1

George Washington

Image: Priscilla Gyamfi

America’s first president had no guidebook to follow, so George Washington ended up writing the first chapters of the office himself. With calm judgment and a focus on fairness, he set the tradition of serving only two terms, showing that leadership should be about duty rather than personal power.

Washington organized the very first Cabinet, established the tone for presidential addresses, and worked hard to promote unity among different regions and viewpoints. His steady approach helped turn a young, uncertain nation into a stable and functioning republic. The patterns he created became the model for every subsequent president.

2

James Madison

Image: Tara Winstead

Often called the "Father of the Constitution," James Madison helped shape the foundations of the United States long before he stepped into the presidency. He played a central role in writing the Constitution and co-authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays that explained how the new government was meant to work.

Once in office, Madison continued to support the development of stronger federal systems that could serve a growing country, and he oversaw the admission of new states into the expanding Union. His steady leadership helped reinforce the structure laid down by the founders and proved that the nation’s early ideas—balance, stability, and cooperation—could stand the test of time.

3

Abraham Lincoln

Image: Jacob Thorson

The 16th U.S. president guided the nation through a time of deep division with a calm, steady determination and a clear sense of purpose. He held firmly to the belief that all people are created equal, and he worked to bring those principles to life in practical, lasting ways.

During his presidency, Lincoln supported major constitutional changes that broadened personal freedoms and strengthened the role of the federal government in protecting those rights. He emphasized unity, fairness, and the idea that the country could emerge stronger if it stayed true to its core values. His dedication to these ideals has made him one of the most admired figures in American history, remembered for his integrity and his hope for a more united nation.

4

Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Ryan Stone

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his enthusiasm, his adventurous spirit, and his deep love of the outdoors. He became one of the nation’s strongest voices for conservation, helping to create and expand national parks, forests, and wildlife areas.

His domestic program, the "Square Deal," aimed to make sure consumers, workers, and businesses were treated fairly, and he pushed for stronger rules that protected everyday Americans from unfair practices. Roosevelt also encouraged the nation to step forward with confidence, backing improvements in transportation and modern infrastructure that helped connect the United States more smoothly with the world.

5

Woodrow Wilson

Image: Đào Thân

Woodrow Wilson arrived in Washington with a plan to give everyday Americans a fairer, more balanced system, and his wave of domestic reforms—known as the "New Freedom"—reflected that goal. During his presidency, the nation saw the creation of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission, two major institutions designed to keep the economy steady and well-regulated.

Wilson also encouraged the idea that countries should work together through organized cooperation rather than standing apart, a view that later influenced the formation of important international organizations. His belief in self-determination and his preference for diplomacy over isolation helped guide the United States toward a long-term vision of global partnership and shared responsibility.

6

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Image: Pedro Gutierrez

Franklin Roosevelt guided the nation through one of its toughest economic periods with a wide-ranging effort known as the "New Deal." This collection of policies helped support workers, steady the banking system, and strengthen protections for consumers. It also introduced Social Security, a program that quickly became a key element of retirement planning for millions of Americans.

Roosevelt understood the importance of keeping the public informed, so he spoke directly to families through his regular radio broadcasts, the famous "Fireside Chats." In these simple, calm conversations, he explained what the government was doing and why, helping people feel more confident in uncertain times. His clear, steady communication made him one of the most trusted and familiar voices of his era.

7

Harry S. Truman

Image: WikiImages

When Harry Truman took office in 1945, both the world and the United States were undergoing a period of rapid change. With a practical mindset, the 33rd president helped launch broad programs aimed at rebuilding European economies and encouraging stronger international cooperation.

He also set a new long-range direction for American policy, one that emphasized stability, democratic principles, and economic support beyond U.S. borders. Truman’s meaningful efforts helped shape how nations worked together and signaled the beginning of important social changes that would continue to unfold in the decades ahead.

8

John F. Kennedy

Image: Florida Memory

John F. Kennedy brought a fresh sense of youth and optimism to the early 1960s. His speeches often called on Americans to lend a hand, serve their communities, and think beyond themselves—captured in his well-known line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Kennedy supported important civil rights efforts and encouraged steady progress in science and technology. He also pushed the nation to look toward the future through expanded space exploration and created the Peace Corps, giving young Americans opportunities to volunteer and make a difference overseas. His steady promotion of learning, service, and innovation helped spark a spirit of national progress that defined much of the decade.

9

Lyndon B. Johnson

Image: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto Restored by: Bammesk, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lyndon Johnson arrived in the White House with a far-reaching plan he called the "Great Society," a vision aimed at improving everyday life for people across the country. Under his leadership, Congress passed major civil rights legislation that strengthened equality and safeguarded voting rights, setting new standards for fairness.

The 36th president also approved the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, programs that gave millions of older adults and low-income families reliable access to health care for the very first time. Additionally, he supported initiatives to improve education, preserve natural resources, and strengthen local communities.

10

Ronald Reagan

Image: White House Photographic Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ronald Reagan stepped into the 1980s carrying a message of confidence and renewal, offering Americans a sense of fresh direction after a challenging period. His economic approach—later known as "Reaganomics"—was centered on lowering taxes, easing federal regulations, and giving businesses more room to grow. For many people, this era became associated with rising optimism.

Reagan also spoke often about national pride and traditional values, presenting a steady, recognizable voice on the world stage. His leadership style—straightforward, good-humored, and easy to understand—left a lasting mark on how political ideas were discussed and helped shape the country’s tone for years to follow.

1

25 times a year

Image: Johannes Plenio

Its tall, elegant steel structure is definitely captivating; no wonder thousands of photographers, painters, and filmmakers have chosen the Empire State Building as the backdrop for their work. However, that imposing height comes with something a little scary: it's estimated that the building is struck by lightning about 25 times a year! Fortunately, it was designed to handle these strikes, so it's completely safe.

2

Really fast

Image: Guilherme Cunha

There are buildings that took decades to complete. But this is not the case with the Empire State Building. In fact, this is one of the fastest skyscrapers ever built: It took only one year and 45 days to erect such an architectural masterpiece. That means it was built at a rate of an incredible 4.5 floors per week!

3

Unlikely survivor

Image: Melanie Dretvic

It was 1945 when the Empire State Building was accidentally struck by a B-25 Mitchell bomber due to the thick fog that covered NYC. A worker named Betty Lou Oliver was on the 80th floor when the plane crashed into the 79th. She was severely injured, but incredibly, she survived. Hours later, while being rescued in an elevator, the damaged cables gave way, and Betty fell 75 floors to the basement. She survived that too!

4

40 million dollars

Image: Pepi Stojanovski

A tremendous building like the Empire State couldn't be built on a shoestring budget. When it was constructed —in the midst of the Great Depression, no less— it cost about $41 million . That's a hefty sum, even today! Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $600 to $700 million in 2025. Wow!

5

Secret floor

Image: roemer overdiep

If you are afraid of heights, be prepared: the Empire State Building has two public observation decks, one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd. But there's another one, and it's even higher! It's located on the 103rd floor, but it's not open to the public and is mostly used for VIPs or special occasions.

6

High security

Image: Pawel Czerwinski

Although an incredible 4 million people visit the building each year on average, getting in isn't easy. Many visitors say it feels like going through airport security, with X-ray machines and metal detectors everywhere. Visitors must also pass through a security checkpoint before reaching the observation decks, and the building is constantly monitored by cameras and security guards.

7

King Kong

Image: Simon Ray

We all remember the iconic scene of the imposing King Kong climbing the towering mast of the Empire State Building. And while that image lives on in our minds, there's one detail many people overlook: When the original King Kong movie premiered in 1933, the Empire State Building was less than two years old! Plus, at the time, the building still held the title of tallest in the world, making King Kong's climb even more epic.

8

Underground waterways

Image: Evgeniy Smersh

Beneath what is now NYC, there was a network of streams and rivers that flowed freely before Manhattan and other boroughs covered them. The land below the Empire State Building is no exception, and these old underground waterways still occasionally cause complications. For example, during heavy rains, water can rise and seep into the building's wind tunnels, sometimes flooding areas with up to two feet of water.

9

The original plans

Image: Jaunt and Joy

The Empire State Building was originally supposed to have a dirigible anchor! That's right; the mast at the top of the building was meant to serve as a mooring post for dirigibles, with a docking platform and a door for passengers to disembark. However, due to the extreme height, high winds, and overall potential danger, the idea was discarded. Today, the mast is used for antennas and other communications equipment.

10

Green building

Image: Chris Ladouceur

This iconic building that defines New York's skyline is considered a "green building." And no, it has nothing to do with the color of its walls; it's about something much more meaningful. The sustainability modifications that the Empire State has undergone over the years have made it one of the most energy-efficient buildings of its size, minimizing its environmental impact and earning it the title of "green building."

1

"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" – John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961

JFK's inaugural address challenged Americans to think beyond self-interest and embrace civic duty. The young president, at 43, the youngest ever elected, was calling on a new generation to serve their nation through programs like the Peace Corps, which he would establish just weeks later.

Instead of offering benefits and programs, Kennedy was asking for sacrifice and commitment . Coming at the height of the Cold War, his message resonated with Americans who wanted to prove democracy's strength by contributing to something larger than themselves.

2

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" – Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987

President Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin and issued this bold challenge to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The Berlin Wall had divided the city since 1961, becoming the ultimate symbol of the Iron Curtain separating communist Eastern Europe from the democratic West. Reagan's advisors had actually tried to remove the line from his speech, thinking it too provocative.

While many factors contributed to the collapse of Soviet power, Reagan's words captured the West's determination to see freedom triumph . The quote became a rallying cry that helped accelerate the end of the Cold War.

3

"I have a dream" – Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963

Standing before 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King departed from his prepared speech and began repeating these four powerful words. His vision of racial equality and justice painted a picture of an America where his children would be judged by their character, not their skin color . The speech became the defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement.

Those words still resonate today because they captured both the pain of segregation and a hope for a better future. The phrase has been quoted countless times since, reminding us that the work of creating a just society continues.

4

"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" – Neil Armstrong, July 20, 1969

When Neil Armstrong's boot touched the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, he spoke these words to the estimated 600 million people watching on television back on Earth. The Space Race had culminated in an American victory that united the entire planet in awe.

Armstrong later said he'd meant to say "one small step for a man," but the indefinite article got lost in the transmission. Either way, it reminded everyone watching that we're capable of incredible things when we work together .

5

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" – Franklin D. Roosevelt, March 4, 1933

FDR spoke these words during his first inaugural address as the Great Depression gripped America. Banks were failing, unemployment had reached 25%, and desperate families were losing their homes. His message was clear: courage and action, not despair, would lead the country to recovery.

Roosevelt's confident tone and bold New Deal programs helped restore faith in the government's ability to help ordinary citizens. His words reminded Americans that their greatest obstacle wasn't the economic collapse itself, but the defeatist attitude that prevented them from fighting back.

6

"I shall return" – Douglas MacArthur, March 20, 1942

When Japan forced American forces to evacuate the Philippines in March 1942, General MacArthur made this simple promise before leaving. The early months of World War II had gone disastrously for the United States, with defeat after defeat in the Pacific. MacArthur's vow wasn't just military strategy—it was a psychological lifeline to Filipinos facing Japanese occupation and Americans reeling from Pearl Harbor.

Two and a half years later, MacArthur waded ashore at Leyte Gulf, fulfilling his promise as cameras captured the dramatic moment. Those three words had sustained Filipino resistance fighters and given Americans hope during dark days .

7

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" – Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Patrick Henry delivered this passionate declaration at Virginia's Second Revolutionary Convention as colonists debated whether to fight Britain. Many still hoped for peaceful reconciliation with King George III, but Henry argued that war was inevitable and delay would only weaken their position. His speech electrified the audience and helped swing Virginia toward supporting armed resistance.

Henry argued that life without liberty wasn't worth living, a radical notion that challenged centuries of monarchical rule. His words became a rallying cry that helped transform reluctant colonists into determined revolutionaries willing to risk everything .

8

"The eagle has landed" – Neil Armstrong, July 20, 1969

Before his famous first step, Armstrong radioed these understated words to Mission Control when the lunar module touched down on the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility. After a harrowing descent with alarms blaring and fuel running critically low, the simple phrase confirmed humanity's first successful landing on another world . Controllers in Houston erupted in celebration, knowing that the hardest part—safely landing—was accomplished.

9

"Yes we can" – Barack Obama, January 2007-November 2008

Obama's campaign slogan became a powerful affirmation that resonated with voters hungry for change. The phrase appeared everywhere: on signs, t-shirts, and in chants at rallies across the country. It worked because it was inclusive and optimistic, suggesting that, together, Americans could overcome challenges from economic recession to political division .

When Obama won the presidency, becoming America's first black president, those words took on even deeper meaning. For many, his victory seemed to prove the phrase true—that barriers once thought insurmountable could indeed be broken.

10

"Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" – Al Michaels, February 22, 1980

Sports broadcaster Al Michaels shouted these words as the final seconds ticked down in the U.S. Olympic hockey team's stunning upset over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid. The Soviets had dominated international hockey for years, and the American team consisted of amateur and college players.

The "Miracle on Ice" became more than just a sports victory—it was a Cold War triumph that lifted American spirits during difficult times . With the Iranian hostage crisis dragging on and economic troubles at home, the win felt like proof that Americans could still compete and win on the world stage.