1

The "Miracle on Ice" (1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid, NY)

A landmark moment in Olympic men’s hockey history, the first medal-round match saw an amateur Team USA —as Olympic rules barred professional athletes from competing— against a four-time gold-winning Soviet Union that had bypassed regulations to gather a professional team. Against all odds, Team USA achieved a 4-3 upset victory and would go on to win gold against Finland.

2

Jesse Owens (1936 Summer Olympics, Berlin)

The Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics were celebrated with uncertainty and fear, under a full-fledged Nazi regime that had "softened" its regulations during the event, but still barred Romani and Jewish athletes from the competition. As an African-American athlete, Jesse Owens was under intense pressure, but was still able to win four gold medals , becoming the first track and field athlete to achieve this record.

3

The Dream Team (1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona)

The 1992 Barcelona Olympics were the first to see a men’s Basketball Team USA with active NBA players, who until then were not allowed to compete due to FIBA regulations. Considered one of the most talent-packed teams of all time —with a roster that included names such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Scottie Pippen, and David Robinson. The so-called "Dream Team" would remain undefeated through the competition and take the gold medal home, winning each game by at least 32 points —and without Head Coach Chuck Daly having to ever call for a timeout.

4

Michael Phelps (2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing)

Nicknamed "The Baltimore Bullet" and "Flying Fish", Michael Phelps is one of the great names in Team USA swimming history, with a record total of 24 medals across four Olympic Games . After tying the record for most medals of any color by winning six gold and two bronze in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, Phelps would go on to make history in the following 2008 Olympic Games, where he took home eight gold medals, setting a new record, undisputed in any Olympic sport to this day.

5

Mary Lou Retton (1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles)

The perfect-score victory of 14-year-old Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci in 1976 inspired gymnasts around the globe, among them an 8-year-old Mary Lou Retton. Trained by Comăneci’s former coaches, Retton made a name for herself at a young age, but suffered a devastating knee injury five weeks before the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite undergoing surgery, Retton recovered just in time and went head-to-head against Romanian athlete Ecaterina Szabo for the all-around medal. Beating Szabo by 0.05 points, Mary Lou Retton became the first American (and the first non-Eastern European) female gymnast to win all-around gold at just 16 years old. She would also win two silver and two bronze medals in the individual events.

6

1996 U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team (1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta)

With the men’s teams hogging the spotlight, women’s basketball in the 1990s was still underestimated. The NBA was considering launching a women's professional league, but the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics were to be the deciding factor. In order to give their all, the team lived and trained together for a whole year before the competition , with an undefeated pre-Olympic tour and Olympic run. Their Olympic success would pave the way for the WNBA and, more broadly, for women’s basketball across America.

7

Mark Spitz (1972 Summer Olympics, Munich)

Thirty-six years before Michael Phelps’ gold medal record, Mark Spitz made swimming history in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. With a record-setting career, Spitz had entered the 1968 Games as the favorite for at least six golds, but was only able to achieve two golds, a silver, and a bronze. The following games were different, though: Spitz competed in seven different categories, winning gold and breaking the world record for each one , remaining undefeated until 2008.

8

Florence Griffith-Joyner (1988 Summer Olympics, Seoul)

Despite her 3 golds and one silver at the 1988 Seoul Games, one of Flo-Jo’s most impressive records was set a few months earlier , during the Olympic trials in Indiana, where she set a world record for the 100-meter dash in 10.49 seconds. During the games, she would also set a world record for the 200-meter dash in 21.34 seconds. Both these records have remained undefeated to this day.

9

Carl Lewis (1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996 Summer Olympics)

Carl Lewis’ track and field career has impressive numbers, with 10 Olympic medals (9 of them gold) and 10 World Championship medals. However, the numbers don’t stop there. After matching Jesse Owens’ record by winning four golds in the same Olympics in 1984, he would go on to win gold for the same event in four consecutive games , being one of six athletes overall, and one of two track and field athletes to achieve this record.

10

The "Magnificent Seven" (1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta)

We’re now used to seeing Team USA dominate women’s gymnastics, but a few decades ago the picture was quite different, with powerhouses like Romania and the Soviet Union dominating the sport. By 1996, Team USA had never managed to win a team gold, but the "Magnificent Seven" —Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Dominique Dawes, Kerri Strug, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, and team captain Amanda Borden— would change history. With a team composed of athletes with strong individual performances, Team USA had managed to reach the finals, with the vault as the defining apparatus. Under immense pressure and after falling on her first attempt, Kerri Strug (with a torn ligament that caused her immense pain) executed a near-perfect jump, landing on one foot and beating Russia’s overall score by 0.851 points.

1

The US touches three oceans

Image: Daiwei Lu

Most people remember the Atlantic and the Pacific, but the Arctic often gets overlooked. Alaska’s northern edge dips into icy Arctic waters, technically giving the US access to all three. From sunbathing to snowshoeing, we’ve got the full spectrum of ocean vibes covered!

2

America has the shortest river in the world

Image: Gaurav Kumar

Montana is home to the Roe River, which runs for just 201 feet. That’s shorter than a city block! It flows from its source at Giant Springs to the Missouri River near Great Falls. Sure, it’s not as mighty as the Mississippi, but it holds the record for shortest river, and that’s enough to brag about.

3

Some NYC buildings are big enough to have their own zip codes

Image: Andrew Jephson

Most of us share a zip code with our neighbors. In New York City, though, some skyscrapers are so massive they have one all to themselves. You know the Empire State Building? Yep, it has its own zip code: 10118. The same goes for the MetLife and Chrysler Buildings. Manhattan alone has over 300 zip codes!

4

Alaska is the westernmost and easternmost state

Image: Rod Long

That’s right: Alaska holds the title as both the farthest west and farthest east state in the United States. How is that possible? Well, the Aleutian Islands, which belong to Alaska, stretch so far out that they cross the International Date Line and enter the Eastern Hemisphere. Isn’t that just fascinating?

5

From Stamford, CT, all roads lead to New York

Image: Matt Foxx

Picture this: no matter which direction you drive—north, south, east, or west— you can end up in New York if you start in Stamford, Connecticut. Heading east requires a boat, of course, but it still counts!

6

Florida and California don’t have the longest coastline

Image: Jakob Owens

Think sun and sand, and Florida or California might come to mind. But the state with the longest coastline is actually Alaska, by a long shot. With over 6,600 miles of shoreline, it beats the combined coastlines of all other states. Snow lovers will enjoy this one!

7

California has almost as many people as all of Canada

Image: Joseph Chan

Yes, the Golden State is that packed. California’s population hovers around 39 million, not enough to beat Canada, which has roughly 41 million. But give it two more years, and we’ll discuss this again. This may not sound so surprising, but bear in mind that we’re comparing a single state to a whole country!

8

Only two states are truly off on their own

Image: Dave Hoefler

Most states have neighbors, but that’s not the case for Alaska and Hawaii. They’re the loners of the country, separated by either the ocean or international borders. Meanwhile, Missouri and Tennessee are the social butterflies of the map, each touching eight other states. Whatever the number of neighbors, we love them all!

9

The four largest US cities (by area) are in Alaska

Image: Kedar Gadge

When we talk about big cities, most folks think of population. But if you’re measuring square miles, Alaska takes the cake. Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage are the four largest cities by land area. You could fit entire states inside some of these!

10

The first US capital wasn’t D.C. or Philly

Image: Florian Wehde

Washington, D.C., may be the capital now, but it wasn’t the first, you know? That honor goes to New York City, which held the title for a couple of years after the Constitution was ratified. The capital later moved to Philadelphia and then finally settled in D.C.

11

Los Angeles had a name as long as your arm

Image: Roberto Nickson

Before it was known for Hollywood, Los Angeles had a name that would never fit on a postcard. The original Spanish settlers called it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula . Translation? You try saying that! Thankfully, we shortened it. "L.A." is just easier for everyone.

12

Nebraska is the only triply landlocked state

Image: Laura Seaman

If you’re in Nebraska and want to see the ocean, you’ll have to cross at least three states. That makes it the most landlocked state in the U.S.—"triply landlocked," to be exact. For those craving a beach day, that’s a bit of a hike. But for folks who love open plains, it’s prime real estate.

1

Mickey Mouse: first fictional character

Image: Skitterphoto

Mickey Mouse, the iconic character created by Walt Disney, became the first fictional character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Honored in 1978, Mickey’s star celebrates his influence on entertainment and his status as a cultural icon.

The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of Mickey’s debut in Steamboat Willie , a milestone in animation history. The star is located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, a fitting tribute to the mouse who built an empire. Mickey's star paved the way for other beloved fictional characters to be recognized. Animation also holds a special place in Hollywood’s heart!

2

Joanne Woodward: first to be photographed

Image: Noom Peerapong

The beginning of the Walk of Fame was a process rather than a moment, which is why we cannot appoint a single person as the first one to receive this honor. However, Joanne Woodward, an accomplished actress of the 1950s, was the first person ever photographed with a star on the Walk of Fame.

Awarded in 1960, she was part of the very first group of stars to be unveiled. Her star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her remarkable career in film and television, including her Academy Award-winning performance in The Three Faces of Eve . The image of her kneeling beside her star became an iconic moment in Hollywood history and it was the moment that set the future ceremony tradition around the stars!

3

Gene Autry: how many?

Image: Colton Jones

Known as the "Singing Cowboy," Gene Autry is the only entertainer with not one, not two, not even three… but five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! What an accomplishment, don’t you think?

His stars are scattered along Hollywood Boulevard and each one of them represents his contributions to different areas of entertainment: film, television, music, radio, and live performance. Autry’s career spanned decades, and he was a pioneer in popularizing country music and Western films. With so much on his resume, five stars are suddenly not enough!

4

Harrison Ford: which one of them?

Image: Ekaterina Belinskaya

The name "Harrison Ford" appears twice on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but this is not like Gene Auntry’s case. The two "Ford" stars honor two different individuals. Do you know who they are?

The first star, located at 6665 Hollywood Boulevard, belongs to the silent film actor Harrison Ford, who was active in the early 20th century. The second star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors the modern-day actor known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones .

Despite sharing the same name, these stars commemorate different careers. It’s a quirky detail that adds an intriguing layer of Hollywood history to the Walk of Fame, don’t you think?

5

Bugs Bunny: what’s up, walk of fame?

Image: Nate Biddle

What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny hopped onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, making him one of the most famous cartoon characters to get a star. Voiced by the incredible Mel Blanc, Bugs is known for his snappy comebacks and carrot-chomping swagger.

His star, located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard, celebrates his role as the ultimate animated troublemaker. Bugs is so much more than just a cartoon character, he has brought laughter and joy to many generations. His star is a fitting tribute to the bunny with brains, who said the Hollywood Walk of Fame was just for real-life entertainers?

6

Ray Bradbury: writing his way to the stars

Image: freddie marriage

Just as fictional characters can have a great impact on Hollywood, so can writers. After all, writers and their work have inspired many movies and series. True as that can be, only two writers have stars on the Walk of Fame.

Ray Bradbury, the literary genius behind Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles , got his own star on the Walk of Fame in 2002 . Bradbury’s imagination took us to distant planets and dystopian futures, and Hollywood couldn’t help but take notice. His star at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard honors his profound influence on movies and TV through his books. Only two novelists have stars on the Walk, and Bradbury’s spot is well-deserved. Curious about the other novelist with a star? It’s Sidney Sheldon!

7

Disneyland: a magical addition

Image: Aubrey Odom

If you thought a fictional character receiving a star was a bit unusual, wait until you find out that even some corporations have their own star! But it’s for a good reason, trust us!

Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, got its own star on the Walk of Fame in 2005. Though it’s not technically on the Walk (city rules, go figure), the star sits right next to it, near Disney’s Soda Fountain on Hollywood Boulevard.

Opened in 1955, the park is a cornerstone of entertainment history, which is why it has received a star. Even without a spot on the official Walk, Disneyland’s star shines just as bright. It’s the ultimate fairy-tale ending!

8

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: a star with a funny twist

Image: cottonbro studio

Now, you haven’t heard the quirkiest detail. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a place of honor, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of mistakes.

In 2010, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the comedy queen from Seinfeld and Veep , received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But here’s the kicker: They misspelled her name as "Julia Luis Dreyfus" at first!

The mistake was quickly fixed, and it became a hilarious story. But a star for a comedian like her couldn’t go without a funny anecdote. Now, her star at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard is spelled correctly and honors her amazing TV career.

9

Dick Van Dyke: spelling erratum

Image: Annie Spratt

Dick Van Dyke, the man who made us all want to sing and dance, received his Walk of Fame star in 1993. But, oops! They misspelled his name initially too! His star read "Vandyke" when it was first installed, but don’t worry the mistake was soon fixed.

The mix-up was corrected, and his star at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard now proudly displays his name the right way. Van Dyke’s star honors his legendary career in TV and film, from Mary Poppins to The Dick Van Dyke Show . The little hiccup just adds to the fun-loving spirit of his legacy. After all, if anyone can laugh off a typo, it’s Dick Van Dyke!

10

Lassie: everyone’s best friend

Image: Kanashi

Who didn’t wish to have a dog like Lassie at home? Lassi is the most famous collie in the world and she got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Well, at least the character did because, spoiler alert, Lassie was played by many dogs!

Lassie’s star, located at 6368 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her role as TV’s favorite four-legged hero. She’s one of only four dogs to receive a star, and honestly, she deserves it for all the lives she’s "saved" on screen.

The star isn’t just for one dog, it’s for every amazing canine that played Lassie over the years. It was only fair that a man’s best friend received a star on such an iconic street!