1

Walmart

Image: Marques Thomas

When it comes to big brands, Walmart is one of the largest in the country, and even the world. But its humble beginnings can be traced back to Bentonville, Arkansas , where Sam Walton opened his first store, aptly named Walton’s, in 1950.

Since then, the company has grown into a business worth over $530 billion, with stores all around the globe. Yet, its headquarters remain in the small town of Bentonville.

2

Hormel Foods

Image: Hannes Johnson

From Skippy to Country Rock and even Spam, the Hormel Foods label carries a lot of successful brands. However, when the company was founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, it began as a much more modest venture.

Even after over 130 years and a huge growth, the brand still remains in the charming little town of Austin and has no plans to relocate.

3

Kellogg's

Image: Yvens Banatte

In 1894, America’s breakfasts changed with the invention of the cornflake. W.K. Kellogg invented this wonder at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a health resort run by his family. A few years later, in 1906, Kellogg founded his own company, the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company.

To this day, the massive company, which generates $13.5 billion in annual revenue, remains in Battle Creek, Michigan , a city of 51,000 residents.

4

Dick's Sporting Goods

Image: Artificial Photography

If you’ve ever thought that Dick's Sporting Goods sounds a bit like the name of a small-town shop, you are not wrong. The founder, Richard Stack, started his business in 1948 by opening a small fishing tackle store in Binghamton, New York.

By 1970, Stack had expanded the business to include gear for all kinds of sports and outdoor adventures. Today, the company, which is still family-run and operates out of Binghamton, generates $7.3 billion in annual revenue.

5

Kohler

Image: Oxana Melis

It’s not often that a town changes its name in favor of a company born there, but that’s exactly what happened in the tiny village of Riverside, which renamed itself Kohler. The company was founded in 1900 as a plumbing manufacturer and has since expanded its business into faucets, sinks, and toilets.

And, while the company has grown to be a multi-million-dollar enterprise, its headquarters remain in the picturesque village of, yes, Kohler, Wisconsin .

6

Progressive Corporation

Image: Jamie Street

Progressive Corporation is one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S., also providing coverage for boats, motorcycles, and RVs. However, it started small in Mayfield Village, Ohio , in 1937. The company was founded by lawyers Jack Green and Joseph Lewis in their hometown, and it has remained headquartered there to this day.

7

CVS

Image: Tbel Abuseridze

This ubiquitous pharmacy chain opened its first store in 1963, and just seven years later, it had expanded to 100 locations. Today, CVS operates 10,000 stores nationwide while maintaining its small-town identity, thanks in large part to its headquarters in Woonsocket, Rhode Island .

8

Caterpillar

Image: Sindy Süßengut

A brand known for its ruggedness, Caterpillar Inc. makes tractors, construction, and mining equipment, and even clothing. The company is ranked in the Forbes list as one of the most valuable brands in the world, with over $51 billion in revenue. Despite its global success, Caterpillar still maintains its headquarters in the small town of Deerfield, Illinois .

9

The Hershey Company

Image: Janne Simoes

It makes sense that The Hershey Company, probably the biggest chocolate brand in the world, is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania . The company produced its first product, Hershey’s Cocoa, in 1894 and has continued to grow and innovate ever since, all the while remaining in the small town that saw its birth.

10

Sonoco

Image: Kelly Sikkema

This packaging company produced its first product, a cone-shaped paper yarn carrier, over 120 years ago in Hartsville, South Carolina . These days, Sonoco is the world's largest producer of paperboard containers.

Despite its growth, the company has remained loyal to its roots, and its headquarters are still based in Hartsville.

1

The Miracle on Ice

Image: Jerry Yu

We begin with an unforgettable underdog story. At the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid , New York , the United States faced what many considered a leviathan in ice hockey history. Adding to the challenge, the American team was composed mostly of 21-year-olds, making it the youngest U.S. squad in Olympic history . Yet, against all odds, these determined players triumphed over a heavily favored opponent in what became known as the " Miracle on Ice ."

Do you remember which formidable rival they defeated?

2

Rumble in the Jungle

Image: Attentie Attentie

Many sports historians consider " The Rumble in the Jungle " to be the greatest boxing match in history. Held in 1974 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this legendary bout cemented Muhammad Ali’s place in boxing history. Even more impressively, Ali’s victory came against an undisputed and undefeated heavyweight champion, whom he knocked out in the eighth round.

Though he is not as widely remembered as "The Greatest," this American boxer is still regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation. Can you guess his name?

3

Michael Jordan’s Last Shot

Image: Mike Von

It’s no exaggeration to say that Michael Jordan completely revolutionized basketball worldwide. Over his 15-season career , he delivered countless jaw-dropping moments. As you’d expect, choosing just one was no easy task, but we ultimately selected what is now known as Michael’s "Last Shot."

In the final seconds of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz , Jordan sank a game-winning shot that secured the Bulls’ victory. While you already know which team he scored against, there’s a certain player who is always featured in retellings of this iconic moment. Do you know who we’re talking about?

4

Serena Williams’ Golden Medal in London

Image: Josephine Gasser

What can be said about Serena Williams that hasn’t already been said? Arguably the greatest American tennis player in history, Williams’s career is a collection of remarkable achievements. However, we’ve chosen to highlight one of her later triumphs—her dominant performance at the 2012 London Olympics , where she became only the second woman to complete a career Golden Slam in singles.

Even more impressive was the way she secured her victory, defeating her opponent 6-0, 6-1 to claim the gold medal. Do you know who she faced in that historic match?

5

Michael Phelps's record-breaking achievements in Beijing 2008

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the world was introduced to Michael Phelps , an affable kid from Baltimore who achieved the impossible: breaking seven world records and earning eight gold medals —the first step in his journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps’s incredible feats often overshadow his competitors, so we thought we’d take a moment to recognize the swimmers who came close but couldn’t overcome " The Baltimore Bullet ." Do you remember them?

Answers:

6

Miracle on Ice - Soviet Union

Image: Markus Spiske

If you guessed that the Soviet Union was the Goliath defeated by the American team at the Winter Olympics, you were right! At the time of the match, the Soviet team was a four-time defending gold medalist and the heavy favorite to win. Although the United States pulled off a legendary upset, the victory didn’t come easily . The game was a thrilling showdown , with the American team scoring the decisive goal exactly 10 minutes before the final buzzer.

7

Rumble in the Jungle - George Foreman

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

Known as " Big George ," Texas-born boxer George Foreman was defeated by Muhammad Ali in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle." As mentioned earlier, Ali’s victory was even more remarkable given Foreman’s dominance in the sport—he was a two-time world heavyweight champion , an Olympic gold medalist , and the favorite to win the match. Today, Foreman is remembered not only for his boxing achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success: Since 1994, his iconic George Foreman Grill has sold over 100 million units.

8

Last shot - Bryon Russell

Image: Markus Spiske

The play that would become known as " The Last Shot " began when Michael Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and raced down the court. Before taking the shot, he swiftly dodged Utah Jazz defender Bryon Russell , causing him to trip and fall. By the time Russell got back on his feet, the ball was already soaring through the air, swishing through the net and sealing victory for the Bulls.

9

Serena Williams’ Golden Medal - Maria Sharapova

Image: Valentin Balan

Throughout their careers, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova maintained a high-profile rivalry as two of the biggest names in women’s tennis. Fortunately for tennis lovers everywhere, the 2012 Olympics brought these titans head-to-head, and while Serena dominated the match , it was far from the end of Sharapova’s career—she continued to showcase her talent until retiring in 2020.

10

Michael Phelps - László Cseh and Milorad Čavić

Image: Serena Repice Lentini

As mentioned earlier, Michael Phelps' historic victories at the 2008 Beijing Olympics were unprecedented, and narrowing it down to just one of his competitors wouldn't do justice to the event. Instead, we’d like to highlight a few remarkable runner-ups. Hungarian swimmer László Cseh secured multiple silver medals, often finishing just fractions of a second behind Phelps . Meanwhile, Serbian swimmer Milorad Čavić lost the 100m butterfly by an astonishing one-hundredth of a second —though he still managed to break the European record in the process.

1

Memphis

Image: Brian Wegman 🎃

We say Memphis, you probably think of Graceland and Elvis, right? But in Memphis, barbecue is big too. Famous for its pork dishes, Memphis-style BBQ revolves around slow-cooked shoulders, butts, and ribs, often served with a smoky tomato-based sauce or simply seasoned with a dry rub. Pulled pork sandwiches are a staple here, typically paired with tangy coleslaw.

Be warned, if you visit, don’t expect to pry the secret recipes for their rubs or sauces—those are guarded more tightly than gold.

2

Kansas City

Image: Ahmad

Kansas City barbecue is synonymous with variety. This region smokes everything from ribs and brisket to sausages and burnt ends. The hallmark of Kansas City-style BBQ is its sweet, thick sauce made with tomatoes, molasses, and brown sugar.

This style owes much of its legacy to Henry Perry, the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue" whose techniques were passed down to pitmasters like Arthur Bryant and Ollie Gates. Today, Kansas City’s barbecue joints remain legendary destinations.

3

North Carolina

Image: Leo_Visions

In North Carolina, barbecue loyalty is divided . The Eastern Style involves whole-pig barbecue smoked over wood coals and basted with a peppery vinegar sauce. Purists argue this method lets the meat’s natural flavors shine.

The Western Style (a.k.a. Lexington) is focused on pork shoulder, this style features a ketchup-based sauce that’s sweeter than its eastern counterpart. The addition of tomatoes reflects influences from Bavarian settlers in the area.

4

Texas

Image: Israel Albornoz

Texas takes it a step further and we can find multiple styles . At least, three!

On the one hand, Central Texas goes for a simple and straightforward beef brisket seasoned with salt and pepper, then smoked low and slow.

East Texas style features tender beef and pork, cooked until falling off the bone and often served in sandwiches with a thick, sweet sauce.

Now, as for South Texas, meats like cow’s head or goat are slowly smoked in underground pits and served with salsa and guacamole.

5

Alabama

Image: Ruthra Malai

Alabama’s claim to barbecue fame is its unique white sauce, made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper. This creamy, tangy sauce is typically slathered on smoked chicken or ribs, offering a refreshing departure from traditional tomato-based options.

Cities like Birmingham have emerged as culinary destinations, they blend barbecue with Southern hospitality. Who wouldn’t want to try that out?

6

Georgia

Image: Ajeet Panesar

In Georgia, a barbecue is a social event as much as a culinary delight. Pork is the star, often accompanied by smoky brisket, sausages, and chicken. Georgia’s barbecue leans heavily on bold, smoky flavors and can be found in roadside shacks and upscale eateries alike. Each bite reflects the state’s rich culinary heritage.

7

Hawaii

Image: Z Grills Australia

Hawaii has stunning views, dreamy beaches, and delicious dishes too! Hawaiian barbecue is a celebration of its diverse cultural influences. And a result of its diverse climate too.

Kalua pork, cooked in underground ovens , is a staple at traditional luaus, while local BBQ plates often feature Korean-style ribs, Huli Huli chicken, or barbecued seafood. These dishes are served with rice and macaroni salad, a unique island twist to American barbecue.

8

Kentucky

Image: Sergio Arteaga

Kentucky’s barbecue scene is defined by its love of mutton , which is smoked over hickory wood and served with a peppery vinegar dip.

This lesser-known style also includes pork and turkey, which ultimately reflects the state’s agricultural diversity. The city of Owensboro is the epicenter of mutton barbecue. They host annual festivals dedicated to the dish. Even if you’re not big on BBQ, this annual event is worth visiting!

9

Virginia

Image: Carlitos Grill

Some argue that barbecue’s American roots trace back to Virginia, where Native American techniques and African influences merged.

Whether that’s the case or not, Virginia’s regional variations are great. They include sweet tomato-based sauces , tangy vinegar blends, and even sauces with hints of peanut butter. Each micro-region brings its spin, but they all uphold the state’s rich barbecue heritage.

10

South Carolina

Image: Davide Cantelli

South Carolina’s barbecue stands out with its signature mustard-base sauce, known as "Carolina Gold." Influenced by the state’s German settlers, this tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the region’s whole hog cooking.

South Carolina also offers other sauces, including vinegar-based and tomato-based varieties. In this state, you can’t really say there’s not a thing for every taste bud!