1

The Everest

Image: Martin Jernberg

James Whittaker made history as the first American to achieve one of the most difficult things in the world.

In 1963 , Whittaker, then 34 years old , became the first American to reach the summit of the highest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest , as part of the American Mount Everest Expedition led by Norman Dyhrenfurth.

Facing challenging weather and low temperatures, Seattle-born Whittaker conquered the summit of the Himalayan giant, which stands at 29,035 feet high! Can you picture yourself on such an expedition?

2

The astronauts

Image: NASA

The 1960s definitely transformed history, marking a period when humanity first traveled into outer space. The first American to reach space was Alan Shepard on May 5, 1961 . After a successful flight of 15 minutes and 22 seconds, Shepard's spacecraft splashed down safely in the Atlantic Ocean. Shepard didn’t complete an orbit of Earth on that trip, but John Glenn arrived and became the first American to orbit our planet on February 20, 1962 .

Of course, these amazing achievements were necessary for Neil Armstrong to take his historic step onto the lunar surface on July 20, 1969 , becoming the first American -and the very first human- to do so.

Want to know who was the first American woman in space ? The title went to Sally Ride , who reached outer space in 1983 .

3

The Skyscraper

Image: Pedro Lastra

Yes, skyscrapers dominate the skyline of many cities in our country today. However, there was a time when there were none. And the title of America's first skyscraper went to the Home Insurance Building in Chicago.

Designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney and completed in 1885 , it was the first to use a structural steel frame. Although iconic and unique in its time, it was demolished in 1931 to build what is now the Bank of America Building.

4

The Nobel

Image: caleb weiner

You'll be happy to know that the first Nobel Prize won by an American was in the Peace category. It was awarded to none other than Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 for his role and contribution to ending the Russo-Japanese War.

Roosevelt stood out precisely for inviting representatives from Russia and Japan to a peace conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1905. Of course, the task was not an easy one, but Teddy was determined. His efforts ended in a historic peace agreement known worldwide as The Treaty of Portsmouth.

5

The flight

Image: History in HD

The Wright brothers ' story is one of the most famous. Coming from Dayton, Ohio , these two brothers are credited with inventing the first powered airplane and making the world's first successful flight with it.

But which of them was the first American to fly? Well, it seems Wilbur Wright, the older of the two, gave the honor to his younger brother. So, it was Orville who made history as the first to pilot the successful aircraft.

Orville piloted the first sustained flight of a powered aircraft in December 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina . His flight lasted 12 seconds and flew a distance of 120 feet. True pioneers!

6

The University

Image: Somesh Kesarla Suresh

388 years is a really long time, right? Well, that's the amount of time that has passed since the first university was founded in the territory of what would eventually become the United States of America.

We are talking about the prestigious Harvard University , born in 1636 in what was then the Massachusetts Bay Colony , with the aim of training clergy. Originally called "New College," the institution was later renamed Harvard College in honor of John Harvard , its first major benefactor.

7

The baseball team

Image: Caitlin Conner

Whether you prefer football, ice hockey, baseball, or basketball, it's undeniable that these four sports best represent our nation.

But only one has earned the title of "America's pastime." Of course, we're talking about baseball . One of the most popular sports today, it was also the earliest to establish a professional team.

The Cincinnati Red Stockings , established in 1869 , were the first professional baseball team in our country. When all the teams were still amateur, the Red Stockings became the first team with paid players, leading the way for the rest of the teams and for the eventual establishment of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players in 1871.

8

The Flag

Image: Samuel Branch

Every independent country needs a flag to symbolize its identity and ideals. The US flag , in particular, has gone through a series of changes that show the nation's journey through history. First hoisted by George Washington on January 1, 1776 , at Prospect Hill in Somerville, Massachusetts , our first National Flag was born during the years of the Revolution .

Known as the "Continental Colors," this unofficial flag was adopted in 1775 as a symbol of the Continental Army . Its design had 13 red and white stripes , symbolizing the 13 original colonies, and the Union Jack in the upper left corner.

As the Revolutionary War progressed, the Continental Congress considered a series of changes to our flag to better represent the united colonies and their desire for independence. Thus came the "Stars and Stripes" new design on June 14, 1777 , which replaced the Union Jack with 13 white stars, initially often arranged in a circle.

9

The Oscar

Image: Mirko Fabian

If you are a movie enthusiast , this fact is probably already in your memory. And if you're not, it's still a good fact worth knowing.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929 , and featured nominations for classic films like The Racket and Seventh Heaven , both released in 1927.

But the movie that stole the show was Wings , also from 1927 , directed by William A. Wellman and starring Clara Bow, Charles Rogers, and Richard Arlen. This silent film about WWI was the very first to win the category then known as "Outstanding Picture," which today we call "Best Picture." It was notable for its realistic aerial battles and special effects of excellent quality for its time. If you haven't seen it yet, this is your cue to do so!

10

The National Park

Image: Austin Farrington

From expansive deserts to dense forests, and from delightful beaches to impressive mountains, our country's landscapes and biodiversity are truly amazing.

Many of these natural sites have earned the title of National Parks , which guarantees their protection and conservation for the joy of locals and tourists. And while today we have many national parks to visit, there was once a first.

The very first was the great Yellowstone National Park , designated by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872 . Located in the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this natural site set a precedent for the conservation of our land's natural areas. Have you already visited it?

1

California

Image: Ross Stone

California is famous for its grand sights, but few can compete with Methuselah, a Great Basin bristlecone pine more than 4,800 years old, widely considered the oldest known tree on Earth.

Beyond its ancient forests, the state also shines in pop-culture records: one of Kurt Cobain’s guitars sold in Los Angeles for over $6 million, becoming the most expensive guitar ever auctioned. California is also home to eye-catching personal records, including the world’s longest female arm hair and the largest male afro. From timeless trees to memorable modern oddities, California’s record list is full of true West Coast flair.

2

Nevada

Image: Jordi Vich Navarro

Nevada knows how to entertain…and break records along the way! Las Vegas boasts the highest density of hotel rooms in the world, along with an unmatched lineup of themed resorts that range from ancient pyramids to miniature European cities.

The Bellagio holds the record for the most fountains in a hotel, and the Venetian shines with the world’s largest polished-marble floor area. The city also has more resident magicians than anywhere else and hosts thousands of weddings each month. In Nevada, the show is always bigger, brighter, and endlessly jaw-dropping.

3

Idaho

Image: Craig Adderley

The Gem State holds some of the country’s most lighthearted records. Beard enthusiast Joel Strasser turned facial hair into a full-time hobby. He has tucked thousands of everyday objects into his whiskers, from 3,500 toothpicks to 600 barbecue skewers.

Idaho is also home to record-setter David Rush, known for everything from lightning-fast lemon-juice sipping to catching marshmallows fired from a homemade catapult. And on the scientific side, the University of Idaho helped welcome Idaho Gem, the first cloned mule in history.

4

Arizona

Image: Edmundo Mendez, Jr.

Arizona loves a good spectacle. In Phoenix, an exhibition opening once used a pair of 10-foot scissors —the largest in the world— to cut the ribbon in style. Down in Yuma, sunshine reigns supreme: the city enjoys about 91% of all possible daylight hours each year, adding up to more than 4,000 hours of bright, warm weather.

The state also embraces playful oddities, including its own "Poozeum", the world’s largest collection of fossilized… well, you can guess the rest. And at the Phoenix Zoo, visitors can even meet Nikki, the world’s oldest mandrill, adding another unique distinction to Arizona’s lineup of record-setters.

5

Georgia

Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Georgia blends big art with big sports. The state is home to the world’s largest tattoo artwork —a massive 79-plus square-foot piece created by two Atlanta studios using a special silicone canvas and more than $30,000 in materials.

On the athletic side, Georgia Tech once set the highest football score ever recorded, finishing an unforgettable 222-0 game back in 1916. From oversized art to record-setting touchdowns, Georgia knows how to leave a bold, lasting impression.

6

Alaska

Image: Rod Long

Up north, "large" takes on a whole new meaning. Alaska’s Pribilof Islands host the biggest northern fur seal colony on Earth, with close to a million animals gathering during peak seasons.

The state also celebrates remarkable feats of endurance: a tagged bar-tailed godwit flew more than 8,400 miles nonstop from Alaska to Tasmania, setting a record for the longest continuous bird migration. And in the Arctic interior, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes stretch across nearly 24 square miles —the largest active dune field in the region. Even in a land known for ice and mountains, Alaska proves it can go big in surprising ways.

7

Delaware

Delaware may be tiny on the map, but it knows how to draw a crowd. The state is home to 11 record holders, including the World's Largest Doctor's Bag Monument.

Delaware State University once gathered 1,709 people waving foam fingers at the same time, and another huge group buzzing handheld buzzers together. The state is also home to a towering 36-foot stack of cardboard boxes called the "Leaning Tower of Pizza." Small state, big personality.

8

Hawaii

Image: Matt Paul Catalano

Hawaii’s natural wonders reach record heights, and many of them are straight from the islands’ own landscape. Kīlauea is recognized as the world’s most active volcano, with decades of steady activity and a name that fittingly means "spewing."

The islands also celebrate remarkable achievements on the ocean: off Oahu, Australian surfer Laura Enever rode an astonishing 43.6-foot paddle-in wave, the largest ever recorded for a woman.

9

Illinois

Image: Brett Sayles

Illinois loves to go big, and it shows in all kinds of creative ways. In the small town of Casey, visitors can stand beneath a giant rocking chair more than 56 feet tall —one of the state’s many oversized roadside attractions.

The Prairie State also stirred up the world’s largest jar of spread, using more than a ton of peaches and tomatoes in a three-day cooking marathon. Are you waiting for something more extreme? An Illinois native set the record for the fastest clapping ever recorded, reaching an incredible 804 claps in one minute.

10

Alabama

Alabama has a special talent for turning simple moments into big record-breakers. Here you’ll find the largest bubblegum bubble ever blown —a bright 20-inch sphere made from just three pieces of gum and plenty of practice.

The state also celebrated the Apollo 11 anniversary by launching nearly 5,000 model rockets at once, filling the sky with a burst of color. Alabama is home to more than 50 record holders, including inspiring stories like Curtis Means’, the world’s most premature baby to thrive and grow. If you enjoy bold, cheerful achievements, Alabama delivers them in generous size.

11

Arkansas

Image: Jametlene Reskp

The Natural State mixes small-town charm with some truly memorable oddities. Arkansas was once home to Lurch, the African watusi steer famous for having the largest horn circumference ever measured —an incredible 37.5 inches around.

Arkansas also wears its heart on its sleeve: a statewide effort gathered more than 81,000 pounds of pet food in just 24 hours, setting a cheerful charity record. And for pure determination, a young Arkansan even held a deep squat for nearly three hours. In Arkansas, generosity and eye-catching achievements go hand in hand.

12

Florida

Image: Richard R

Florida takes "large" to heart. The Sunshine State is home to the world’s longest limousine, a restored 100 ft 1.5 in cruiser with room for 72 passengers —nearly three times the length of an ordinary stretch limo!

Florida also knows how to put on a show: Miami hosted the first-ever pay-per-view pillow fight, complete with pro fighters and custom-made pillows; in Bradenton, a Monster Jam driver set two eye-popping records for the most consecutive spins in a monster truck.

1

Josephine Baker

Image: Richie Lugo

Josephine Baker was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture , the 1927 French silent film Siren of the Tropics . During her early career, Baker was among the most celebrated performers to headline the revues of the Folies Bergère in Paris. Her performance in the 1927 revue Un vent de Folie caused a sensation in the city. Her costume, consisting only of a short skirt made of artificial bananas and a beaded necklace, became an iconic image and a symbol both of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties.

Baker was celebrated by artists and intellectuals of the era, who variously dubbed her the "Black Venus," the "Black Pearl," the "Bronze Venus," and the "Creole Goddess." She aided the French Resistance during World War II, and after the war, she was awarded the Resistance Medal by the French Committee of National Liberation, the Croix de Guerre by the French military, and was named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by General Charles de Gaulle.

2

Rudy Vallée

Image: Matt Botsford

Rudy Vallée was the first male singer to rise from local radio broadcasts in New York City to national popularity as a "crooner." He had a thin, wavering tenor voice and seemed more at home singing sweet ballads than jazz songs. But his singing, saxophone playing, and the innovative arrangements he wrote for his band attracted the attention of a rapidly increasing number of listeners, especially young women.

Singers needed strong voices to fill theaters in the days before microphones. Crooners had soft voices that were suited to the intimacy of radio; the microphones, in this case, promoted direct access to "a vulnerable and sensuous interior," or, in other words, "a conjured intimacy." Vallée was one of the first celebrity radio vocalists.

3

Bobby Darin

Image: Jack Sharp

Bobby Darin was an American teen idol and, later, an adult crooner who, in 1958, co-wrote and recorded his first million-selling single, "Splish Splash," followed by "Dream Lover" and his covers of "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea," which brought him worldwide fame.

In the early 1970s, his health was beginning to fail due to a weak heart. The knowledge of Darin's vulnerability had always spurred him on to use his musical talent while still young. Darin died in 1973 at the age of 37 in a hospital recovery room after having open-heart surgery in Los Angeles.

4

Keely Smith

Image: Harry Shelton

American jazz and popular music singer Keely Smith performed and recorded extensively in the 1950s with her then-husband Louis Prima , and throughout the 1960s as a solo artist. The couple were stars in the entertainment business, including stage, television, motion pictures, hit records, and cabaret acts.

They won a Grammy in 1959, its inaugural year, for their smash hit, "That Old Black Magic," which remained on the charts for 18 weeks.

5

The Ink Spots

Image: Jorge Flores

The first band on the list, the Ink Spots was an American vocal pop group who gained international fame in the 1930s and 1940s due to their unique musical style, which predated rhythm and blues and doo-wop .

On January 12, 1939, the Ink Spots recorded "If I Didn't Care," one of their biggest hits, selling over 19 million copies and becoming the 8th-best-selling single of all time. Since they disbanded in 1954, there have been well over a hundred vocal groups calling themselves "The Ink Spots," with and without any original members of the group.

6

Ella Fitzgerald

Image: zachrie friesen

A frequent collaborator of the Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald was a singer, songwriter, and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song," the "Queen of Jazz," and "Lady Ella." She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

Outside her solo career, she recorded music with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the aforementioned Ink Spots. These partnerships produced songs such as "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Cheek to Cheek," "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall," and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."

7

Bing Crosby

Image: Alexander Wark Feeney

A one-man orchestra, Bing Crosby was a singer, actor, television producer, radio personality, and businessman. The first multimedia star , he was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century worldwide.

In 1948, American polls declared him the "most admired man alive," ahead of Jackie Robinson and Pope Pius XII. That same year, Music Digest estimated that Crosby's recordings filled more than half of the 80,000 weekly hours allocated to recorded radio music in America.

Crosby is one of 33 people to have three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , in the categories of motion pictures, radio, and audio recording.

8

Perry Como

Image: Oscar Sutton

Perry Como was an American singer, actor, and television personality who sold over 100 million records worldwide and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show. His weekly television shows and seasonal specials were broadcast around the world. He recorded primarily vocal pop and was renowned for his recordings in the intimate, easy-listening genre pioneered by our newly acquainted friend, Bing Crosby.

In the official RCA Records memorial in Billboard magazine, his life was summed up in these few words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. An example to all."

9

Nina Simone

Image: Artem Bryzgalov

A bigger-than-life figure, Nina Simone was a singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger, and civil rights activist whose piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, and accompanied by expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice .

Early in her career, Simone played piano at a nightclub in Atlantic City, where she was told that she would have to sing to her accompaniment. This effectively launched her career as a jazz vocalist. Simone also became known for her work in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and she later fled the United States and settled in France following the assassination of her friend Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

10

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Image: Music HQ

The closer of this list is one of the most colorful characters in American music. "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins was a singer-songwriter, musician, actor, film producer, and boxer, best known for his powerful, shouting vocal delivery and wildly theatrical performances with macabre props onstage, making him an early pioneer of shock rock.

Screamin’ Jay’s most successful recording, "I Put a Spell on You," was created when the entire band was intoxicated during a recording session where "Hawkins screamed, grunted, and gurgled his way through the tune with utter drunken abandon." The resulting performance became his greatest commercial success and reportedly surpassed a million copies in sales.