1

Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

We’ll start with this Louisiana delicacy. This won’t be the last time you see an exquisite Louisiana dish in this article, since "the Pelican State" has a lot of meals to share with the world. Beignets are particularly popular in New Orleans, as this gorgeous city has been producing these iconic pastries since the 1700s.

While there are several European varieties of beignets, the ones served in Louisiana are usually rectangular in shape and deep-fried. They are usually consumed with coffee during breakfast, fresh from the frier, and with a healthy dose of powdered sugar on top. As you might have already figured out, beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana.

2

Chicago Pizza

Image: Matt Antonioli

Chicago-style pizza is sometimes considered a divisive subject, but we truly don’t understand why. Sure, this deep-dish delicacy inverts the established order of pizza, putting a hearty amount of tomato sauce on top of copious amounts of cheese.

However, as any 5th-grade math teacher can tell you, changing the order of the ingredients will not change the end result: In the end, Chicago-style pizza is just as delicious as traditional pizza. If you ever find yourself in "The Windy City" , treat yourself to a slice!

3

Texas Chili

Image: Artur Kornakov

While Texas is world-known for its delicious barbecue (on which the brisket reigns supreme), the official dish of "the Lone Star State" is its famous "Chili con carne". Texas-style chili's main distinction from its Mexican counterpart is its lack of beans: A traditional Texan "bowl of red" may contain a generous amount of beef and peppers, but never beans.

If you ever want to try some amazing chili from the birthplace of Texas style, you might want to visit the wonderful city of San Antonio : It was in this place that the "Queens of Chili" started selling their delicious recipes at affordable prices.

4

Boston Cream Pie

Image: Alonso Reyes

Beignets are not the only sweet treat you’ll find on this list. From the very heart of New England comes the delicious Boston cream pie . As its name suggests, this spongy pie is filled with cream and usually topped with a layer of chocolate.

The Boston cream pie is a long-standing symbol of everything "Bean City" has to offer: After all, it has been proudly produced in this city since at least the 19th century. According to legend, this pie was created in 1856 in the historic Parker House Hotel, by Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian.

5

Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Niramay Kachhadiya

Just like their trademarked slang noun "jawn", Philly’s most iconic dish is an extremely versatile sandwich. The cheesesteak and Philadelphia are as synonymous as… Well, Rocky and Philadelphia. This sandwich is made from pieces of roasted beef, grilled onions and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, so its popularity doesn’t really need to be explained.

If you are looking for someone to thank for this delicious fast food, you can pay homage to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. In the 1930s, these two Philadelphians created what most believe to be the very first iteration of the Philly cheesesteak in their hot dog stand.

6

Gumbo

Image: David Trinks

We told you that beignets weren’t the only Louisiana delicacy making it to this list. Gumbo is an exquisite Louisiana Creole stew characterized for always including three ingredients known as the Creole "holy trinity": celery, bell peppers, and onions.

While this dish has been synonymous with "The Pelican State" since at least the 19th century, gumbo gained national popularity in the 1970s, after the U.S. Senate added it to the dining room’s menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender.

7

New England Clam Chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Looking for "warm food for the soul"? Then maybe New England can help: Just try a hearty bowl of clam chowder in any of the states that comprise this beautiful region. This iconic soup has been produced in New England since the 18th century, although it is now widespread throughout the entire nation.

While several variations exist, all clam chowder recipes include clams, potatoes, and onions. The three most popular variants are the New England or "white" recipe (which includes cream or milk), the Manhattan or "red" recipe (which includes tomato sauce), and the Rhode Island or "clear" version which includes neither dairy nor tomatoes.

8

New Mexico Green Chile Stew

Image: Acton Crawford

If you ever visit New Mexico, don’t be surprised if someone asks you the state’s official question "Green or Red?" No, it's not a confusing haiku nor a piece of experimental poetry: they are just asking which type of pepper you would like with your meal. That being said, you should keep this entry in mind before you give out your answer, since you might want to try a bowl of mouth-watering "Chile Verde" or green chile stew.

While there are many variations to this recipe, green chile stew usually includes green peppers (of course), pork, garlic, and green tomatillos . Its spiciness might vary depending on the type of pepper used, but it might go from mildly to extremely spicy.

9

Florida Key Lime Pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

You would think the orange, Florida’s most famous fruit, would be featured in The Sunshine State’s iconic dessert, but that honor goes to the delicious Key lime pie. Should you ever find yourself in Key West, don’t leave without trying a piece of this exquisite and citric treat.

As the name indicates, Key limes are essential for making this pie, since they tend to be more acidic and aromatic than other limes. These limes are so revered by the good people of Key West that every year, the Key Lime Festival is held on the Independence Day weekend.

10

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll end this article with a sweet treat synonymous with being American . How many times have you heard that something is "as American as apple pie"? This iconic dessert has been tied with our nation’s history and identity since its inception, so it is no wonder that we always choose to have a piece of apple pie on the 4th of July.

While apple pies were brought over to America by European immigrants during the 17th century, it was quickly adopted as one of our nation’s most beloved symbols. Two different recipes for apple pie appear in America’s very first cookbook, Amelia Simmons’ "American Cookery", which was published in 1796.

1

Double title

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Holding an important office is a tremendous honor, but it can also be a stressful experience, right? Well, imagine not only serving as the President of the United States but also becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court! There has only been one person in the entire history of our country who has held both positions.

We are talking about William H. Taft, who was elected as Theodore Roosevelt's successor and served as President of the United States from 1909 to 1913. But another achievement awaited him a couple of years later: he served as Chief Justice from 1921 to 1930, appointed by President Warren G. Harding.

2

Bill cover

Image: Kenny Eliason

Being featured on the front of a banknote is an honor that only a few have received. Today, we can see Presidents, Founding Fathers, and other important figures from our national history on our banknotes and coins. But did you know that U.S. paper money has also featured Supreme Court Justices?

Yes, that's right! Only two Justices of the Court have had their faces on U.S. bills: John Marshall, whose picture appeared on an early version of the $500 bill, and Salmon P. Chase, who was featured on the $10,000 bill. Today, those bills are no longer in circulation.

3

Wig: yes or no?

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Towards the end of the 18th century, some judges still kept the tradition of wearing the classic white wigs. During the first session of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1790, only one Justice showed up wearing a wig: William Cushing.

Apparently, his fashion choice was not well received. In fact, one story has it that Thomas Jefferson saw him and allegedly said, "For heaven's sake, discard the monstrous wig!" Thus, Jefferson demonstrated his willingness to distance himself from certain European customs.

4

Justice and sportsman

Image: Melissa McGovern

Serving as a Supreme Court Justice is not a job for everyone, nor is being a distinguished sportsman. Surprisingly, there was one man who did both.

Justice Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White, born in Colorado in 1917, was a lawyer, jurist, professional football player, and Supreme Court Justice. Quite a resume, huh?

White became an NFL player in 1938, but his sports career ended in 1940 due to some injuries while playing for the Detroit Lions. A couple of years later, he decided to pursue a law career, and in 1962, he became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court after being nominated by none other than John F. Kennedy.

5

Better late than never

Image: Tim Mossholder

The U.S. Supreme Court didn't have its own fully functional building until 1935. That means the Justices operated in different locations for 145 years!

The first session of the Court, in 1790, was held in New York City at the Royal Exchange Building. Later, the Court met in Philadelphia's Independence Hall until 1800, when it finally moved to Washington, D.C. However, the capital city at that time didn't have a designated building for the Highest Court, so its members met in different spaces within the Capitol Building, even in the basement!

In the early 1930s, construction on the current Supreme Court building finally began.

6

The Highest

Image: Edgar Chaparro

When someone says "The Highest Court of the Land," they're clearly referring to the Supreme Court. However, it seems there's another "Highest Court" that many of us haven't heard of before.

Located on the fifth floor of the Supreme Court building, you can find another court: a basketball court. Since it's literally on the highest floor, the Justices playfully call it "The Highest Court of the Land." Working is important, but so is exercising!

7

Many appointees

Image: Ben Noble

Among their many other tasks and duties, U.S. presidents are also responsible for nominating justices to the Supreme Court. These nominees must then undergo the Senate confirmation process before they officially become justices.

Throughout U.S. history, some presidents have appointed more justices than others. Want to know who appointed the most? That was George Washington, with a total of 11 justices! The second place goes to Franklin D. Roosevelt, with 9 justices during his time in office. In third place, though a bit further back, is Andrew Jackson, who appointed 6 justices to the Supreme Court.

8

The youngest

Image: Bermix Studio

Among the many names that have served on the Supreme Court, some have stood out for different reasons. That is the case of Joseph Story, who was officially the Court's youngest appointee, nominated by President James Madison in 1811. How old was he? Just 32! Despite his young age, Story served as a justice for 34 years and contributed to our country's justice in many ways.

Most Supreme Court justices reach their positions with a lot of experience, often between the ages of 50 and 55, around 20 years older than the young Story.

9

A long-standing tradition

Image: Constantin Wenning

Have you heard of the famous "conference handshake"? This tradition has been part of the Supreme Court for many, many years. Do you want to know its origin and what it is all about?

The conference handshake is a long-standing practice where the justices of the Court literally shake hands with each other before taking their seats.

This custom originated at the end of the 19th century, and one of its promoters was Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller. From its beginnings, the greeting was intended to demonstrate that, while they may have differences, the justices must ensure harmony and respect above everything else.

10

Quill pens

Image: Pierre Bamin

The black robes and the handshakes are not the only traditions at the Supreme Court. There is another longstanding custom that continues to this day.

Whenever an attorney presents an oral argument before the Supreme Court for the first time, they are gifted a fancy quill pen. That's a nice and thoughtful gesture, don't you think?

This gift symbolizes the importance of their role and their responsibilities. Many choose to keep the quill pen as a souvenir that reminds them of a crucial step in their careers.

1

Construction costs that’d make your wallet faint

Image: Jaime Labra

Back in 1912, the Titanic cost $7.5 million to build, and if you're wondering what that’d be today, it’d be over $400 million. That’s more than some sports stadiums! It took nearly three years to complete and was one of the most extravagant ships ever made.

2

Yes, there were dogs

Image: Yuki Dog

As it turns out, the Titanic wasn’t just for people. At least 12 dogs came along for the ride , lounging in a special first-class kennel. There was even a dog show scheduled for the morning of April 15. Sadly, only three tiny dogs survived, all small enough to sneak onto lifeboats tucked in coats or handbags.

3

The band really did play on

Image: Parizan Studio

Wallace Hartley, the bandleader, went down in history, and with his violin! His group kept playing as chaos unfolded around them, trying to calm passengers with music, just like the movie portrays. He didn’t make it, but his violin was found intact and later sold at an auction for $1.7 million!

4

A pocket watch frozen in time

Image: Otto Hyytiälä

The violin was not the only treasure found. Sidney Sedunary was a young steward whose pocket watch stopped ticking at exactly 1:50 a.m. , just before the ship went under. He was last seen handing out lifejackets to third-class passengers. That same watch, rusted but intact, still tells his story.

5

A survivor with frostbitten legs and Olympic dreams

Image: Shep McAllister

Richard Norris Williams spent six hours in icy water, and doctors on the rescue ship wanted to amputate his legs. He refused . And you may think he was crazy to do so, but thank God he did! He went on to win a Wimbledon title and an Olympic gold medal. How crazy is that?

6

Finding the Titanic by accident

Image: Karl Callwood

In 1985, oceanographer Robert Ballard found the Titanic wreck. But that was just an accident ; he was actually sent by the Navy to look for two lost nuclear submarines and used the Titanic as a cover story.

7

Dishes still stacked neatly on the ocean floor

Image: Jannet Serhan

When explorers visited the Titanic wreck in 1986, they found plates still stacked like someone had just finished doing the dishes. Turns out, the wooden cabinet they were in rotted away , leaving the china perfectly arranged on the sea floor. It’s as eerie as fascinating, considering the many years that passed.

8

The ship is rusting away

Image: NOAA

And speaking of the amount of time the Titanic has been underwater, we have to say that nature is reclaiming the Titanic bit by bit. A newly discovered bacterium is literally eating the ship. Scientists estimate it could disappear completely in 20 to 30 years. The latest expeditions have already shown evidence that pieces that were previously there are gone. So… the clock's ticking.

9

No photos of the grand staircase?

Image: Maria Orlova

You’ve probably seen images of the Titanic’s beautiful grand staircase. We’re sorry to disappoint, but they’re not of the Titanic . They’re from her sister ship, the Olympic. No one thought to take a picture of the real deal before the maiden voyage. And they definitely didn’t think of doing it while it happened!

10

Milton Hershey almost boarded

Image: Janne Simoes

If the name rings a bell, that’s because it’s the same Hershey from the chocolate you love. The man behind Hershey’s chocolate bars almost booked a room on the Titanic . He even wrote a $300 deposit check (big money back then!). But business delayed him, and he skipped the trip. Who do we thank for that?

11

The baker who survived two hours in icy water

Image: Maxim Hopman

Here’s a fascinating fact: Charles Joughin, the Titanic’s chief baker, survived one of the worst parts of the sinking: the freezing Atlantic water. He was reportedly treading water for two hours before rescue. Wanna know how he made it? He had been sipping whiskey to face his fate, and the alcohol in his blood kept him warm enough to survive.

12

The last lunch menu went for a tasty sum

Image: Zoshua Colah

In 2015, a copy of Titanic’s last first-class lunch menu sold for $88,000 . That’s one pricey memento. The menu included grilled mutton chops, chicken à la Maryland, and corned ox tongue. Safe to say lunch on the Titanic wasn’t your average sandwich and chips.