1

Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone

Image: Alano Oliveira

Nina Simone was an outspoken soul, and her 1963 song, "Mississippi Goddam," is considered by many to be her first song about civil rights. The tune was written as a response to the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers , as well as other tragedies that involved the movement during the volatile and ever-changing social dynamics of the decade.

As time went on, Nina Simone continued to send a message through her music, specifically regarding activism and social injustice issues.

2

The Times They Are a-Changin', Bob Dylan

Image: Chris Boland

Never one to keep his mouth shut when it came to topics that he found worth communicating, Bob Dylan wrote this song about the changing tide in America , where young people were voicing their displeasure on issues such as war and racism.

The song is considered one of the greatest of all time. It's also one of the most covered—thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman.

3

Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Image: Austin Prock

Anti-Vietnam songs were a staple of 1960s and '70s culture. However, this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit stands out as one of the more mainstream songs that continues to be heard today.

The tune enjoyed prominence in movies like Forrest Gump and has been covered countless times by such bands as Dropkick Murphys.

4

Give Peace a Chance, Plastic Ono Band

Image: Erin Song

One of the most popular anti-war songs of all time, which always makes an appearance in the event of conflict, is "Give Peace A Chance."

While this timeless classic was recorded by the Plastic Ono Band, the writing credit is actually shared between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, marking the beginning of a post-Beatles world.

5

Get Up, Stand Up, The Wailers

Image: Bill Fairs

Bob Marley wrote this classic track in collaboration with his bandmate Peter Tosh. The song was reportedly inspired by Marley’s tour in Haiti . He was taken aback by the country's high level of poverty, as well as the class system.

It has since become a long-time favorite of the band and a staple of Marley's live shows during his lifetime.

6

Ronnie, Talk To Russia, Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince had many hits but this one was not among them. In fact, we can safely assume that The Purple One wrote this song for the express purpose of communicating his political feelings in the most direct possible way. And, being Prince, that had to be done through a song.

"Ronnie, Talk To Russia" is, as the name implies quite obviously**, a straight shout-out to former president Ronald Reagan**. It addresses America's relationship with Russia and the heightened tensions of the time due to the nuclear threat.

7

Born in the U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Having just mentioned the case of an artist who used music to speak to Ronald Reagan, we now turn to one who was very upset when Reagan spoke about him. The reason for this conflict originated from what may be the most misunderstood and seemingly patriotic song in music history.

"Born In The U.S.A." is a Bruce Springsteen classic that sounds very anthemic but is, in fact -yet another- anti-Vietnam tune.

8

Peace Sells, Megadeth

Image: Juan Di Nella

Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political commentary, and this song is, perhaps, the most famous example. "Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying" packs his thoughts on government corruption, failing foreign policy, and more , with catchy riffs and an infectious bass line.

The song’s direct and provocative lyrics resonated with many listeners and became a defining anthem of the thrash metal genre.

9

Fight The Power, Public Enemy

Image: Nicholas Green

It is hard to think of a more straightforward political message in a song title than "Fight The Power" released as a single in 1989. Public Enemy was all about the message, and taking down the establishment, big government, and abuse of authority were usually central themes.

The song is one of the group's most famous and influential tracks, and gained additional prominence when it was featured in Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing.

10

Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine

Image: Jordy

Another highly political band, Rage Against The Machine, created this song, which is fitting for the current political and social climate. Police brutality and systemic racism are at the forefront of the message , delivered with massive guitar hooks and aggressive vocals.

Most of RATM’s catalog delves into these kinds of themes with varying success but this song was a hit when it first came out and still remains a fan favorite.

1

Frankford Avenue Bridge, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Long before America declared independence, a bridge was already standing strong in Philadelphia. Built in 1697, the Frankford Avenue Bridge holds the title of the oldest bridge still in use in the United States. Picture stagecoaches rattling across its stone arches, carrying passengers between Philadelphia and New York. Today, cars hum across the same path, hardly noticing they’re rolling over a structure that has endured for more than three centuries —a quiet survivor of colonial times still woven into modern city life.

2

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

What if we told you that a bridge once called "impossible" now defines an entire city? When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate spanned an incredible 4,200 feet, a record that stunned engineers across the globe. Its sweeping cables and graceful towers are much more than just steel —it’s poetry over water. Painted in its famous "international orange," this bridge doesn’t just stand tall against the fog, it glows through it, serving as both a practical crossing and a proud emblem of San Francisco’s scenic location.

3

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Florida

Image: Joseph Corl

Reaching gracefully across 4.1 miles of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge rises like a fleet of white sails frozen in motion. Finished in 1987, it was designed to do more than just connect two shores—it was built to inspire. Its towering piers and broad cables give it the look of a ship setting out to sea, a fitting image for Florida’s sunlit coast. On bright days, motorists often describe the drive as more than a commute; it feels like gliding above the Gulf itself, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the water sparkles below like glass.

4

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York

Image: Alexander Rotker

Here’s a tale worth telling: when the Brooklyn Bridge first opened in 1883, many New Yorkers doubted its strength. To calm their fears, showman P. T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the span, proving once and for all that the monumental structure could hold far more than horse-drawn carriages. With its stone Gothic towers rising like cathedrals and its web of cables fanning out in graceful arcs, the Brooklyn Bridge is both an engineering triumph and a work of art. More than a century later, it still stands as a symbol of American ingenuity.

5

Memorial Bridge, Washington, D.C.

Image: Devansh Bajaj

Picture this: a bridge that doesn’t just link two shores, but two chapters of American history. The Arlington Memorial Bridge, completed in 1932, was designed to align the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington House, symbolizing a nation healing after the Civil War. Its central span works like an enormous see-saw—an elegant bascule that tips upward, heavy as a freight train, to open the way for ships on the Potomac. More than steel and stone, it’s a gesture of reconciliation and remembrance.

6

Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

Image: WallyFromColumbia at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine standing at the foot of a concrete wall as high as a 20-story tower, stretching farther than the eye expects a bridge could go. That’s what people experienced in 1915 when the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct—better known as the Nicholson Bridge—first appeared on the Pennsylvania landscape. Spanning 2,375 feet with arches rising 240 feet above the valley, it was the largest concrete bridge in the world at its completion. More than a century later, trains still roll across its 12 arches, looking like miniature toys against the bridge’s sheer immensity.

7

Roebling Suspension Bridge, Cincinnati, Ohio

Image: Thomas Rupp

If the Brooklyn Bridge impressed you, the Roebling Suspension Bridge in Ohio will blow your mind, as it was built years earlier by the same man. When it opened in 1867, it set a world record as the longest suspension bridge, stretching an impressive 1,057 feet across the Ohio River. It was John A. Roebling’s first marvel, only overtaken by his own later New York landmark. For the people of Cincinnati, the bridge was proof that American engineering could rival anything in the world, a daring leap that linked two cities and paved the way for future icons.

8

North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts

Image: Christopher Ryan

Set foot on the North Bridge in Concord and you’re not just crossing the Concord River—you’re walking into the pages of history. It was in this exact place that, in April 1775, a musket fire rang out, sparking the first battle of the American Revolution and changing the course of a nation forever. The bridge visitors see today is a careful 1956 reconstruction, built to honor the original. Yet, the setting remains almost the same: the quiet river below, the fields beyond, and the sense that this unassuming wooden span still carries the echoes of liberty’s first call.

9

Middle Covered Bridge, Woodstock, Vermont

Image: Michelle_Pitzel

There’s a certain mystique about covered bridges, and Woodstock’s Middle Bridge feels like it was lifted straight from a storybook. Though built in 1969, it was crafted with traditional techniques, giving it the spirit of a much older landmark. Stretching 135 feet across the Ottauquechee River, its peaked wooden roof frames a perfect New England scene —red barns, rolling hills, and the steady flow of water beneath. Beyond its whimsical charm, the roof serves a purpose: protecting the bridge’s sturdy timbers from Vermont’s long, snowy winters so it can stand strong for generations.

10

New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia

Image: Ian Pearthree

From a distance, the New River Gorge Bridge might seem like any other stretch of highway. But step onto it, and it’s a different story. Opened in 1977, this steel arch rises 876 feet above the rushing waters below—higher than stacking two Statues of Liberty end to end. It is a symbol of West Virginia’s rugged beauty, celebrated each October during "Bridge Day," when traffic halts, and the bridge transforms into a stage for daring jumps, local crafts, and awe-struck visitors soaking in one of the most breathtaking views in America.

11

Bow Bridge, Central Park, New York, New York

Image: Pierre Blaché

As light as lace yet forged from iron, Bow Bridge sweeps in a gentle curve across Central Park’s shimmering lake. Completed in 1862, it quickly became more than a passage—it turned into a stage for the city’s daily rhythms. Artists set up easels to capture its elegance, photographers frame it against the water, and couples linger at its railings, savoring the view. Street musicians often fill the air with music, while beyond the trees, New York’s skyline stretches high. Amid the steel and stone of the metropolis, Bow Bridge endures as a quiet piece of poetry shaped in metal.

12

Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas

Image: Vladislav Osterman

You now know what the oldest bridge in America is, but what about the newest? Unveiled in 2025, the new Harbor Bridge in Texas was designed to last up to 170 years. Its sleek towers and graceful cables rise 205 feet above the water, high enough for massive cargo ships to glide underneath without pause. By day, it’s a marvel of modern engineering, but when night falls, it completely transforms. A sophisticated computer system of LED lights ripples across its frame, painting Corpus Christi’s shoreline in vivid colors. More than a crossing, it’s a staple of economic growth.

1

Mr. T

Image: Richard R

If you were watching TV in the 1980s, you knew Mr. T. Actor Laurence Tureaud rose to fame as B.A. Baracus in the hit TV series The A-Team and as boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film Rocky III .

In 2006, he starred in the TV Land reality show I Pity the Fool , named after his famous catchphrase.

2

Richard Dean Anderson

Image: Nipun Haldar

The man who sold a thousand Swiss Army knives— MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson was a household name in the 1980s. He later became well-known to another set of fans for his role in the Stargate Atlantis series.

These days, Richard Dean Anderson occasionally appears in small roles. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which is dedicated to protecting marine life and raising public awareness about the dangers it faces.

3

Haley Joel Osment

Image: Laercio Cavalcanti

Remember the kid who said, " I see dead people " in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense ? That’s him—Haley Joel Osment. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at just 11 years old for that unforgettable performance.

Since then, Osment has grown up and taken on smaller roles in Tusk , Silicon Valley , and Future Man .

4

Jason Priestley

Image: David Vives

One of the most recognizable faces of the 1990s, Jason Priestley rose to fame through his role in the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 . Since then, he has taken on smaller roles and he recently starred in the Canadian TV series Private Eyes .

5

Emilio Estevez

Image: Taylor Brandon

Emilio Estevez chose to use his family’s real last name, Estevez, rather than the one adopted by his father, Martin Sheen , or his brother, Charlie Sheen . But still, people knew exactly who he was. In the 1980s and ’90s, his face was everywhere as a member of the Brat Pack, starring in The Breakfast Club , St. Elmo’s Fire , and The Outsiders .

Since then, he has taken on a few minor roles and maintained a lower profile.

6

Michael J. Fox

Image: Roger Ce

Despite stepping away from acting several years ago due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael J. Fox has remained a beloved public figure, thanks in no small part to his natural charisma and iconic role as _Back to the Future_’s Marty McFly . The Canadian star has since become a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s research and a cure.

7

Rick Moranis

Image: Erik Mclean

For a while, Rick Moranis was everywhere: Ghostbusters , Spaceballs , Little Shop of Horrors , Honey, I Shrunk the Kids , Parenthood ... But after becoming a widower in the 1990s, he shifted his focus to fatherhood and stepped away from the spotlight. Every few years, there’s talk of him making a comeback, and it appears that, finally, this may come true in the long-awaited sequel to Spaceballs . We can all hope, right?

8

Jane Fonda

Image: bruce mars

Jane Fonda rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s through her work as an actress and model . In the 1980s, she released her first exercise video, which went on to become the most successful workout tape of all time.

Since then, she has appeared in several films and Broadway productions, while continuing her work in activism and philanthropy. In recent years, Fonda starred in the Netflix series, which ran for seven seasons, Grace and Frankie, with Lily Tomlin.

9

Talia Shire

Image: Nathz Guardia

A highly recognizable actress in the 1970s, Talia Shire played leading roles in The Godfather and Rocky , along with their sequels. Since then, she has continued acting in films, though mostly in smaller roles. In 2024, she appeared in Megalopolis , directed by her brother Francis Ford Coppola.

10

Daniel Day-Lewis

Image: Jez Timms

Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). He announced his retirement from acting in 2017. After thanking his collaborators, he quietly left the movie business to dedicate himself to learning the craft of cobbling .

However, in October 2024, he made a notable return to acting by starring in Anemone , a film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, that has yet to be released.

11

Bridget Fonda

Image: Tore F

The second Fonda on our list is also the final entry: Bridget Fonda retired from Hollywood in 2002 to start a family with her husband, composer Danny Elfman. More than two decades later, Fonda has stated that she has no plans to return to the big screen. As she put it, "I don’t think [there’s any chance]. It’s too nice being a civilian."