1

Desert Blaze

Image: Manda Hansen

The Mojave Desert spans California, Nevada, and Arizona and is home to Death Valley, where the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F in 1913. Despite these hostile conditions, the region still hosts a great diversity of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises, all adapted to survive with minimal water.

The desert’s extreme heat and arid landscape are also home to unique flora such as the Joshua tree, which thrives in spite of the poor soil and dry air.

2

Arctic Frontier

Image: Yuval Zukerman

Alaska's tundra is a cold desert with freezing temperatures and long winters. Permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground, covers much of this region, making habitation challenging. However, beneath the ice lies a wealth of natural resources, including vast oil reserves.

During the summer—due to its latitude—the tundra experiences 24-hour daylight, known as the "midnight sun," though the landscape remains largely frozen and treeless. Wildlife, including caribou, arctic foxes, and polar bears, have adapted to survive these extreme conditions.

3

Rocky Peaks

Image: Joshua Woroniecki

The Rockies feature a high-altitude alpine climate, where temperatures drop with elevation, often resulting in snowfall even in the middle of summer. Hikers and tourists from all over the world come to this region to appreciate the striking mountains and its beautiful forests.

These snow-covered peaks are also a crucial part of America’s water supply, as the snowpack feeds major rivers like the Colorado River that provide drinking water to millions in the Southwest.

4

Great Plains Winds

Image: Raychel Sanner

Stretching across the center of the country, the Great Plains is known for its fierce winds and severe weather, particularly tornadoes. Tornado Alley, which covers states like Kansas and Oklahoma, experiences more tornadoes than anywhere else in the world, thanks to the collision of warm Gulf air and cold Arctic fronts.

The region’s semi-arid climate also makes it prone to droughts, as seen during the infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Despite these harsh conditions, the Plains are known as America’s breadbasket, producing massive amounts of wheat, corn, and soybeans that feed the whole nation.

5

Humid South

Image: Michael Sanchez

The Southeast’s humid subtropical climate means long, hot summers with high humidity levels, often reaching over 90%. Frequent thunderstorms and hurricanes are also common in this area, with states like Florida and Louisiana bearing the brunt of some of the most powerful storms in U.S. history, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The warm and wet environment fosters lush and thick vegetation where cypress trees, Spanish moss, and dense wetlands create unique ecosystems. The region is also known for its rich diversity of wildlife, which includes alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species.

6

California Sunshine

Image: Spencer DeMera

Southern California's Mediterranean climate features mild winters and hot, dry summers, with Los Angeles receiving an average of just 15 inches of rain annually. This climate has made the area a global hub for agriculture, especially in the Central Valley, where crops like almonds, avocados, and citrus thrive.

The sunny weather also makes California a popular tourist destination, attracting millions to its beaches and outdoor activities. However, this climate also brings challenges, such as frequent droughts and devastating wildfires that can sweep across the dry landscape.

7

Pacific Northwest Rain

Image: Dave Hoefler

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its temperate rainforests, with areas like the Hoh Rainforest receiving over 140 inches of rain annually. This constant rainfall supports some of the largest and oldest trees in the country, including towering Douglas firs and redwoods.

While the cool air and consistent moisture nourish its rainforests, it also contributes to cloudy skies that block sunlight for much of the year. This prolonged overcast weather is linked to a high incidence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as the lack of sunlight affects mood and energy levels for many residents.

8

Tropical Keys

Image: Hector Falcon

The Florida Keys are one of the only regions of the U.S. with true tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and rainy and dry seasons rather than the traditional four seasons. Key West, the southernmost point in the country, never experiences freezing temperatures, making it a popular escape during the colder months.

While the tropical breezes make for a laid-back island vibe, the area is also vulnerable to hurricanes, which have historically caused significant damage. Yet, the Keys’ coral reefs, the only living coral barrier reef in the U.S., attract divers from all over the world to explore its colorful marine life.

9

Appalachian Fog

Image: Rachel Davis

The Appalachian Mountains have a temperate climate with heavy rainfall, often shrouded in fog, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains. But the iconic fog of this region isn’t just moisture; it’s actually caused by volatile organic compounds released by the dense forests. These compounds then mix with moisture and sunlight, creating the characteristic blue-tinged haze that gives the Smokies their name.

This consistent moisture also supports the rich biodiversity of the region. The thick forests, often cloaked in mist, provide an ideal environment for countless plant and animal species, making it one of North America's most ecologically diverse areas.

10

New England Winters

Image: Robert Thiemann

New England’s cold, snowy winters have been immortalized in literature and art, and it’s no wonder—states like Maine and Vermont regularly see seasonal snowfalls exceeding 100 inches!

Blizzards and nor’easters are common, with storms bringing fierce winds and heavy snow, sometimes leaving towns isolated for days. The region’s long winters are perfect for skiing, and it is home to some of the oldest ski resorts in America, such as Stowe in Vermont.

1

Dance marathons

Image: Ardian Lumi

Dancing has always been a praised activity for having some fun and passing the time. It’s simple and requires nothing but a music-playing device. So, back in the ‘20s, people felt the need to find a new twist for this basic entertainment and so they thought making dance marathons was a great idea.

How did they work? The concept was as simple as dancing: Couples would compete to see who could dance the longest all for a shot at cash prizes. But we’re not talking hours here—the contest could last for days! Audiences watched in fascination (and a bit of morbid curiosity, we might add) as exhausted dancers pushed their bodies to the limit. Remember, this was a time when missing out on a chance for quick money and a bit of fun was not a possibility!

2

Flagpole sitting

Image: Jonathan Simcoe

We don’t know if he was trying to break a record or if he just needed some alone time, but after Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly climbed atop a flagpole in 1924 and stayed there for over 13 hours, a new fad was born: flagpole sitting.

And speaking of basic trends, this is exactly as you read it: People all over America were climbing up and sitting on flagpoles to see how long they could stay up there. We can all agree that these people were after entertainment and a bit of competition. And it got so serious the record eventually stretched to an astonishing 49 days!

By the 1930s, though, the thrill wore off and the fad faded, but the absurdity of it all remains—and earned it a spot on this list!

3

Stickball and stoopball

Image: Jeremy Stewardson

Sports today are no longer just about playing the game. For most of them, you need a lot of equipment, which is rather expensive, especially if you’re going to use it in the streets with your friends from the block.

Back in the ‘20s, baseball equipment was hard to come by. As a result, American kids in crowded urban areas came up with their own inventive versions of the game: stickball and stoopball. The fun behind this trend? Using whatever they had on hand to play: Broomsticks for bats, rubber balls, and parked cars or stoops as bases. The games required nothing more than creativity and a few friends. And no one can deny—the 1920s were indeed a creative time!

4

Johnny on a pony

Image: freestocks

This is a trend that started in the 1940s, and the names used for this game are simply hilarious: "Strong horses, weak donkeys," "Hunch, Cuddy, Hunch," just to name a few.

Johnny on a Pony, or Buck Buck, was a rough-and-tumble game in which one team bent over to form a "horse" while the other team took turns jumping on their backs, trying to knock them over .

You may think this was innocent, but not quite—it was chaotic, sometimes painful, and, more often than not, left participants in a pile of tangled limbs.

Kids do not care for those things, but the game’s physical nature made it exhilarating and dangerous at the same time. That’s why, eventually, concerned parents and schools stepped in and banned it—one too many injuries to keep it going!

5

Drive-In movie theaters

Image: Tim Mossholder

Movie theaters are great, but drive-in movie theaters are even better—they were the ultimate fusion of America’s love for cars and entertainment.

The first official drive-in theater opened in 1933, and it was an alternative for families to a fun and affordable night out under the night sky, watching a movie from the comfort of their car . No wonder this quickly became a beloved American pastime. And you can already imagine whose favorite this was: Teens and young couples, who enjoyed the privacy of their cars while watching the latest films of the time.

The trend slowly faded as film rentals became more popular, and later with the rise of streaming platforms. However, keep an eye out for this one, because it’s definitely making a comeback!

6

Miniature golf

Image: Will Porada

Some may argue that the fad behind miniature golf never actually died, and that’s partially true. But let’s go back to the time it first appeared and all the craze that erupted around it.

It wasn’t until Garnet Carter opened his "Tom Thumb" golf course in 1927 that miniature golf became a true sensation . Located in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Carter’s course wasn’t just about putting greens; it also featured miniature goblins, gnomes, and other fun obstacles for players.

We don’t know if he knew this would be so successful, but Carter went all in: He patented the design, and it hit the jackpot—miniature golf became a nationwide success.

7

Hood ornaments

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Funny thing about the past: You didn’t always need to be extravagant to be trendy—sometimes, just a tiny ornament on your car was enough.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, no car was complete without a stylish hood ornament adorning its radiator . At first, these ornaments were designed to check on the engine temperature. But they soon evolved into artistic expressions of each brand to showcase wealth and personality.

We all recognize the winged goddess or the jaguar jumping out of the car, right?

However, this trend didn’t last long. As car designs modernized and safety became a concern, hood ornaments became less common, and eventually, all but disappeared. If you see a car with one of these today, you can bet it’s worth more than one can get in a lifetime!

8

Kilroy was here

Image: Richard Cohrs

There are two generations: One is looking for Waldo, and the other is looking for Kilroy. Which one do you belong to? Now, if you’re wondering who Kilroy is, let us tell you.

Kilroy was a doodle, and the complete drawing consisted of Kilroy and a message that read "Kilroy Was Here." This graffiti popped up just about everywhere during World War II.

The doodle, featuring a bald, long-nosed figure peeking over a wall, was a symbol of American presence and humor. It’s said that Kilroy was originally the work of James J. Kilroy, a shipyard inspector who scrawled it on equipment he inspected.

But that was just the beginning—the drawing spread to every corner of the globe. Have you ever come across one?

9

Swing dancing

Image: Clarisse Meyer

Few things are as time-sensitive and culturally reflective of an era, don’t you think? In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s and 1930s, the dance that dominated every dance floor was swing . And it makes perfect sense—this was the Jazz Age, so swing dancing perfectly matched the exuberance of that music!

Dances like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Jitterbug took over dance halls, with young people spinning, jumping, and flipping to the infectious rhythm of big bands.

Older generations sometimes frowned upon the flashy, intimate dance styles, but that only made them more appealing to rebellious youth. Some things never change!

10

Stamp collecting

Image: Tolga deniz Aran

Philately is the collection of stamps or the study of them, and it became a fad across the United States during the 1920s and the ‘30s. Why? Here is the reason.

Stamps offered people a way to explore history, geography, and art. They were everyday items, easy to access, and nobody could escape them. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an avid stamp collector. Not that he needed them to learn about history or art—it was just a way to have fun.

Contrary to other trends we have discussed, schools encouraged this hobby, because it was both educational and enjoyable. Collecting stuff is a never-ending trend; there are all kinds of collections today and stamp collections today are almost invaluable!

1

Big Shanty to Kennesaw

Image: Joe Yates

Changing the name was probably a good idea, as "shanty" is not the most flattering description for this suburban city northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County, Georgia. The original name was given in the 1830s when the Western and Atlantic Railroad was built, and shanty towns were established to house the workers . In 1887, the city’s name was changed to Kennesaw.

2

Rough and Ready to Mountain View

Image: Waldemar

A community with an interesting name, for sure, Rough and Ready was originally named after the Rough and Ready Tavern (also known as the Bagley House ), a stagecoach stop on the route from Macon to northern Georgia.

The name changed in 1956 when the community was incorporated as a city. It was renamed Mountain View —a reference to the fact that, on a clear day, Stone Mountain can be seen 20 miles to the east.

3

Terminus to Atlanta

Image: Gary Doughty

Atlanta, Georgia, was once known as Terminus because it served as the final station of a major state-sponsored railroad . However, as time passed, several other railroads converged in the city, the largest being the Western and Atlantic Railroad— from which the name "Atlanta" comes.

4

Idlewild Airport to John F. Kennedy Airport

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Although originally named New York International Airport , the 1948 facility was commonly known as Idlewild Airport . However, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, it was officially renamed as it is today, in his honor.

5

New Amsterdam to New York

Image: Luca Bravo

There was a time when New York was called New Amsterdam. In the 17th century, the Dutch established a settlement at the southern tip of Manhattan Island , serving as the seat of the colonial government in New Netherland . It officially became a city in 1653.

However, when the English took control of New Amsterdam in 1664, they renamed it New York after the Duke of York.

6

Minnehanonck to Blackwell to Welfare to Roosevelt Island

Image: Mason C

The third New York-area entry on our list is an island in the middle of the East River , adjacent to Manhattan. It was originally called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans and later became known as Blackwell’s Island.

In 1921, it was renamed Welfare Island, and in 1973, it was renamed once more in honor of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

7

Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences Hot Springs

Image: Ethan Wright-Magoon

Believe it or not, this town accepted a challenge from the 1950s game show Truth or Consequences to change its name in exchange for hosting the program.

Since then, Hot Springs, New Mexico, has been known as Truth or Consequences Hot Springs.

8

Halfway to Half.com to Halfway

Image: everett mcintire

Another example of a town that changed its name in exchange for a reward is Halfway, Oregon. In the 1990s, as part of a marketing campaign , the town agreed to rename itself "Half.com" for an entire year in return for $110,000 and 20 computers for a local school —all to promote an internet start-up.

9

East and West Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe

Image: Donnie Rosie

The picturesque borough of Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania was once known as East and West Mauch Chunk . However, after Native American sports legend Jim Thorpe passed away, the municipality negotiated a deal with his heirs to become the site of his tomb and rename the town in his honor , hoping to boost tourism.

10

North Tarrytown to Sleepy Hollow

Image: Richard Hedrick

North Tarrytown was the home of American writer Washington Irving , who drew inspiration from the town for his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow .

In 1996, the town officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow , honoring both the writer and the story that brought it worldwide fame.

11

Barrow to Utqiagvik

Image: Alexis Mette

This Arctic Circle city was once known as Barrow , named for its proximity to Point Barrow , America's northernmost point. However, following a referendum approved by residents in 2016, the city's name was officially changed from Barrow to Utqiagvik to better reflect its native roots .

12

Bella Vista to West Pittsburg to Bay Point

Image: Robert Bye

The original name of this community, Bella Vista (meaning "Beautiful View" in Spanish), was changed to West Pittsburg. However, because it was often confused with the western unincorporated section of Pittsburgh, California , the name was revised again in 1993 to Bay Point, reviving a historical name used in the area.