1

California

All across the Americas, we can find places named after fictional and mythical locations, a result of the arrival of European explorers on the unknown continents. In 1533, Hernán Cortés arrived in what is now Baja California, Mexico. Mistakenly believing that the peninsula was an island, coupled with the arid landscape and the rumor of abundant gold, he named it after an island from the book Las Sergas de Esplandián (The Adventures of Esplandián).

This novel, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo in 1510, features the island of California , governed by the queen Calafia (a play on the Arab calipha , a title given to leaders and rulers). The fictional California is rich in gold and is described as a terrestrial paradise near the Indies, so, despite not being an island, the real California was aptly named.

2

Louisiana

Before being the name of a state, Louisiana designated all the French territories west of the Mississippi River , covering either the whole or part of 15 current U.S. states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Missouri, among others. Originally named La Louisiane (‘the land of Louis’), the name was given to the Mississippi basin by the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier in 1682.

Who was Louis? Sixteen kings of France had the name Louis, but this territory was named after Louis XIV, also known as "The Sun King" . During his 72-year-long reign, still the longest of any monarch in history, France greatly expanded its colonial territories, among which was Louisiana. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the anglicized name remained, but only for a much smaller portion of land, which gained statehood in 1812.

3

Florida

One of the European strategies for naming territories was to reference the day of arrival, a practice often used by the Spanish , and evidenced by the many places named after Catholic saints. Florida is an example of this custom.

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in the territory around the time of Easter while looking for the mythical fountain of youth. In Spanish, Easter is sometimes called La Pascua florida (‘the flowery Easter’) because it usually falls in spring, which led Ponce de León to name the territory La Florida .

4

Maine

There is more than one theory for the origin of Maine, and there is no certain answer. While many claim that ‘Maine’ is derived from ‘main land’, there is another widely supported theory that makes a connection with a French province, and that is backed up by the enormous influence of Acadian French people in the state of Maine .

According to this theory, the Maine territory was named after a French province of the same name —nowadays the region of Sarthe and Mayenne— in turn named after the ancient Cenomani Gaulish tribe.

5

Vermont

Although the Vermont territory was initially explored by the French, it might come as a surprise to know that its French name was given by an English-speaking American . In 1777, the territory declared independence from Britain and constituted a new republic. At first called ‘New Connecticut’, it adopted the name ‘Vermont’ by suggestion of physician and scholar Thomas Young.

Young came up with the name, meaning ‘green mountains’, inspired by a local militia known as ‘the Green Mountain Boys’. However, be it ignorance or poetry, the translation was made into a correct but archaic French. While Vermont does mean ‘green mountain’, the most accurate translation would have been montagne verte .

6

Colorado

Originally, Colorado referred to the Colorado River, named by the Spanish during the 16th century. The area under that name was acquired by the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase and through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , with the Territory of Colorado officially established in 1861 and named after the river.

Why was the river named this way? In Spanish, colorado means ‘red colored’ or ‘ruddy colored’. During the spring thaw, the melted mountain snow would mix with reddish-brown silt , giving the river a red hue.

7

Montana

This one is another case of a name chosen by English speakers. The word ‘Montana’ is an anglicized version of the Spanish montaña, ‘mountain’. But while there certainly are mountains in Montana, part of the territory consists of plains. Why name it so, then?

The Spanish had named the western mountainous region Montaña del Norte (Northern Mountain). When the Montana Territory was created in 1864, the name was suggested as a tribute to the Rocky Mountains . Some complaints arose in defense of the plains, and the alternative name ‘Jefferson’ was proposed, but Montana won in the end.

8

Nevada

The majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the natural wonders of the Western United States, so it makes sense that a territory would be named in its honor. Named Sierra Nevada or ‘snowy peak’ by the Spanish, the first record of the name dates back to 1776 , and was most likely inspired by a Spanish range of the same name.

In 1861, the Territory of Nevada was officially established, and most sources agree that it was named after the mountain range. However, the main part of the Sierra Nevada range belongs to California, with only the Carson Range being in the Nevada territory.

9

Arizona

The origin of ‘Arizona’ is disputed, with theories pointing towards it being the Spanish version of a Native American name. However, other theories disagree, claiming that it is a Basque name, haritz ona , meaning ‘good oak, given by Spanish settlers who came from the Basque region.

There is a final theory which, although heavily disputed, is supported by popular stories. This theory claims that the original name was Árida zona (‘arid zone’) , a description of the desert climate.

10

Oregon

No one really knows what ‘Oregon’ means, but everyone has a theory. Although there are stories that link it to Native American names or spelling errors, the first record of the name is from a 1598 Spanish chronicle, which refers to the territory as ‘_Orejón_’ (‘big-eared’) . Whose ears were being described is unclear.

An alternate theory links the name to French instead of Spanish, based on a 1765 petition by a British explorer that calls the area ‘ Ouragon’, a possible corruption of the French ouragan , ‘hurricane ’, in reference to the turbulent waters of the Columbia River.

1

Pacific Coast Highway

Image: Joe Pilié

The Pacific Coast Highway , officially known as California State Route 1, runs along the stunning California coastline. This iconic route stretches from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns.

Designated by the United States Department of Transportation as an All-American Road , the Pacific Coast Highway also serves as a vital artery for residents in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area. Unfortunately, the route is also known for its frequent coastal landslides, which often cause sections of the road to be closed or redirected inland, so if you are planning to take this route, be sure to check conditions and plan ahead.

2

Blue Ridge Parkway

Image: Angela Bartosh

For those who love bluish mountains and epic landscapes, this route is a must-visit. Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

This 469-mile drive is renowned for its fall foliage, lush scenery, and panoramic vistas. Whether you plan to hike some of its many trails, explore historic sites, or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of your vehicle, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a truly rewarding experience. Just be aware that the road is not maintained in winter, and certain sections and high passes may be closed from late fall through early spring.

3

Route 66

Image: Nikolai Justesen

Famously dubbed the "Mother Road" by Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath , Route 66 embarks on an epic cross-country journey from Chicago to Santa Monica, stretching a total of 2,448 miles. Immortalized in songs and media, this historic road has achieved legendary status, not only as one of the country’s most celebrated routes but also as a symbol of the United States around the world.

This iconic route takes you through picturesque small towns, vast deserts, and quintessential Americana. Though the original road was supplanted by the Interstate Highway System in 1985, much of the historic route has been preserved as a National Scenic Byway , now known as "Historic Route 66."

4

Great River Road

Image: Mitchell Kmetz

Following the course of the Mississippi River , the Great River Road stretches 2,340 miles through ten states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The term "Great River Road," however, refers not only to the official network of roadways that follow the river's path but also to a broader region of historical and touristic significance.

Originally extending north into Canada, it once connected with the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Notable stops along the route include the Twin Cities, Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

5

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Image: Tevin Trinh

Located in Montana's Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel, with sections carved into steep rock faces. This alpine route traverses the Continental Divide through Logan Pass at an elevation of 6,646 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

The road is named after Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which dominates the eastbound view beyond the high pass. According to a Native American legend, a deity called Sour Spirit descended from the sun to teach the Blackfeet tribe how to hunt, giving the mountain its name.

6

Overseas Highway

Image: Ilse Orsel

Connecting mainland Florida to Key West, the Overseas Highway is a 113-mile journey across a series of bridges and tropical islands. Much of the route was built on the remnants of the Overseas Railroad , which was severely damaged and partially destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. In the 1950s, the Overseas Highway was revamped into a major coastal route linking Miami to Key West.

This exotic drive not only offers spectacular views of turquoise waters and coral reefs but also provides the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as American alligators, American crocodiles, and Key deer.

7

Tail of the Dragon

Image: Stephen Cook

Deals Gap , a thrilling mountain pass along the North Carolina–Tennessee state line, is famously known as the Tail of the Dragon due to its astonishing 318 curves in just 11 miles. This legendary stretch of U.S. Route 129 is a global favorite among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, who often come to challenge their vehicles and driving skills on its winding curves.

As the road forms part of the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the 11-mile stretch remains free from urban development and features numerous scenic overlooks and pull-off points.

8

Hana Highway

Image: Claude Piché

Also known as The Road to Hana, the Hana Highway on Maui, Hawaii, is a 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 that traverses through rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and seascapes. As it meanders across the island, the road features over 600 curves , leading to the charming town of Hana, one of the most isolated communities in the state.

Before you get too excited, though, be prepared for a journey that can take nearly three hours. Although the distance may seem short on paper, the highway's winding, narrow nature and its 59 one-lane bridges can significantly extend travel time.

9

Natchez Trace Parkway

Image: Mika Matin

Stretching 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey rich in history and natural beauty. This scenic drive follows the ancient Native American trail of the same name, even preserving sections of the original path.

This historical route offers peaceful landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Notable stops include archaeological treasures like Emerald Mound , several abandoned towns and historic settlements, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument and Grave Site.

10

U.S. Route 50

Image: Paddy Kumar

U.S. Route 50 is a major highway that spans the width of the United States, connecting Ocean City, Maryland, on the East Coast to Sacramento, California, on the West Coast. Stretching 3,073 miles, this route traverses diverse landscapes but is most renowned for its rural desert and mountainous scenery in the western United States.

Particularly notable is its Nevada segment, famously dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America" due to its sparse traffic and lengthy, isolated stretches. Established in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway system, US 50 initially extended from Wadsworth, Nevada, to Annapolis, Maryland. The original route incorporated several historic trails, including the Lincoln Highway, Midland Trail, and the National Old Trails Road.

1

The Beatle’s Shea Stadium Concert

Image: Fedor

The Beatles couldn’t hear themselves over the overwhelming roar of the crowd during their first U.S. performance. The concert that the band from Liverpool gave at Shea Stadium in the summer of 1965 made history. It drew 55,000 fans—the largest rock concert audience at the time—and marked the first time a rock band played in a large stadium.

This event set a new standard for live music performances, highlighting the need for stadium sound systems capable of supporting massive concerts—since the one used that day was rudimentary. Though the band arrived by helicopter, sparked a frenzy of Beatlemania hysteria, and delivered a performance that would be rewatched for decades, they played only 12 songs in just 30 minutes .

2

1985’s Live Aid

Image: Andreas Talseth

Did you know that Phil Collins insisted on performing at both the U.K. and U.S. venues on the same day for 1985’s Live Aid? He boarded a Concorde jet to fly from Wembley Stadium to JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, where the U.S. leg of the famine relief fundraiser for Ethiopia was taking place.

The event was broadcast in 150 countries and reached nearly 1.9 billion people. The U.S. stage of Live Aid raised over $125 million and set the standard for large-scale charity concerts, inspiring similar events in the years that followed. Madonna, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger with Tina Turner, Duran Duran, and Eric Clapton were just a few of the stars who performed that day.

3

Bob Dylan at Newport Folk Festival

Image: Nikoloz Gachechiladze

The 1965 Newport Folk Festival will always be remembered as the day Bob Dylan "went electric." His decision was controversial—he had long been associated with folk and blues, and his unexpected leap into rock divided the audience, with some cheering and others booing. Some believe the booing was directed at the poor sound quality rather than his choice to go electric. Regardless, Dylan left the stage after just three songs .

This moment is seen as a pivotal merger of folk and rock music. Afterward, Dylan fully embraced rock, releasing albums that included his hit "Like a Rolling Stone."

4

Simon & Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park

Image: David Vives

In September 1981, Simon & Garfunkel reunited at Central Park in New York for their first performance together in over a decade. The duo had publicly announced their breakup in 1970, after friction and disagreements that had forced them apart. Their immense popularity drew a crowd of half a million people to Central Park to witness the event.

The duo performed some of their biggest hits along with a few of Paul Simon’s solo songs. The concert was a benefit to raise funds for the park’s restoration. It was broadcast live, and the recording was later released as a live album . The event reignited their popularity and led to a successful reunion tour.

5

The Allman Brothers Band’s Fillmore East Concerts

Image: Pixabay

During the spring of 1971, The Allman Brothers Band performed for three nights at the Fillmore East in New York City. These performances were recorded and released as the live album At Fillmore East , which became one of the greatest live albums in rock history.

What made these recordings particularly compelling for fans was the inclusion of extended jam versions of songs like "Whipping Post," "You Don't Love Me," and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed." The band’s improvisational skills and seamless fusion of blues, jazz, and rock made this weekend in New York a legendary and widely acclaimed performance.

6

Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

Image: M Shiva

In 1968, Johnny Cash made a decision that would revive his career and solidify his image as both empathetic and rebellious. Following a decline in popularity and struggles with addiction, he arranged a performance for the inmates at California’s Folsom Prison, about which he had written the hit Folsom Prison Blues years earlier.

Cash had played in prisons before, but this time, he chose to record it. The resulting album captured the raw energy of his direct engagement with the audience. At Folsom Prison became a massive success, marking the first in a series of prison concerts that would go on to become some of his best-selling records .

7

The Last Waltz of The Band

Image: William Krause

The Last Waltz was billed as The Band’s farewell concert , designed as a celebration of their remarkable career. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, the event featured an all-star lineup of guest musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Ringo Starr—just to name a few.

Held in 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, the concert was later released as a documentary film , becoming one of the greatest concert films of all time. With its chandeliers and grand ballroom atmosphere , The Last Waltz set a new standard for farewell concerts.

8

Prince’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Image: Daniel Robert Dinu

Many will always remember when Prince performed "Purple Rain" in the pouring rain during the 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show . Despite the adverse weather, he commanded the "P"-shaped stage at Miami’s Dolphin Stadium during the break in the game between the Colts and the Bears.

He opened with his anthem "Let's Go Crazy" and included covers of songs by Bob Dylan and Foo Fighters. Legend has it that before the show, Prince was asked if he was worried about performing in the rain. His alleged response? A playful, " Can you make it rain harder ?" He then stepped out and delivered one of the greatest halftime shows in history.

9

Jimi Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival

Image: mirkosajkov

Until the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, Jimi Hendrix had yet to break through in the US. It was none other than Paul McCartney who convinced organizers that the festival would be incomplete without the rising star.

American audiences were introduced to Hendrix’s guitar wizardry at this concert, where he showcased his newly released album Are You Experienced. The moment that cemented him as a force to be reckoned with came during a dramatic rendition of "Wild Thing," when he set his guitar on fire before smashing it.

10

Woodstock Music and Art Fair

Image: PeterKraayvanger

Finally, we can’t overlook the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair, forever known simply as "Woodstock." Held on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, the festival became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture . Nearly half a million people gathered for this three-day event, which was originally planned as a profit-making venture but turned into an open festival when the crowds became overwhelming.

The lineup featured many stars who became emblems of the era, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Santana, and Joe Cocker, among others. Despite its iconic status today, Woodstock faced challenges such as food and water shortages, heavy rain, and overwhelmed medical services. Although the festival initially resulted in a financial loss , the costs were eventually recovered through profits from the film and soundtrack releases.