1

Franklin

Image: Brett Wharton

Also known as the Free Republic of Franklin or the State of Frankland, this short-lived territory in eastern Tennessee declared independence from North Carolina in 1784. Its founders even petitioned Congress and appealed to Benjamin Franklin for support—hence the name—but it never gained official recognition.

By 1788, the movement had collapsed, and the area was reabsorbed into North Carolina before eventually becoming part of Tennessee in 1796. Today, the "State of Franklin" lives on mostly in U.S. law school exams as a fictional stand-in for a generic state —often where the imaginary property Blackacre is located.

2

Jefferson

Image: Shelby White

This proposed state has its origins in the 19th-century California Gold Rush, when settlers in the remote, resource-rich region between northern California and southern Oregon pushed for self-governance.

Though their efforts were largely ignored, the movement resurfaced over time. In 1941, frustrated locals staged a symbolic one-day secession. Armed men stopped traffic near Yreka, handing out a Proclamation of Independence declaring the State of Jefferson in "patriotic rebellion" and vowing to "secede every Thursday until further notice."

3

Deseret

Image: SoloTravelGoals

Proposed by Mormon settlers in 1849, the State of Deseret would’ve spanned a massive portion of the West. The name Deseret is derived from the word for "honeybee" in the Book of Mormon, and the vision was of a theocratic state encompassing parts of present-day Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and beyond.

Congress denied the proposal due to its size and religious nature, but a stone donated by Deseret’s supporters in 1853 was still placed in the Washington Monument.

4

Sequoyah

Image: MJ Tangonan

Proposed in 1905, this would’ve been a Native American–majority state in what is now eastern Oklahoma. Despite extensive lobbying by representatives of the Five Civilized Tribes, Congress refused, preferring a single Oklahoma Territory.

Despite its failure, the proposed state’s constitution left a lasting legacy —much of its content was later adopted into the Oklahoma Constitution.

5

Absaroka

Image: Michael Bourgault

Named after the Crow word for "children of the large-beaked bird," the State of Absaroka was proposed in 1939. Comprising parts of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, the idea emerged mainly as a protest against New Deal policies, which were deeply resented by the rural population.

Leaders of the movement even issued license plates, but the effort never gained serious traction and remained a largely symbolic gesture.

6

Westsylvania

Image: Matthew Lancaster

Proposed during the Revolutionary War, Westsylvania would have been a new state formed from the western parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania . Backwoods settlers, feeling neglected by distant colonial governments, sought self-governance.

However, Congress rejected the plan to avoid stirring further conflict during wartime.

7

Superior

Image: Mikaela Charette

With such a strong regional identity, it was perhaps inevitable that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula would eventually seek statehood. Efforts began as early as the 1850s and resurfaced repeatedly due to the region’s political and economic isolation.

Another proposed name for the state was Ontonagon. Despite these repeated attempts, the Upper Peninsula remained part of Michigan.

8

Lincoln

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Named for Abraham Lincoln, this proposed state would have split the Texas Panhandle from the rest of the state. Throughout the 1860s and again in the 1880s, residents of the Panhandle and surrounding areas sought separation due to the region’s distance from Austin and cultural differences.

While none of the proposals gained enough federal support, residents of the area still feel distinct today and take pride in their unique identity.

9

Texlahoma

Image: Tommy Bond

Another failed attempt at carving out part of one of the largest states in the U.S., the State of Texlahoma would have—as its name suggests—combined portions of Texas and Oklahoma into a single state.

The push for autonomy was especially strong during the Dust Bowl, when a shared economy and perceived neglect by local governments united residents of both regions.

10

Columbia (D.C. Statehood)

Image: Heidi Kaden

Washington, D.C., has long been considered for statehood under the name of Columbia . Multiple bills and referenda have tried to turn the federal district into the 51st state, as residents pay federal taxes but lack voting representation in Congress.

Despite strong support among D.C. residents, the idea has yet to gain serious traction at the national level.

1

Roasted chickpeas

Image: Rashpal Singh

Healthy snacks are a great way to kick off our list of nutritious and delicious treats. And roasted chickpeas are as tasty, crunchy, healthy, and easy to make as it gets.

Simply grab a can of chickpeas , rinse and dry them, then toss them with paprika , ground cumin , salt, and a bit of olive oil. Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray and roast them at maximum heat for about 30 minutes. Once they’re crunchy, they’re ready. Let them cool and enjoy!

2

Chocolate hummus

Image: Ludovic Avice

Yes, you read that right—chocolate hummus. And it’s amazing! This crowd-pleasing dip pairs perfectly with fruit, pancakes, or waffles. To make it, blend canned chickpeas (rinsed), a spoonful of vanilla almond milk , a spoonful of cocoa powder , and honey . Let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, and you're done. Ready to dip!

3

Air-fryer sweet potato fries

Image: Ella Olsson

The basic idea here is simple: sweet potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes, and air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying.

This recipe is quick and easy. Just cut a couple of sweet potatoes into strips, toss them with canola oil , salt , and pepper in a bowl, and transfer them to the air-fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, pausing to stir halfway through. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly—and eat!

4

Peanut butter cookies

Image: No Revisions

This peanut butter cookie recipe is completely flourless—gluten-free and dairy-free! To make it, mix peanut butter , one large egg , two tablespoons of oat bran , and a bit of maple syrup . Preheat the oven to 350°F, and while it heats up, shape the cookies.

Place them on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool for a bit, and they’re ready to enjoy!

5

Sesame-garlic pumpkin seeds

Image: Anshu A

Here’s another snack that’s both delicious and nutritious! This pumpkin seed mix is a great way to use leftover seeds from your pumpkin recipe.

In a small bowl, mix pumpkin seeds , a large egg white , sesame seeds , a teaspoon of minced garlic , and salt . Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry and golden brown.

6

Watermelon cups

Image: Ibrahim Rifath

The great-looking appetizer is incredibly simple to make, and its fresh flavor is perfect for warm months.

Just cut the watermelon into cubes and scoop out the center of each. In a small bowl, mix chopped cucumber , red onion , fresh mint , cilantro , and a splash of lime juice . Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out watermelon cubes—you’re done!

7

Pan-seared shrimp

Image: Daniel Lee

These pan-seared shrimp are the first non-vegan recipe on this list—and they’re incredibly easy to make!

Sauté one pound of peeled and deveined uncooked medium shrimp in two tablespoons of olive oil with two minced garlic cloves . Add one-third of a cup of white wine , then cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Serve with white rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

8

Guacamole

Image: Zoshua Colah

Everybody loves guacamole, but do you know how to make it? This simple recipe is a delicious and healthy snack to try. Just be sure to prepare it right before serving, as avocados brown quickly.

Peel and chop two ripe medium-sized avocados , place them in a small bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice . Add one-fourth of a cup of chunky salsa and mash coarsely with a fork. Let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.

9

Roasted peppers and cauliflower

Image: Deon Black

This simple, delicious, and colorful recipe will quickly become a staple once you try it. Place one medium head of cauliflower (broken into florets), two medium red peppers (cut into strips), and two sliced onions in a shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil , season with salt and pepper , and toss to coat.

Roast uncovered at 425°F for 20 minutes. Stir, then roast for 10 more minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Done!

10

Caprese brochettes

Image: Patrick Ho

Light, delicious, and easy to make on short notice, these Caprese brochettes are a lifesaver when you need a quick, health-conscious party snack.

Simply take some skewers and assemble each one with grape tomatoes , fresh mozzarella balls , and basil leaves . Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar —and enjoy!

11

Green & gold salsa

Image: Kat

This salsa is a fantastic dip made with just a few simple ingredients. Combine one cup of shelled edamame , one cup of corn , one cup of cubed avocado , and sliced cucumber . Blend well, then let it chill in the fridge for half an hour before serving. Bon appétit!

12

Red pepper tapenade

Image: Nick Collins

A simple appetizer for any occasion, this roasted red pepper tapenade pairs perfectly with water crackers or toasted bread.

In a small saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add two peeled garlic cloves and cook uncovered for six to eight minutes, or until tender. Drain and pat the garlic dry. In a small food processor, combine the blanched garlic , red peppers , almonds , tomato paste , olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Chill, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

1

Blockbuster

During the 1980s and 1990s, Friday night often meant one thing for American families: a trip to Blockbuster. Browsing the aisles for a movie, debating what to watch, and grabbing popcorn at the counter became a weekly routine. But nothing lasts forever.

Born in 1985, Blockbuster conquered the massive home-video market with thousands of stores by the late 1990s and early 2000s, catering to families with at-home VCRs. Then technology changed everything. First came DVD-by-mail services like Netflix, followed by streaming, which left Blockbuster struggling. Late fees and inconvenience only pushed more customers away. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Today, just one official store remains in Bend, Oregon, where visitors still stop by for a dose of the video-store era.

2

Kodak

Back in the day, almost every vacation, birthday, wedding, or holiday gathering seemed to include a Kodak camera, or at least a roll of Kodak film. Founded in 1881, Kodak helped keep the moments that filled family photo albums for generations.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, Kodak dominated the world of film and photography. But that success also made the company slow to accept that technology was changing. Ironically, Kodak helped invent one of the first digital cameras in 1975, yet it hesitated to embrace the future. By the 1990s and 2000s, digital cameras (and later camera phones) quickly replaced traditional film. In 2012, the company declared bankruptcy.

3

Pan Am

Long before flying became an everyday experience, Pan American World Airways, better known as Pan Am, was already carrying Americans across the world. It was founded in 1927, and during the 1960s and 1970s, the airline became a symbol of glamorous air travel.

Its famous blue globe logo was instantly recognizable, even to those who rarely flew. But by the late 1970s, rising competition, fuel costs, and financial troubles began weakening the company. After years of mounting losses and debt, Pan Am shut down in 1991. Even so, its fame was such that even today, more than 30 years later, we still remember it.

4

Woolworth’s

Before Woolworth's made the "five-and-dime" famous, shopping in America looked very different. For decades, Americans visited Woolworth’s for everything from toys and school supplies to household goods and everyday essentials. By the 1960s, the brand had become a familiar part of American life.

Created in 1879 by Frank Winfield Woolworth, the chain grew into one of the country’s largest retailers. But in the 1970s, malls and discount giants like Walmart changed the way Americans shopped, and Woolworth struggled to keep up. By the 1980s, the iconic chain was slowly disappearing. Most stores closed during the 1990s, and the Woolworth retail chain officially ended in 1997.

5

Circuit City

Testing giant stereo systems, browsing rows of CDs and video games, and shopping for the newest TV were all part of the experience at Circuit City, once one of America’s biggest electronics chains.

Founded in 1949 by Samuel S. Wurtzel in Richmond, Virginia, as "Wards Company," the retailer adopted the Circuit City name in 1984. During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, it became the go-to place for Americans buying a TV, stereo, computer, or any electronic device. But like many companies on this list, Circuit City struggled as shopping habits changed and online stores became more convenient. A controversial 2007 decision to lay off thousands of experienced employees further hurt the company’s reputation. Circuit City couldn’t survive mounting losses and closed all remaining stores in 2009.

6

Borders

Remember Borders? Born in 1971, its huge stores, filled with books, music, magazines, and cozy reading spaces, invited customers to spend entire afternoons there.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the rise of large shopping malls actually helped Borders thrive, turning its bookstores into popular destinations inside malls across the US. But eventually, the company ran into a challenge it couldn’t overcome: online shopping and digital reading. Competitors like Amazon surged ahead, while Borders struggled to adapt and made costly business decisions, including outsourcing its online sales to Amazon for years. The company collapsed financially in 2011 and soon closed all remaining stores.

7

Bugle Boy

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, teenage fashion became almost synonymous with Bugle Boy. Famous across the country for its casual jeans and memorable TV commercials, the brand became a major part of American mall culture and was sold in department stores nationwide.

But fashion never stands still, and brands have to constantly adapt to survive. By the late 1990s, newer youth-oriented labels had taken over with fresh styles that quickly made Bugle Boy seem outdated. Sales began to fall, and after years of struggling to keep up with changing trends, the company closed its stores in 2001.

8

Howard Johnson’s restaurants

During the 1960s and 1970s, a stop at Howard Johnson's was part of the classic American road-trip experience for many families, and that was no accident.

Founded in 1925 in Quincy, Massachusetts, the famous orange-roofed chain reached its peak when America’s expanding highways and booming car culture made roadside travel more popular than ever. But by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the growing popularity of fast-food chains like McDonald's began changing the way Americans ate on the road. Drivers increasingly wanted meals that were faster, cheaper, and more standardized, while interstate highways also redirected traffic away from many older roadside locations. Unlike some other brands on this list, Howard Johnson’s faded away slowly over the decades. The last restaurant finally closed in 2022.

9

Burger Chef

In 1958, a name emerged as one of the pioneers of America’s growing fast-food industry: Burger Chef. By the late 1960s, the chain had more than 1,000 locations across the country and had become one of McDonald's’s biggest competitors.

Long before Happy Meals became famous, Burger Chef helped popularize the idea of marketing meals directly to children with toys and themed publicity. But during the fast-food wars of the 1970s, competition became fiercer than ever. While McDonald’s and Burger King expanded by leaps and bounds, Burger Chef struggled with financial problems and changing consumer tastes. In 1982, the company was sold to Hardee's, which gradually converted most Burger Chef locations into Hardee’s restaurants.

10

Sports Authority

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, many Americans looking for running shoes, gym shorts, and sports gear headed straight to Sports Authority.

Known for its huge stores packed with athletic apparel, exercise equipment, bicycles, camping gear, and team sports products, Sports Authority became the ideal shopping destination for families and athletes across the US. But as online shopping rapidly changed retail in the 2000s, the company struggled to adapt. Heavy debt from expansion efforts and a slow shift to e-commerce eventually caught up with the chain. Sports Authority declared bankruptcy in 2016 and closed all remaining stores later that year.