1

Alaska – Into the Wild

Image: Joris Beugels

Surely a top choice! Into the Wild recounts the real and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, who ventured to the north Alaskan wilderness seeking freedom and self-discovery.

As thought-provoking as heart-breaking, this non-fiction by Jon Krakauer takes readers on a journey with vivid descriptions of Denali and the Stampede Trail.

2

Colorado – The Shining

Image: Luke Scarpino

Maybe not the most flattering, but consensus says that the most famous novel set in Colorado is Stephen King’s iconic The Shining .

After all, the story about troubled Jack Torrance and his family unravels inside the fictional Overlook Hotel, imagined as a high-altitude, secluded retreat in Colorado. King was inspired to write it after his stay at Stanley Hotel, in the same state.

3

Kansas – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Image: V

Is it fair? Most of the action in Frank L. Baum’s novel occurs in Oz, not Kansas. But the one famous line, made unforgettable by the movie, was enough to link The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the state forever.

"Toto, I have a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore " and later on "There’s no place like home" have made people resolve that Kansas is underlying in the plot of the famous fantasy.

4

Louisiana – Interview with the Vampire

Image: Katelyn Greer

The luxurious vampires created by Anne Rice for Interview with the Vampire would not be the same if not draped in Louisiana’s gothic mystique. That’s why people defend this as the Pelican State’s most famous book.

From shadowy bayous to grand Creole mansions, the stories of Louis and Lestat redefined vampire lore and turned them into rock stars of literature.

5

Missouri - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Image: Lawrence Chismorie

Mischievous Tom Sawyer might be the quintessential American boy, and he certainly was from the Show-Me State.

Mark Twain's classic tale, set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, follows Tom and his pals, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. Who could forget the iconic fence-painting scene or the thrilling cave exploration?

6

Georgia - Gone with the Wind

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Frankly, we do give a damn about this sweeping epic set in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind , tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong Southern belle.

From the grand plantation of Tara to the bustling streets of Atlanta, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a bygone and controversial era.

7

Vermont - Pollyanna

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Sweet Pollyanna was voted the most famous novel set in Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns.

Eleanor H. Porter's children’s classic tells the story of an optimistic girl who invents a "glad game", which teaches herself and her neighbors to find joy in every situation.

8

Washington - Twilight

Image: Alex Moliski

The craze set on by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga was hard to miss. But few people remember that this vampire romance was distinctly set in Forks, Washington.

Unraveling in a misty, rainy city lined by looming forests, the series of novels lodged itself in the memory of millions of fans as an emblem of this northern state.

9

Texas - No Country for Old Men

Image: Damien Snyers

Another Pulitzer Prize-winner: No Country for Old Men is set in the desolate landscape of West Texas. This work by Cormac McCarthy was the first that many mentioned when asked about the state.

It follows a Vietnam veteran turned hunter, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. The film adaptation, directed by the Coen brothers, was also critically acclaimed, earning four Academy Awards and more fame to the title.

10

Oregon - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

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Author Ken Kesey used to work the graveyard shift at a mental facility in California. But this did not stop him from setting One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in Oregon, where he grew up.

This powerful novel, a satire of the mental healthcare system, also became a multi-awarded film starring Jack Nicholson.

11

Alabama – To Kill a Mockingbird

Image: Brian Forsyth

Who could forget the story of Atticus Finch, the moral compass of Maycomb, Alabama? Harper Lee’s classic told from the perspective of young Scout Finch is a moving tale of justice and humanity.

Although Maycomb is fictional, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has enough renown to turn it into the most famous set in Alabama, even internationally.

12

New York - The Great Gatsby

Image: Billy Huynh

Surely New York state had many strong contenders —from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The Catcher in the Rye . But the winner was F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby .

This iconic novel captures the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties, as well as a version of the American Dream gone awry. It’s not only New York’s most famous fiction , some have gone so far as to call it the quintessential American novel!

1

George Washington

Image: Priscilla Gyamfi

America’s first president had no guidebook to follow, so George Washington ended up writing the first chapters of the office himself. With calm judgment and a focus on fairness, he set the tradition of serving only two terms, showing that leadership should be about duty rather than personal power.

Washington organized the very first Cabinet, established the tone for presidential addresses, and worked hard to promote unity among different regions and viewpoints. His steady approach helped turn a young, uncertain nation into a stable and functioning republic. The patterns he created became the model for every subsequent president.

2

James Madison

Image: Tara Winstead

Often called the "Father of the Constitution," James Madison helped shape the foundations of the United States long before he stepped into the presidency. He played a central role in writing the Constitution and co-authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays that explained how the new government was meant to work.

Once in office, Madison continued to support the development of stronger federal systems that could serve a growing country, and he oversaw the admission of new states into the expanding Union. His steady leadership helped reinforce the structure laid down by the founders and proved that the nation’s early ideas—balance, stability, and cooperation—could stand the test of time.

3

Abraham Lincoln

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The 16th U.S. president guided the nation through a time of deep division with a calm, steady determination and a clear sense of purpose. He held firmly to the belief that all people are created equal, and he worked to bring those principles to life in practical, lasting ways.

During his presidency, Lincoln supported major constitutional changes that broadened personal freedoms and strengthened the role of the federal government in protecting those rights. He emphasized unity, fairness, and the idea that the country could emerge stronger if it stayed true to its core values. His dedication to these ideals has made him one of the most admired figures in American history, remembered for his integrity and his hope for a more united nation.

4

Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Ryan Stone

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his enthusiasm, his adventurous spirit, and his deep love of the outdoors. He became one of the nation’s strongest voices for conservation, helping to create and expand national parks, forests, and wildlife areas.

His domestic program, the "Square Deal," aimed to make sure consumers, workers, and businesses were treated fairly, and he pushed for stronger rules that protected everyday Americans from unfair practices. Roosevelt also encouraged the nation to step forward with confidence, backing improvements in transportation and modern infrastructure that helped connect the United States more smoothly with the world.

5

Woodrow Wilson

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Woodrow Wilson arrived in Washington with a plan to give everyday Americans a fairer, more balanced system, and his wave of domestic reforms—known as the "New Freedom"—reflected that goal. During his presidency, the nation saw the creation of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission, two major institutions designed to keep the economy steady and well-regulated.

Wilson also encouraged the idea that countries should work together through organized cooperation rather than standing apart, a view that later influenced the formation of important international organizations. His belief in self-determination and his preference for diplomacy over isolation helped guide the United States toward a long-term vision of global partnership and shared responsibility.

6

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Franklin Roosevelt guided the nation through one of its toughest economic periods with a wide-ranging effort known as the "New Deal." This collection of policies helped support workers, steady the banking system, and strengthen protections for consumers. It also introduced Social Security, a program that quickly became a key element of retirement planning for millions of Americans.

Roosevelt understood the importance of keeping the public informed, so he spoke directly to families through his regular radio broadcasts, the famous "Fireside Chats." In these simple, calm conversations, he explained what the government was doing and why, helping people feel more confident in uncertain times. His clear, steady communication made him one of the most trusted and familiar voices of his era.

7

Harry S. Truman

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When Harry Truman took office in 1945, both the world and the United States were undergoing a period of rapid change. With a practical mindset, the 33rd president helped launch broad programs aimed at rebuilding European economies and encouraging stronger international cooperation.

He also set a new long-range direction for American policy, one that emphasized stability, democratic principles, and economic support beyond U.S. borders. Truman’s meaningful efforts helped shape how nations worked together and signaled the beginning of important social changes that would continue to unfold in the decades ahead.

8

John F. Kennedy

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John F. Kennedy brought a fresh sense of youth and optimism to the early 1960s. His speeches often called on Americans to lend a hand, serve their communities, and think beyond themselves—captured in his well-known line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Kennedy supported important civil rights efforts and encouraged steady progress in science and technology. He also pushed the nation to look toward the future through expanded space exploration and created the Peace Corps, giving young Americans opportunities to volunteer and make a difference overseas. His steady promotion of learning, service, and innovation helped spark a spirit of national progress that defined much of the decade.

9

Lyndon B. Johnson

Image: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto Restored by: Bammesk, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lyndon Johnson arrived in the White House with a far-reaching plan he called the "Great Society," a vision aimed at improving everyday life for people across the country. Under his leadership, Congress passed major civil rights legislation that strengthened equality and safeguarded voting rights, setting new standards for fairness.

The 36th president also approved the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, programs that gave millions of older adults and low-income families reliable access to health care for the very first time. Additionally, he supported initiatives to improve education, preserve natural resources, and strengthen local communities.

10

Ronald Reagan

Image: White House Photographic Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ronald Reagan stepped into the 1980s carrying a message of confidence and renewal, offering Americans a sense of fresh direction after a challenging period. His economic approach—later known as "Reaganomics"—was centered on lowering taxes, easing federal regulations, and giving businesses more room to grow. For many people, this era became associated with rising optimism.

Reagan also spoke often about national pride and traditional values, presenting a steady, recognizable voice on the world stage. His leadership style—straightforward, good-humored, and easy to understand—left a lasting mark on how political ideas were discussed and helped shape the country’s tone for years to follow.

1

Ford

Image: Ross Sokolovski

What is to say about Ford that hasn’t been said already? This omnipresent American car brand, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, is popularly known as the auto manufacturer responsible for putting America on wheels. Ford’s first car, the Model A , was assembled at a plant in Detroit.

The Model T was an affordable, reliable, and efficient vehicle . Within 10 years, half the cars in America were Model T’s. Ford created the world’s first moving assembly line for cars, which would change the industry forever. This invention allowed the company to produce one Model T in under thirty seconds.

2

Chevrolet

Image: Gary Sandoz

Another legendary brand, Chevrolet was founded in 1911, in Detroit, Michigan, by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Chevrolet introduced its first model, which was the Series C Classic Six and almost three thousand cars were sold the first year.

Chevrolet produced its one-millionth vehicle in the 1920s. In the late 1920s, Chevrolet surpassed Ford in sales, becoming the top seller of both cars and trucks. This position for first place went back and forth between the two brands over the years.

3

Jeep

Image: Kenny Eliason

A brand that was born strong, Jeep vehicles were first used in World War II as a reliable ride and then slowly made their way into the American non-military market. This brand is dubbed as a "Go anywhere, Do anything" kind of vehicle, owing to its sturdy frame and powerful engine.

Nowadays Jeep is popular among off-roaders and has several classic models in its roster, including the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, among others.

4

Dodge

Image: Dan Gold

Believe it or not, Dodge was a bicycle maker before being a car maker . The brand, established in 1900 dealt with bicycles in the first place and then started supplying car parts before deciding to get into the production of vehicles in 1914.

In the early 1920s, after the original founders passed away Chrysler bought the brand and continued producing successful cars, among them, the Ram, the Charger, the Caravan, and many others.

5

GMC

Image: todd kent

Another hugely successful American brand is GMC. The General Motor Truck Company came into existence in 1911. Over the years, the company started manufacturing large powerful vehicles including SUVs, vans, and a massive range of trucks. Popular GMC models include Acadia, Canyon, Sierra, Sienna, and Yukon among others.

6

Cadillac

Image: Sidney Pearce

The most famous luxury car in America, Cadillac owes its name to Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac, a French adventurer who discovered the city of Detroit. Believe it or not, passenger seats and an enclosed cabin were introduced for the very first time by Cadillac because, well, that was considered a luxury back then.

Some famous Cadillac car brands include the Camaro, Silverado, Tahoe, and Impala, among others.

7

Lincoln

Image: Arvin Dale

Other than Cadillac, most people would say Lincoln if asked for a luxury car brand, since this company is also a pioneer in this segment. This popular American car manufacturer started making luxury vehicles in 1917, at a time when the concept was not affordable for many.

Some classic Lincoln cars that are timeless to date include the Zephyr, the Town Car, the Mark LT, and the Navigator SUV. The latest SUVs popular among car enthusiasts include the Nautilus, MKC, Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair.

8

Tesla

Image: Tesla Fans Schweiz

Not many car brands have become so iconic in as few years as Tesla has and there is a simple reason for this: this American car brand revolutionized regular automobiles and made them electric . It had been done before, yes. But not with this level of success.

Tesla is a pioneer in reducing the carbon footprint of the environment with its electric vehicles. Many auto manufacturers are now following in Tesla’s footsteps. The revolutionary company unveiled its first creation called the Tesla Roadster in 2008.

9

Buick

Image: Mohammad Hoseini Rad

Buick is one of the oldest automobile brands in the world, having been founded in 1899. The company has a long history of producing high-quality, luxury, and performance-oriented vehicles and has been a part of General Motors since 1908.

In recent years, Buick has seen a decline in sales in the United States and has focused on the Chinese market where the brand has experienced success. Buick has shifted its focus towards producing more crossover and SUV models to meet the demand for larger vehicles in the current market.

10

Oldsmobile

Image: Hombre

Honoring its name, Oldsmobile, like the aforementioned Buick, was one of the oldest automobile brands in the United States, being founded in 1897. It initially gained popularity through innovations such as the first mass-produced car and the first automatic transmission.

In the mid-20th century, it was known for its performance and style, being a public favorite. However, by the late 1990s, Oldsmobile’s sales began to decline, leading to its discontinuation in 2004 as part of General Motors’ restructuring.