1

John F. Kennedy

In October 1962, Kennedy faced the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tense standoff after the Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles just off U.S. shores. Rather than escalating things, he chose careful diplomacy and a naval blockade , and the crisis was resolved without conflict.

In that same era, Kennedy set a bold goal: landing a man on the Moon by the decade's end . Americans rallied behind the space race, and in 1969, Apollo 11 fulfilled its vision, giving the country a shared moment of pride and wonder.

2

Ronald Reagan

Throughout the 1980s, Reagan pursued a policy mixing firm diplomacy with a strong national defense, which helped ease tensions with the Soviet Union as the Cold War wound down. His approach is often credited with helping set the stage for its peaceful conclusion .

At home, Reagan pushed through major tax cuts and economic reforms aimed at boosting growth. Supporters felt renewed optimism about the economy, while the changes also sparked debate that still echoes in political conversations today.

3

Abraham Lincoln

During the 1860s, Lincoln worked to hold the nation together through one of its most difficult chapters. His steady leadership focused on preserving the Union at a time when the country's future felt genuinely uncertain.

In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation , declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free. It was a defining step toward a more just nation, and it remains one of the most celebrated moments in American history.

4

Richard Nixon

In 1972, Nixon made a surprising move by traveling to China, opening diplomatic relations with a nation the U.S. had largely avoided for decades. It was a bold gesture that few expected from him.

The visit reshaped American foreign policy, and the diplomatic and trade ties it opened continue today, even as the relationship between the two countries has had its share of ups and downs over the years. At the time, many Americans were struck by the historic television images of Nixon walking along the Great Wall.

5

Franklin D. Roosevelt

In the 1930s, facing the Great Depression, Roosevelt introduced the New Deal , a set of programs designed to create jobs and rebuild the economy. It gave many struggling families a renewed sense of hope.

He later guided the nation through most of World War II, providing steady leadership during a difficult stretch. Many Americans came to see him as a reassuring, fatherly figure during uncertain times.

6

George Washington

As the nation's very first president, starting in 1789, Washington had no roadmap to follow. He had to figure out, from scratch, how the role should actually work.

He set lasting precedents, including the two-term tradition and a peaceful transfer of power. People admired his humility and restraint, and his example continues to shape how Americans think a president should lead .

7

Thomas Jefferson

In 1803, Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase , buying a massive stretch of land from France for roughly three cents an acre. It was one of the best real estate deals in history.

The purchase doubled the size of the United States overnight, opening the door to westward expansion. Many Americans were thrilled by the sudden growth, though it also raised new questions about constitutional limits and how the growing nation would handle its new territory.

8

Harry S. Truman

As World War II wound down in 1945, Truman stepped into leadership during an enormous transition. He then turned his attention to helping Europe recover from years of hardship.

His Marshall Plan sent aid to rebuild European economies, a move widely seen as generous and forward-thinking. It helped foster goodwill abroad and positioned the U.S. as a steady partner on the world stage .

9

Dwight D. Eisenhower

In 1956, Eisenhower championed the creation of the Interstate Highway System , inspired partly by the efficient roadways he'd seen while serving in Europe years earlier. It was a massive undertaking.

The new highways transformed how Americans traveled, shipped goods, and even planned vacations. Road trips became a beloved pastime, and the system remains one of the most visible legacies of any president.

10

Theodore Roosevelt

In the early 1900s, Roosevelt became a passionate champion of conservation, alarmed by how quickly natural landscapes were disappearing. He believed future generations deserved to enjoy them too.

He protected millions of acres, establishing national parks and forests still cherished today. Outdoor enthusiasts of his time praised him warmly, and his legacy lives on every time someone visits a national park.

1

Abigail Adams

Image: Christian Schussele, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Women in the 1770s were not supposed to be concerned about politics. But Abigail Adams, wife of the second president of the United States, talked and wrote about politics with extraordinary insight. She was one of the earliest supporters of independence, and her ideas influenced the Founding Fathers.

Often ill as a child, Abigail educated herself in her father’s library. Her studies prepared her for a life of public service in which she fought for freedom from England and women’s rights, and stood firmly against slavery. She even wrote the famous "Remember the ladies" letter 150 years before women were allowed to vote. Abigail’s influence over John Adams was so great that some rival politicians nicknamed her "Mrs. President."

2

Mary Katherine Goddard

Image: Thomas Jefferson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mary Katherine Goddard was the director of the Baltimore Post Office and one of the world's first female publishers. Her greatest contribution to the Revolution, however, was the printing of the first copy of the Declaration of Independence that included the names of all signatories.

During the war, she ran the Providence Gazette and Maryland Journal , two newspapers that actively supported the American patriots' efforts. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman trying to make her way in a male-dominated society, Mary Katherine Goddard left an invaluable legacy as a pioneering woman in journalism and federal government work.

3

​​Martha Washington

Image: Billy Hathorn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

During her lifetime, she was known as Lady Washington, but Martha Dandridge Custis Washington will always be remembered as the first in a long line of first ladies of the United States. Martha married George Washington in 1759 and would be by his side in private and public life, even joining him on the battlefield.

While Washington was in office, Martha was in charge of the Presidential galas held to entertain members of the administration and foreign dignitaries. Although at that time she had no official duties or title, her warm temperament and classy poise laid the foundations for a key role that continues to this day.

4

Esther de Berdt Reed

Image: National Portrait Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Even though Esther was born and raised in England, she sided with her husband, an aide to General Washington, in the American fight for independence. Five years into the war, Esther felt it was time for women to support the Continental troops in a more active way.

Esther's group, the Philadelphia Association, went door to door to ask for contributions. They ended up raising a large sum of money, which they used to supply soldiers in desperate need of provisions. Eventually, they stitched over 2,000 shirts by hand. Esther's vision and the group's dedicated efforts helped remind the men fighting the American Revolutionary War how much they were appreciated.

5

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Image: Ralph Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Hamilton, sometimes called "Eliza" or "Betsey," was the daughter of one of New York State's wealthiest and most politically influential families. In 1780, Eliza married Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. During their more than 20 years of marriage, she helped Hamilton write his letters and newspaper contributions and accompanied him on numerous historic events.

Strong-willed but caring, Eliza would devote her long widowhood to charity, helping to found New York's first private orphanage. In addition, she worked tirelessly to spread her husband's legacy and ensure that Hamilton had the place he deserved in American history.

6

Patience Lovell Wright

Image: William Faden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that during the American Revolutionary War, the Patriots had an American spy in the heart of King George's court? More interestingly, it was a woman! Famous for molding incredible wax sculptures, Patience Lovell Wright had to move to England after her New York studio caught fire.

Her friend, Benjamin Franklin, introduced her to London society. Soon enough, word of her talent reached King George III, who invited her to Buckingham Palace. But she remained loyal to her "dear America," as she called it, and when trouble started back home, Patience decided she could help America's fight for independence by providing decisive information her prominent clients revealed while posing for her.

7

Mercy Otis Warren

Image: John Singleton Copley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

At a time when women were expected not to air their views on political issues, Mercy Otis Warren was a poet, playwright, and activist.

During the American Revolution, Warren not only maintained a close relationship with leading political figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, but she also became a historian and outspoken commentator, as well as the leading female intellectual of the early republic.

8

Penelope Barker

Image: Attributed to Philip Dawe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 18th century, women had no public outlet to express their convictions or to take a stand. Rebellion was considered men's business. Yet, the courageous Penelope Barker proved to everyone that women could contribute a great deal to the efforts for independence.

In 1774, in Edenton, North Carolina, a group of fifty-one women signed a declaration by Penelope, stating they would not drink tea or wear clothes made in England. The British press called it the "Edenton Tea Party" and ridiculed them. But soon enough, women all over the colonies were boycotting British products. Thanks to Penelope Barker's declaration, every woman in America discovered a smart and original way to rebel against the colonists.

9

Mary Norris Dickinson

Image: Prateek Katyal

The daughter of wealthy Pennsylvania Quakers, Mary Norris Dickinson was well-educated and owned one of the largest libraries in the colonies. She believed in a life without violence and in equal rights for men and women, ideas that she did not shy away from voicing in public to the dismay of some more conservative individuals.

For her fundamental role in political thought, influence on other women, and involvement in events related to the Constitutional Convention, the wife of Founding Father John Dickinson definitely deserves her place in history.

10

Phillis Wheatley

Image: Phillis Wheatley, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brought to America as a slave, Phillis Wheatley became the first African-American author. Her poems celebrated learning and virtue and described a yearning for freedom. She also wrote a number of patriotic verses on subjects like the peace treaty of 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War.

Her most famous piece was a poem to George Washington, in which she refers to him as "first in peace." The poem was published several times during the war to promote the Patriot cause, and Washington liked it so much that he asked to meet her. A true patriot and later a symbol for the abolition of slavery, Phillis Wheatley will always be known as a key contributor to freedom.

1

"Mad tight"

Image: Andre Benz

Where it is used: New Jersey / New York

In the Northeastern U.S., particularly in New Jersey and New York, "mad tight" is used to describe something that's very cool or impressive. For example, "That concert was mad tight!" This usage reflects the region's tendency to intensify expressions for emphasis.

2

"Lagniappe"

Image: Joe Lavigne

Where it is used: Louisiana

In Louisiana, "lagniappe" refers to a little something extra, often given as a bonus. A French Creole term derived from a Quechua word, this quirky expression reflects the state’s rich cultural blend and tradition of generous hospitality.

3

"Bless your heart"

Image: Dani Guitarra

Where it is used: Southern United States

In the South, "bless your heart" can be a genuine expression of sympathy or, depending on the tone, a polite way to say someone is naive. This phrase highlights the region's emphasis on politeness and layered communication.

4

"Pop"

Image: Troy Coroles

Where it is used: Midwest and parts of the Northeast

In many Midwestern and Northeastern states, "pop" is the preferred term for a carbonated soft drink. Conversely, in the South, "coke" is commonly used to refer to any type of soda, regardless of brand.

5

"Spodie"

Image: wes lewis

Where it is used: Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Seattle, a "spodie" is an outdoor high school party where attendees share a large container of mixed alcohol and sugary drinks.

6

"Wicked"

Image: Venti Views

Where it is used: New England

In New England, especially in Massachusetts, "wicked" is used as an intensifier, meaning very . For example, "It's wicked cold outside." This usage is a distinctive feature of the New England dialect.

7

"Fixin' to"

Image: Adiel Gavish

Where it is used: Southern United States

In the South, "fixin' to" means preparing to do something soon. For instance, "I'm fixin' to go to the store."

8

"Hella"

Image: Scott Webb

Where it is used: Northern California

In Northern California, particularly in the Bay Area, "hella" is used to mean a lot or very. For example, "That party was hella fun." While scholars aren’t certain whether it originated as a contraction of "hell of a" or from the similarly used word "hellacious," it remains a hallmark of local vernacular.

9

"Y'all"

Image: Helena Lopes

Where it is used: Southern United States

"Y'all" is a contraction of "you all" and is commonly used in the South to address a group. It's a defining feature of Southern speech and culture.

10

"Jawn"

Image: Heidi Kaden

Where it is used: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Jawn" is a versatile term from Philadelphia that can refer to anything —a person, place, or thing. For instance, "Pass me that jawn over there." According to some sources, it originated as a slang pronunciation of the word "joint" in African American Vernacular English.