were tacked on later by poets and politicians.

8

Is South Carolina’s flag really what it seems?

Image: Jaden Dessureault

South Carolina’s flag features a blue background with a palmetto tree and what appears to be a crescent moon. But there are stories that sustain that the silver symbol isn’t a moon at all —it’s a gorget, the curved neck armor worn by 18th-century soldiers. Historians have searched for records to back this theory, but no nods to gorgets have officially been found.

9

Colorado’s flag was once a confusing disaster

Image: Olga Kovalski

When Colorado unveiled its bold "C" design in 1911, it forgot one crucial detail: specifying which shade of blue to use for the background. For 26 chaotic years, flags fluttered in everything from pale sky blue to deep navy—until officials finally standardized the hue in 1937.

10

One of Illinois’ state symbols was chosen by… kids

Image: Peter Schad

Illinois’ state snack was chosen by the most powerful lobbyists of all: children. When a group of fourth graders learned their state produced a large portion of America’s popcorn , they launched a 2003 campaign so persuasive that lawmakers had no choice but to make it official.