American beauties
Who’s the legend in each of these 10 states? A journey through our icons!
Every state in the US has its claim to fame. Some states are known for their landscapes, some for their food. Some are even known for their buildings. But one thing is for sure: All of them produced some of the best people in our country, and in some cases, the best in the world! For example, Mississippi gave us Elvis, and Arkansas, Johnny Cash. But it’s not only about artists, we’ve produced inventors, scientists, politicians, you name it! In this article, we’ll go through 10 states and the most influential figures that were born in them. Can you guess who’s going to make it to the list?
Image: Marvin Zettl
1
Alabama’s Southern charm
You may know Alabama for the peanuts, the cotton, and of course, that typical Southern hospitality. You may also know it for the iconic song "Sweet Home Alabama," but the Southern state has one more thing (or person to be more precise) to make it stand out: Zelda Fitzgerald.
Zelda was a novelist, painter, and socialite, a shining star of the 1920s, known for her creative spirit and marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda embodied the roaring ‘20s and left a lasting artistic legacy.
And as if art was not enough for Alabama, it also produced one of the most important figures in the fight for Civil rights and that’s Rosa Parks whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked a movement that changed history. Quite a way to kick it off, huh?
Image: Nathan Anderson
2
Arkansas’ man in black
The second state is known for its rivers, its lakes, and a bit of extreme weather. Arkansas is famous for its natural beauty, but it’s also the birthplace of one of the most iconic musicians of all time: Johnny Cash.
The "Man in Black" captured the hearts of millions with his deep voice and soulful songs like "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire." Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, folk, and rock with themes of heartache, redemption, and rebellion.
Few artists have left a mark as deep as Johnny Cash and we’ve got Arkansas to thank!
Image: Tommy Bond
3
Delaware’s lifesaving innovator
What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Delaware? Is it that it was the first state to ratify the Consitution? Maybe it’s the fact that it is a tax-free state. But did you know this is also Henry Heimlich’s home state ?
If you find that name familiar, it’s because you probably heard of the maneuver. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, revolutionized the field of emergency medicine with the creation of the Heimlich Maneuver.
This simple but life-saving technique has helped countless people who were choking, cementing Heimlich’s place in medical history. Delaware may be famous for being the "First State," but Heimlich’s contribution proves that it’s also a state of firsts when it comes to saving lives.
Image: Josefina Lacroze
4
Georgia on our minds
Yes, we all know about the peaches, but Georgia has so much more to offer! This state is also the birthplace of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders: None other than Martin Luther King Jr!
MLK was born in Atlanta, and he became the face of the 1960s civil rights movement, advocating for non-violent resistance and racial equality. His speech "I Have a Dream" was powerful and it remains today as a call for justice. King’s leadership in desegregating the South and fighting for civil rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize so this state has more than one reason to feel proud. Way to go, Georgia!
Image: Joey Kyber
5
Illinois’ creative geniuses
The land of corn and the first McDonalds in America is also home to great creative minds like that of the great Walt Disney!
Born in Chicago, a city particularly known for its artistic spirit, Disney revolutionized the world of animation. Who doesn’t love that fun and loving Mickey Mouse? Or that magical castle that receives visitors from all over in Disney World. He created a truly magical world!
But that is not all, this state also gave us the literary icon Ernest Hemingway, whose works like The Old Man and the Sea continue to be read and loved all over the globe. Disney’s creativity and Hemingway’s literary genius… How are the rest of the states going to top that? Keep reading and you’ll see!
Image: Joel Mott
6
Kansas’ flying heroine
Kansas may be known for its wheat fields, but it’s also the home of one of history’s greatest aviators: Amelia Earhart.
Amelia was born in Atchison, Kansas, and she made the headlines as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. This was a turning point in history, as women in aviation were not a thing at all! One can easily imagine how inspiring it was for the rest of the women to pursue this kind of adventure, even when the tragic finale remains one of history’s unsolved mysteries. Her feat was an achievement for women and for aviation too!
Kansas, raise your glasses in pride, to celebrate this courageous woman!
Image: Heyzeus Escribo
7
Louisiana’s jazz royalty
How many films are set in this vibrant city? We say Louisiana and you think of music, right? And more than that, you probably think of the one and only Louis Armstrong , don’t you? As you should!
With his majestic voice and his amazing trumpet playing, Armstrong remains today as one of the brightest jazz stars. He was born in the heart of New Orleans and he contributed music with some of the greatest hits like "What a Wonderful World." His music shaped the sound of 20th-century jazz.
But that’s not all, Louisiana also gave us literary genius Truman Capote, who wrote classics like In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s . This is a state that knows how to produce world-class talent, don’t you think?
Image: Joe Lavigne
8
Massachusetts’ master of the macabre
Massachusetts didn’t need to prove anything, that is, this was the place where the Pilgrims landed. We could say it’s the birthplace of our nation. But Massachusetts didn’t come here to play, it also gave us one of America’s most famous literary figures, Edgar Allan Poe .
Poe was born in Boston, and he is known for being the master of the macabre: He wrote thrilling stories with a gothic style like The Raven and The Telltale Heart.
More related to the history Massachusetts is known for, this is also the birthplace of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin , who helped shape the American Revolution and contributed to innovations in science. Did Massachusetts win the contest or what?
Image: Piermario Eva
9
Michigan’s motorman
Sometimes it’s not very clear what came first, it still remains a mystery whether the chicken or the egg came first. Now, in the case of Michigan, there’s no doubt what came first. This is the home state of Henry Ford and that is why this state suddenly came to be known for the automobile industry.
Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the introduction of the assembly line, making cars affordable to the middle class and transforming the way products were made. His Model T became a symbol of the modern world. Michigan’s Motor City, Detroit, owes much of its fame to Ford’s pioneering work. A word and legacy that is still a reality today!
Image: Bruno Guerrero
10
Mississippi’s musical legends
We couldn’t end this article without including one of America’s most beloved characters. And this might cloud your judgment, but it will probably help you choose a winner. Mississippi is the birthplace of none other than the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley!
We don’t need to describe how influential Elvis was, or how his music contributions changed the industry forever. If this had been everything Mississippi had to offer, it would have been more than enough!
But the state’s contributions don’t end there, Mississippi saw many more great minds, like
Tennessee Williams , the famous playwright. He was known for works like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or A Streetcar Named Desire . From rock ‘n’ roll to Broadway, Magnolia State’s influence is undeniable.
Image: Jp Valery
