1

Chimichangas

Image: Pedro Gil

What do you mean it’s not a Mexican dish? The name sounds Mexican!" While two Mexican-American restaurants—one in Tucson and the other in Phoenix—dispute the authorship of this dish, one thing is certain: it originated in the United States, more specifically in Arizona .

Today, chimichangas— a stuffed burrito fried in oil or butter —are one of America’s favorite dishes. And although they could never have existed without the culinary influence of our southern neighbor, we also had a lot to do with their creation.

2

Chop suey

Image: Albert Stoynov

There are many theories about the origin of this popular dish, but one of the most widespread is particularly intriguing. According to lore, chop suey was invented in 1896 by the cook of the Chinese ambassador to the United States . Apparently, the diplomat, who was hosting a dinner for American guests, instructed the chef to prepare a dish that would appeal to both Eastern and Western palates.

While there is no dispute that similar dishes exist in Asian cuisine, this particular moment of cultural and culinary exchange is said to have sparked the American public's fascination with Asian flavors . Soon after, Chinese restaurants began to proliferate across the country, with chop suey as their signature dish.

3

Russian dressing

Image: Rachel Claire

Did you know that nobody in Russia has ever seasoned their salad with Russian dressing? It doesn't exist there! This popular condiment is a completely American invention. It’s believed to have been created by a New Hampshire butcher in the early 20th century , who originally called it "Russian mayonnaise." Interestingly, he had no known ties to Russia, so it is unclear why he chose that name.

Perhaps the answer lies in one of the dressing’s original ingredients: black caviar, one of Russia’s most famous exports . Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know the full story. One thing is certain, though—Russian dressing was born in the United States!

4

Chili con carne

Image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545433243-0a87e3fed9b4?q=80&w=1470&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D

Okay, chili may sound like a traditional Mexican dish, but this meaty version, chili con carne , was actually created in South Texas in the late 19th century . Not only did it feature added animal protein, but one of the key ingredients often associated with chili today—beans—was originally left out.

Chili con carne quickly became a national favorite. Families across the country began experimenting with their own versions, and soon, nearly every state had its own take on the dish . But nothing quite compares to the original Texan chili—the one that started it all!

5

Fortune cookies

Image: hannahlouise123

If you asked someone where fortune cookies come from, they’d probably say China. After all, they’re the quintessential treat served at Chinese restaurants around the world. But surprisingly, fortune cookies were invented in the United States —and they’re not even Chinese !

They were first created in the early 20th century in San Francisco , one of the American cities with the largest Asian immigrant populations. Even more surprisingly, they were invented by a Japanese man as a gesture of gratitude to the mayor who had hired him as a designer. He was inspired by a Kyoto tradition called omikuji , which involves offering a treat that contains a random fortune written on a slip of paper.

After World War II, many Chinese entrepreneurs took over Japanese bakeries in the Bay Area, helping to spread the cookie's popularity—and contributing to the common misconception about their origin.

6

Cuban sandwich

Image: Conor Brown

Despite its name, the Cuban sandwich originated in the Cuban-American communities of Ybor City, Key West , and Plant City , Florida , in the early 20th century. It later became popular in Miami and other American cities with large Cuban populations.

Interestingly, the ingredients vary from place to place. What all versions share, however, is Cuban bread —similar to a French baguette but made with slightly different ingredients and a unique baking method. So, is this bread authentically Cuban? Not exactly. It was actually created alongside the sandwich, right here in the United States!

7

German chocolate cake

Image: BraggsDiner

Despite its name, German chocolate cake has no culinary ties to Germany, nor is it named in honor of the country. In fact, it takes its name from Samuel German , a confectioner who, in the mid-1850s, developed a type of baking chocolate for the Baker's Chocolate Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

A century later, a recipe using German’s Sweet Chocolate appeared in the Dallas Morning News and became an instant hit among homemakers. Before long, Baker's Chocolate sales soared, marking a strong comeback for German's baking bar. Today, German chocolate cake is an American classic —and now you know its true origin!

8

Spaghetti and meatballs

Image: Ivy Farm

You probably thought this dish was authentically Italian your whole life. Well, we hate to break it to you, but spaghetti and meatballs are a hundred percent American invention, though it is, to be fair, a product of early 20th-century Italian immigration.

Meatballs were likely inspired by Italian polpette , a stew made of small balls of breadcrumbs mixed with meat or fish. However, in the Old World, polpette was never served with pasta and marinara sauce; it was a dish on its own. When Italian immigrants discovered how easy it was to buy beef in America, they began incorporating it into many dishes. And thank goodness they did!

9

Garlic bread

Image: Mariana Kurnyk

Another food with Italian influences but created in the United States is garlic bread. A staple of Italian restaurants, this side dish was introduced by immigrants who were likely trying to emulate the famous bruschetta .

However, they ran into an obstacle that led to the invention of something totally new—but just as delicious. Olive oil, so abundant in the mother country, was scarce and difficult to obtain in America. Therefore, they resorted to an ingredient found in abundance here: butter . And the rest is history!

10

Vichyssoise

Image: Julia Kicova

With such a name, you might think this dish is purely French! Well, not exactly. Although it was created by a French-born chef, it was first made in Manhattan, New York. In 1917, feeling a bit homesick for his homeland, Louis Diat, head chef of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, wanted to recreate a potato and leek soup his mother used to make when he was growing up in Montmarault, France.

But there was a problem: it was summer. Finally, he came up with a brilliant idea—to thin down the hot soup with cold milk and cream . He named his invention after Vichy, the famous spa town near his hometown. The dish was an instant hit among the restaurant’s guests, who soon asked for it to be available year-round.

1

Grizzly Bear

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) are one of the most famous North American mammals, but do you know why they are called that? The grizzly bear is a subspecies of the brown bear. However, although grizzlies are mostly brown, their fur can appear white-tipped or grizzled , which explains their name.

The grizzly bear once lived throughout much of the North American West. Unfortunately, the arrival of Europeans gradually drove it from its original habitat, considerably reducing its population. In 1975, they were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and much has been done since then to protect the species. Today, grizzlies can still be found in parts of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and the Alaskan wilderness. They are also one of the most iconic residents of Yellowstone National Park.

2

Gray Wolf

Image: Yannick Menard

We all know that wolves are legendary for their eerie howl, but there are many other interesting facts about this peculiar animal. Gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) are the largest members of the dog family and are native to North America and Eurasia. The size of an adult gray wolf is similar to that of an average dog and it can weigh up to 145 pounds. However, their tracks would outshine those of any dog, as they measure about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide.

Wolves live and hunt in packs of 6 to 10 animals. They are known to travel great distances, even covering 30 miles in a single day. In the United States, gray wolves were hunted to near extinction, although some populations survived and others have since been reintroduced. Today gray wolves can be found in areas such as the Great Lakes states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the northern Rocky Mountains region, and the northwest.

3

North American River Otter

Image: lovelooking

The North American River Otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is a species of semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammal endemic to the North American continent that can be found along the coasts and rivers of the United States and Canada. Because they are very susceptible to environmental pollution, their population has been reduced considerably in recent years.

It is a mostly nocturnal animal, often seen at dusk or dawn. During the day it takes refuge in burrows with an underwater entrance that leads to a nest chamber lined with plant material and hair. North American River Otters are robust (11 to 31 pounds) and feed on fish and other aquatic prey, such as turtles, frogs, and crabs.

4

Red Fox

Image: Jeremy Hynes

The red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) is a species of mammal in the canid family. It is the most abundant fox species in the northern hemisphere and can be found in many national parks across the country. As its name suggests, its fur is reddish in color. The tips of the ears and the ends of the legs, however, are black. They have a bushy tail whose tip is usually white, as is their belly.

Although classified as a carnivore, the red fox is actually an omnivore and, above all, a great opportunist. They are astute, have excellent eyesight, and have a keen sense of smell and hearing. They can hunt prey of a wide variety of sizes, from insects and worms to small mammals, birds, and fish. They also feed on certain vegetables, berries, and fruits.

5

Mountain Lion

Image: Robert Sachowski

The cougar ( Puma concolor ), also known as the mountain lion, is a mammal native to the Americas. These large, tan cats are found from the Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes Mountains and Patagonia in South America. In the United States, mountain lions can be found mainly in the western part of the country. However, because of their solitary nature and constant threats from humans, it is difficult to estimate exact population numbers.

Mountain lions are slender and agile felines that can adapt to different conditions and environments. They are strict carnivores and have extraordinary vision and acute hearing, which allows them to capture almost any animal, from insects to squirrels, beavers, elk, and deer.

6

North American Beaver

Image: kidmoses

Beavers are known to be one of the only animals that can affect the ecosystem around them, building watertight dams that help preserve water in streams and rivers. The North American beaver ( Castor canadensis ) is the largest rodent in North America and one of the largest in the world —it can weigh between 24 and 71 pounds! The species is widely distributed throughout the continent, from northern Canada to northern Mexico.

The North American beaver's coat can range from dark brown to reddish brown, and its most distinctive feature, a flattened paddle-shaped tail, allows it to swim. It is perfectly adapted to semi-aquatic life; its ears and nose have valves that close when submerged, and it can close its lips behind its prominent incisors to cut wood underwater.

7

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Image: Sebastian Coman Travel

The Hawaiian Monk Seal ( Neomonachus schauinslandi ) is a species native to the Hawaiian Islands. With its friendly face and long whiskers, it is perhaps one of the most endearing mammals that can be found in our country. Unfortunately, this seal species is endangered because of the large amount of chemical waste produced by the fishing industry on the reefs and beaches of the northern Pacific Ocean.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is usually solitary but is always seen accompanied by other specimens. It is known to be piscivorous, that is, it feeds mainly on fish and other marine creatures, such as crustaceans and some species of mollusks. Since it is a predator by nature, when hunting it makes the most of its length (approximately 7 feet) and its large body (between 300 to 600 lb) to catch its prey.

8

American Red Squirrel

Image: Rusty Watson

The American red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ) lives in the United States and much of Canada. It is a rodent mammal easily recognized for its deep reddish fur, long bushy tail, and prominent lower teeth. It can be differentiated from other North American squirrel species because of its smaller size, 11 to 14 inches.

American red squirrels normally live in the shady areas of coniferous forests and are primarily granivores. They feed on seeds, pine cones, nuts, fruit, and occasionally insects, eggs, and birds. It is mainly active in trees but also swims freely, using its tail as a rudder to change its direction.

9

Elk

Image: Judy Beth Morris

Elk ( Cervus canadensis ), also known as wapiti in several Native American cultures, is a species of deer that lives in North America, Central and East Asia. Today, most elk in our country are found primarily in the West, especially in mountainous regions such as Wyoming's National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park. Some eastern states have also reintroduced small herds into natural forest areas.

The most prominent feature of elks is their massive antlers. Each March they shed their antlers, which begin to grow back in May to be ready for the breeding season in late summer. During this time the bellowing of the males echoes through the mountains, announcing the violent battles that serve to decide who mates with whom. The males with the largest antlers, usually the oldest, often win these duels and get to dominate the herd.

10

American Bison

Image: Stephen Leonardi

The American bison is a true symbol of American identity. Not only is it the largest mammal in North America, it is also the national mammal of the United States. In addition, it's one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time.

In prehistoric times, there were millions of specimens of American bison ( Bison bison ) roaming our territory. But by the late 19th century, there were only a few hundred left. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of several organizations and individuals, the species was reintroduced and today it can be found in a few national parks and reserves as well as in the wild.

1

Banana duct‑taped to a wall

The world was shocked in 2024 when an infamous piece consisting of a banana stuck to a wall via a piece of tape was sold… for $6.24 million !

The buyer was Justin Sun, a crypto mogul who saw it as a powerful statement of art and cryptocurrency culture. It was the certificate of authenticity he cared for, not the fruit itself.

2

Britney Spears’ chewing gum

Pop stars do drive their fans crazy. Apparently, people are willing to pay any sum for anything they allegedly touched. That was made sufficiently clear when a piece of chewing gum, reportedly chewed by Britney Spears , sold on eBay for $14,000.

3

A Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich

You might remember this story spreading through the internet many years ago. In 2004, a grilled cheese sandwich became famous because someone noticed, halfway through eating it, that it bore the burnt image of the Virgin Mary .

GoldenPalace.com, an online casino notorious for quirky purchases, bought it on eBay for $28,000.

4

Princess Diana’s sweatshirt

How much would you pay for a fleece sweatshirt worn by beloved Princess Diana ? In an auction held in Beverly Hills in 2025, a buyer paid $221,000 for it. The sale of several of her old belongings totaled around $5 million.

5

A ghost town

A ghost town named Buford, Wyoming, was sold for $900,000 in 2012. Its population was one person, and it was nicknamed "the smallest town in America."

The winning bidder was Vietnamese entrepreneur Pham Dinh Nguyen, who purchased the 10-acre hamlet to launch PhinDeli Coffee. It might have all been a very expensive marketing stunt.

6

Wallace Hartley’s Titanic violin

A relic from the Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage fetched a remarkable $1.7 million in 2013. It was the violin that belonged to bandleader Wallace Hartley , who famously played music to calm passengers as the ship sank.

This one is not an odd object, but it shows how much value a well-told story can add!

7

Darth Vader’s mask

Darth Vader’s original screen-worn helmet sold for around $1 million. The iconic mask came up for auction along with several other Star Wars treasures, each piece triggering nostalgic gasps among wealthy fans. Of all the memorabilia sold, this one fetched the highest price .

8

Olivia Newton-John’s jacket and pants from Grease

In a Beverly Hills auction, Olivia Newton-John’s iconic black jacket and pants from the legendary film Grease sold for a cool $405,700. The dark uniform represented the rebellious transformation of her character, Sandy Olsson. Pop culture and movie magic combined!

9

The "Del Monte Note"

Back in 2003, a curious item known as the "Del Monte note" sold on eBay for $10,100. It was a piece of currency featuring a rare, collectible Del Monte label, famous for its canned fruits and vegetables.

What made it stand out was the mystery surrounding the random tag, which intrigued collectors. Another example of an inflated myth summoning a fortune!

10

Lincoln’s last gloves

Dark and gory. In 2025, a pair of white leather gloves worn by Abraham Lincoln the night he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre, sold for $1.52 million at a Chicago auction.

The gloves were the top lot among 144 items aimed at helping the Lincoln Presidential Foundation repay an $8 million loan.