Don’t believe everything
From Washington’s wooden teeth to Plymouth Rock: 12 myths still around
Image: Hartono Creative Studio
American history is filled with stories that are passed down through generations, but not all of them are accurate. Some legends were invented to inspire, others simply to entertain, and many grew from misunderstandings. Let’s take a look at 12 of the most common myths from U.S. history that are still believed to be true by a lot of people.
1
George Washington had wooden teeth
Image: Jon Sailer
When one thinks about this one, it can sound quite preposterous, but many people still believe it to be true. George Washington did wear dentures, but none were made of wood. His sets were crafted from ivory, gold, lead, and even animal and human teeth. The wood myth likely spread because stained ivory took on a rough, brown look .
The story stuck because it seemed to fit the image of a rustic leader. In truth, Washington’s constant dental pain was very real, but the wooden teeth are pure fiction.
2
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4
Image: The New York Public Library
Yes, July 4, 1776, is remembered as the day America declared independence, but most delegates did not sign the document then. It was approved that day, yet the majority of signatures were added on August 2 .
Only John Hancock and perhaps a handful of others signed on the Fourth. The legend of all the Founders signing together created a more dramatic story than reality.
3
The first Thanksgiving had turkey and pie
Image: Noah Samuel Franz
The 1621 gathering in Plymouth is remembered as a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. In reality, the menu was very different. Venison, fish, shellfish, corn, and nuts were likely served instead .
Turkey may have been present, but it wasn’t the centerpiece, and sweet pumpkin pie was impossible without sugar or ovens. The foods we associate today were added later by tradition.
4
The Liberty Bell cracked on July 4, 1776
Image: Dan Mall
Many believe the Liberty Bell cracked while celebrating independence on July 4, 1776, but it didn’t. The bell wasn’t even rung that day, and its famous fracture appeared decades later .
Records suggest the crack happened in the 1830s or 1840s during use at civic events. The legend tied the crack to 1776 because it made for a more patriotic tale.
5
Paul Revere shouted "The British are coming!"
Image: brianfakhoury
Paul Revere’s midnight ride is legendary, but the famous phrase attributed to him is not. He likely warned townspeople, "The Regulars are out," since most colonists still thought of themselves as British.
The dramatic version was added later to make the story more exciting. Revere’s actual mission was successful, but it didn’t involve shouting through the countryside.
6
Colonial Americans were short
Image: James Coleman
It’s often said that colonial Americans were much shorter than people today, but that’s an exaggeration. Skeletal evidence shows the average man in the 1700s was about 5’8", not far from modern averages .
Malnutrition was less severe in America than in Europe at the time. The myth spread from comparing old, small doorways and beds, which were not actually built for shorter people.
7
The pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock
Image: Bernd 📷 Dittrich
The story that the Pilgrims stepped onto Plymouth Rock in 1620 has no basis in fact. No historical accounts from the time mention it.
The tale was first told more than a century later, likely to create a symbolic landmark. The rock is real, but its role in the landing is pure invention to add drama to history .
8
Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity with a kite
Image: Brett Wharton
Benjamin Franklin’s 1752 kite experiment is well-known, but he didn’t "discover" electricity. Scientists had known about it for years. His test demonstrated that lightning was a form of electricity . So, somewhat similar but not the same.
The story became simplified over time into a myth of sudden discovery. Franklin’s real contribution was proving a connection, not inventing the concept.
9
The Alamo defenders fought to the last man
Image: Gabriel Tovar
The legend of the Alamo says every defender fought to the bitter end in 1836. While most did die, accounts suggest some may have surrendered and were executed afterward .
The truth is more complicated than the heroic version. Still, the myth of total sacrifice became central to Texas identity and American lore.
10
Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address on an envelope
Image: Forest Simon
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is often said to have been scribbled quickly on the back of an envelope. In reality, he drafted several careful versions of the speech in advance .
The "envelope" tale was later invented to emphasize his brilliance and spontaneity. The truth shows Lincoln was thoughtful and deliberate, not hurried.
11
Gunfights were really common in the Wild West
Image: Stefan Münz
Popular film and TV shows depict the Wild West as lawless and violent, with constant gun duels. In fact, frontier towns often had strict laws banning guns inside city limits .
Shootouts like those in movies were rare events, not daily life. The myth grew from dime novels and later Hollywood Westerns that exaggerated violence.
12
A cow started the Chicago Fire
Image: Daniel Quiceno M
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was long blamed on Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern. This story was published in newspapers and stuck in public memory.
Historians now know the cause was never proven . The cow tale unfairly tarnished the O’Leary family (and the cow itself), but it became a convenient explanation for a devastating disaster.
