1

Florida - Key Lime Pie

Image: Delfina Iacub

Let’s open with a classic: This tangy and refreshing treat is a true Sunshine State main character.

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, tart filling nestled in a graham cracker crust. It’s often topped with a fluffy meringue or whipped cream. The key limes, smaller and more tart than regular limes, give this pie its signature flavor.

2

Arkansas - Chili Cheeseburger

Image: René Roa

Pure Americana, hearty and satisfying meal. The Arkansas chili cheeseburger takes a juicy beef patty and smothers it in a savory, meaty chili .

Of course, melted cheddar cheese and diced onions are included. Chili cheeseburgers have been a staple in Arkansas diners and drive-ins since at least the 1950s.

3

Kentucky - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Image: Erik Mclean

Nothing like the crispy, golden goodness of Kentucky Fried Chicken when you are hungry. This finger-lickin' good dish, featuring Colonel Sanders' secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has been a Kentucky staple (and a national favorite) since the 1930s.

Whether you prefer the original recipe, extra crispy, or those tasty chicken tenders, KFC is a true Kentucky comfort food classic.

4

Delaware - Thrashers French Fries

Image: Louis Hansel

In Delaware, Thrasher’s French Fries reign supreme. These crispy, golden fries are cooked in peanut oil and served piping hot in a paper cone, with a generous shake of salt and a side of apple cider vinegar for dipping. Forget ketchup or mayonnaise!

The Thrasher’s bucket has been a Delaware tradition since 1929, and it’s now a must-have snack for any beach day.

5

Indiana - Hoosier Pie

Image: Corleto Peanut butter

A delicious and comforting dessert that's perfect for sharing (or not): Indiana's Hoosier Pie, a.k.a. the sugar cream pie , features a flaky crust with a creamy, custard-like filling that tastes like butter and vanilla.

This pie is believed to have been a popular treat in Indiana farmhouses in the 19th century.

6

Illinois - Deep-Dish Pizza

Image: Chenyu Guan

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has its naysayers, but it also has its fans. A hearty pizza with a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, plus toppings.

Some argue it’s not a pizza as much as a cheese pie . But it can be both, and it’s unarguably delicious. Whether you prefer it with pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, this is a must-try iconic Illinois treat.

7

Georgia - Peaches

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Simple as that! Georgia, the Peach State, lives up to its name with its juicy and flavorful peaches, and its citizens voted this as an unmissable treat.

Whether you enjoy them cold, baked in a cobbler, or preserved in a jar, Georgia peaches are a true Southern delight. But locals suggest you try them fresh off the tree .

8

New Hampshire - Maple Waffles

Image: nabil boukala

A breakfast that's sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. New Hampshire's maple waffles are fluffy, golden, and drizzled with pure maple syrup , made from the sap of the state’s maple trees.

The state's long history of maple sugaring dates back to the Native Americans, and today, New Hampshire maple syrup is prized for its flavor and quality. You can enjoy your waffles plain or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

9

Pennsylvania - Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Snappr

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich legend, born and bred in the City of Brotherly Love. It features thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed with onions and melted cheese (usually provolone or Cheez Whiz), all piled high on a soft hoagie roll .

The story goes that this sandwich was invented in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, hot dog vendors who decided to try something new.

10

New York - Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel

Image: Nancy Ingersoll

New York City's lox and cream cheese bagel is a classic deli staple that's perfect for breakfast or lunch!

A chewy bagel topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox) , creamy schmear, and often some capers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a New York City icon enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

11

North Carolina - Krispy Kreme Donut

Image: leannk

What's amazing about North Carolina's Krispy Kreme donuts is that people prefer their original version: light and airy donuts with a signature glaze .

The company was founded in the 1930s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and their "Hot Now" sign became a beacon for donut lovers everywhere. Of course, they offer many versions nowadays, like chocolate-iced or jelly-filled ones.

12

Rhode Island - Calamari

Image: Bart ter Haar

Rhode Island's calamari is a seafood lover's dream. This dish features tender squid, lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp , often served with marinara sauce or a spicy aioli.

With its long coastline and rich fishing tradition, Rhode Island is known for its fresh seafood, and calamari is a local favorite.

1

Gutenberg Bible

The Gutenberg Bible was the first book to be printed after the invention of movable type printing, around the year 1455. Nowadays, only 49 copies have survived from the 180 believed to have been printed by Gutenberg himself , and only 21 are considered complete copies. The copy kept in the Library of Congress is one of three complete copies printed in vellum —a parchment made from animal skin.

2

Draft of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence kept at the National Archives in Washington, D.C, is the final document presented to the Second Continental Congress. Before that, six drafts were made. The copy kept in the Library of Congress is the first ‘rough draft’ written by Thomas Jefferson , with notes from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and the other committee delegates. It was part of Jefferson’s personal library and papers, which were acquired by the Library of Congress in 1815.

3

Waldseemüller Map

The only surviving copy, this 1507 map by Martin Waldseemüller was an ambitious project that aimed to depict the geographical discoveries of the past few decades , including those made by Amerigo Vespucci after his voyages in 1501 and 1502, which confirmed that the ‘new world’ was not part of the Indies, but a separate continent altogether. To honor this, Waldseemüller named the continent America, and this map was the first to utilize the name.

4

The Stradivarius

Created by the luthier Antonio Stradivari and his family in the 17th and 18th centuries, Stradivarius instruments are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and sound, and are valued in the millions. It is estimated that 650 instruments have survived out of the around 1100 made . Six of them —two violas, three violins, and a cello— are kept in the Library of Congress.

5

Bay Psalm Book

This book of psalms was the first book to be printed in British North America , and it dates to the year 1640, just 20 years after the arrival of the Pilgrims. This copy lacks a title page, and 12 of its pages have been removed. One of 11 surviving copies, it is a valuable testimony to America’s printing history.

6

Leaves of Grass

Whalt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass is considered to be one of the most important poetry collections in American Literature and a celebration of the American spirit. The Library of Congress houses several editions of this book, the most important being a copy of its first edition, self-published in 1855, as well as a page of the original manuscript.

7

Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers

The Wright brothers are credited with the invention, building, and flying the world’s first successful airplane in North Carolina in 1903. This collection in the Library of Congress comprises 10,121 items related to them , including notebooks, photographs, papers, drawings, prints, correspondence, and more.

8

Giant Bible of Mainz

Before the invention of movable type printing, most Bibles were handwritten, a laborious task that could take years to complete. The Great Bible of Mainz is one of the last Bibles made in this way , and it is dated around the year 1452. Made from 459 vellum skin leaves and embellished with illuminated initial letters and borders, this Bible was gifted to the Library of Congress in 1952.

9

Huexotzinco Codex

Composed of 8 sheets of amatl —a pre-Hispanic Nahuatl type of paper—, this 1521 codex registers a legal complaint against a colonial administrator. The Nahua people of Huexotzinco were part of Hernán Cortés’s estate after aiding him in his campaign against the Aztec Empire. During one of Cortés’s trips, the administrators of the estate implemented abusive taxes. After his return, Cortés and the Nahua presented a joint formal complaint, and they were successful. The case was retried in Spain, where the courts and King Charles both agreed with the initial verdict and ruled that excess taxes were returned to the Nahua.

10

Gettysburg Address

One of the most significant speeches of the American Civil War and of American History, the Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Lincoln on the occasion of the inauguration of the Soldiers' National Cemetery , now Gettysburg National Cemetery. Of the five surviving manuscript copies of the short speech —it lasted roughly two minutes— only two were written before the occasion, which were gifted by Lincoln to his personal secretaries, and were later donated to the Library of Congress.

1

Margarita

Image: Julie Sd

Margarita is a name we all recognize. So much so that it stands out as one of the most popular drinks in America. With roots in Mexican culture, the Margarita is a well-designed drink, blending the strong flavor of tequila with fresh lime juice and triple sec.

With simple ingredients and preparation, this drink is one of the most popular among those looking for a perfect balance of flavors.

2

Martini

Image: Johann Trasch

A classic of classics, the Martini has its rightful place on this list. Not only is it one of the most famous cocktails in the world, but it's also one of Americans' favorites. We understand why: its combination of gin, dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist makes it hard to beat.

Born in the 19th century and rising to fame during the Prohibition Era, the Martini proves that simplicity can perfectly go hand in hand with elegance and sophistication.

3

Moscow Mule

Image: Gary Meulemans

The Moscow Mule, created in America in 1940, has since become one of the most beloved cocktails. With a perfect blend of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, this drink offers a refreshing taste, perfect for any summer evening.

But that's not all: Its iconic copper mug not only keeps the Moscow Mule always cold but also gives it a unique look!

4

Espresso Martini

Image: Krists Luhaers

Now, let's talk about one of the surprises on the list: the Espresso Martini. Although it has gained popularity in recent years (especially among coffee and cocktail fans), the recipe for this drink has actually been around since the 1980s.

Let's be honest: its formula is genius. It blends extremely popular flavors -vodka and coffee- into one perfect drink. Often meticulously crafted and served in a chic glass, this drink definitely gets all the attention.

5

Old Fashioned

Image: Bon Vivant

The Old Fashioned teaches us that something doesn't have to be new to be on trend. In fact, this is one of the classic American drinks and is already part of the cocktail tradition in our country.

Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel: that's all it took for this cocktail to win the hearts of many Americans and become an icon of our culture.

6

Mojito

Image: Marc Schulte

When summer arrives, there is a drink that becomes one of the stars. We're talking about the famous Mojito, which successfully mixes mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water. Delicious, right?

If rum isn't to your liking, you can easily substitute it with other spirits, such as vodka or gin, which makes it a versatile and adaptable option to different contexts and events. In addition, its preparation is very simple, so you don't need to leave your home and go to a bar to enjoy its refreshing taste.

7

Long Island Iced Tea

Image: sangsang pic

Some may be disappointed to learn that the popular Long Island Iced Tea has no tea in it at all. That's right, this cocktail is made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola. Potent, don't you think?

Perhaps it's its boldness that makes it so popular, as it ranks among the top choices for Americans. But let's be honest: this might not be the best drink if you have to be up early the next morning.

8

Spritz

Image: Miikka Luotio

If the cocktail in the previous entry seemed too much for you, the Spritz might be the perfect choice. As one of the drinks with the lowest alcohol content on the list, the Spritz stands out for its light and refreshing taste.

Plus, its preparation is incredibly simple. All you need is Prosecco, Aperol (sometimes replaced for Campari), and a splash of soda water. And as if all that weren't enough, its characteristic orange tones make it an Instagram-worthy cocktail.

9

Mimosa

Image: Briona Baker

When it comes to brunches, the Mimosa takes the spotlight. It seems to be one of the most popular drinks for celebrating special occasions during the day, thanks to its refreshing, light taste and relatively low alcohol content.

Since it is made with just two ingredients -orange juice and sparkling wine in equal parts- we can all make it at home. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into a tall champagne flute, and you're ready to enjoy!

10

Bloody Mary

Image: Nicole Honchariw

Hand in hand with the Mimosa, the Bloody Mary also stands out as a classic brunch cocktail. Its ingredients -vodka and tomato juice- pair perfectly with the dishes typically served at such gatherings. In addition, different spices, seasonings, and garnishes are often added to its two basic ingredients, making it a versatile drink that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences.

Fun fact: Although it has remained relevant over the years, this cocktail is reported to be most popular among Generation X!