1

Randall Park Mall, Ohio

Image: Carl Raw

Randall Park Mall opened in 1976 when huge retail complexes were designed to be at the heart of their communities. It was one of the largest indoor malls in the country, with more than 200 shops. However by 2009, following years of declining business and the more immediate impact of the Great Recession, Randall Park Mall closed its doors.

Encompassing nearly 2.2 million square feet of space and reportedly costing $175 million to build, Randall Park Mall was deemed such a colossal miscalculation that it closed after only 33 years in operation and was demolished before reaching forty years.

2

Circle Centre Mall, Indiana

Image: Michael Weidemann

Circle Centre opened to the public on September 8, 1995, incorporating existing downtown structures such as the former L. S. Ayres flagship store. Real efforts were made in its design to incorporate historic elements, such as the retention of the facades of buildings that had previously existed on the site.

Most malls rely on their department and anchor stores to survive, but, with the closure of Nordstrom in 2011 and of Carson's on April 29, 2018, the mall has been left without any department stores. In response to the changing retail conditions, the mall has explored non-traditional uses; for example, in 2014 The Indianapolis Star moved its offices into part of the space vacated by Nordstrom.

3

East Hills Shopping Center, Missouri

Image: Alexander Kovacs

East Hills Shopping Center is an enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1965, as one of the first malls in the Midwestern U.S. After enjoying several decades of success during the early days of malls, East Hills lost many tenants throughout the 1990s.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many businesses to a close. On August 27, 2022, Dillard's permanently closed its doors followed by Party City in April 2023. The mall currently features JCPenney as its only anchor tenant.

4

Exton Square Mall, Pennsylvania

Image: mostafa meraji

The Exton Square Mall opened its doors in March 1973. Among its earlier memories, it holds the distinction of hosting the first Chick-fil-A restaurant on its premises.

In recent years, the mall has experienced an increase in vacancy rates, due to declining mall traffic and ongoing competition from the larger King of Prussia mall located 14 miles away. Many of the remaining stores are non-traditional tenants such as medical offices, a chess club, an art studio and gallery, and a chamber of commerce office.

5

Pittsburgh Mills Galleria, Pennsylvania

Image: Alexander Kovacs

Pittsburgh Mills Galleria is a dead mall that opened to much fanfare on July 14, 2005, but it never achieved the success its owners had hoped for. Only a year after opening, Lucky Strike Lanes closed and was eventually replaced with two restaurants and a banquet hall.

As of February 2023, there are only about 20 stores left, including 6 major chain stores. The food court, which once housed two full-service restaurants, a Starbucks, 10 counter restaurants, and several push-cart vendors, is now completely vacant.

6

Midway Mall, Ohio

Image: Pascal Bernardon

Midway Mall originally opened on September 22, 1966. Its anchor stores were Higbees, JCPenney, and Sears but over the years, brands changed and eventually left. As of 2023, with former anchor Dunham's Sports closing its branch there, it is considered a dead mall.

In 2023, the Lorain County Port Authority voted to buy and develop the mall site but, on May 1, 2024, the port authority sold the property to Industrial Commercial Properties, which intends to turn the mall into an industrial park.

7

Signal Hill Mall, North Carolina

Image: Ervan Sugiana

Signal Hill Mall was a regional enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1973 with more than 40 stores. The mall experienced a great deal of decline since the 2010s, losing most of its major stores throughout the decade and receiving significant media attention as an example of what is popularly known as a dead mall.

As of 2022, the mall has continued to decline, and despite discussions about the possibility of the mall being repurposed for non-retail use, nothing has been done. The mall is occasionally used as a space for community and recreational events by Statesville residents but that is all the activity on its premises.

8

Century III Mall, Pennsylvania

Image: Raymond Kotewicz

The eighth entry on this list hailing from Pennsylvania is an already abandoned mall. Century III Mall was built on a former slag dump and it operated from 1979 to 2019 - almost 40 years, which is not a bad number for a mall. It was the third-largest shopping mall in the world when it opened, but it has since been surpassed by much larger malls.

Following a similar route to the ones we have seen before, its occupancy rate fell from 40 percent in January 2016 to 10 percent by December 2017. Demolition of the mall began on March 26, 2024, starting with the attached external parking garage structure, but it will take a year until the entire structure is gone.

9

Gwinnett Place Mall, Georgia

Image: Casey Lovegrove

Stranger Things fans might recognize this building as the "Starcourt Mall" featured in the third season of the series. Once the leading mall in the region, Gwinnett Place Mall is now largely vacant.

It was challenged by the openings of the Mall of Georgia in 1999 and Sugarloaf Mills in 2001 and lost a large part of its customer base. It also failed to attract any new anchor stores for several years. In 2008, Gwinnett Technical College opened an International Education Center in the mall, where students take foreign language classes. Not much of a mall anymore.

10

Hawthorne Plaza Shopping Center, California

Image: David Valentine

Let us close the list with Hawthorne Plaza , an abandoned enclosed shopping mall with 134 stores that opened in February 1977. It included an indoor mall with three anchor stores and freestanding stores. Despite its initial popularity, the mall went into decline in the 1980s and 1990s.

The number of occupied stores declined from 130 in the late 1980s to around 70 in 1998. The mall's final anchor, JCPenney, closed in 1998 and the mall itself closed in 1999. The southern section of the mall across from the parking structure was demolished in 1998 and rebuilt as a strip mall. It currently includes a supermarket, a pharmacy, and some small restaurants.

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

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

You can’t talk about traditional American desserts without mentioning apple pie, so let’s kick off this article with it! While its roots trace back to Europe, apple pie has become a symbol of American pride.

It’s the perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet apples, and warm spices like cinnamon. Of course, like any traditional dish, there are several variations. But isn’t it great to go back to the basics? If there’s one pie everyone loves, this is it!

2

Brown Derby cake

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The Brown Derby Cake isn’t your typical pie, but its story is worth savoring. It was created in 1927 by caterer Harry Baker in Los Angeles.

You might be wondering about the name’s origin—it comes from its domed shape, which resembles a derby hat. Made famous by the iconic Brown Derby restaurant, this cake combines rich chocolate layers with airy whipped cream and fruit for a delicious finish. If you’re feeling fancy, this is the treat to try!

3

Cranberry pie

Image: Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian

Do you know how some feelings can be tasted? Well, if you want to taste autumn, have a slice of cranberry pie.

This tangy treat is a favorite during the holiday season, thanks to its beautiful red hue and bold flavor. Made with fresh or dried cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest, it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Serve it at Thanksgiving and watch it quickly become the star of the show.

4

Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

Image: Maximilian Zahn

If you’ve never tried sour cream rhubarb pie, you’re in for a treat. The tartness of the rhubarb is mellowed by a creamy custard filling made with sour cream, creating a dessert that is both tangy and luxurious.

Often topped with a crumbly streusel, this pie is a Midwest favorite that feels both rustic and indulgent. Give rhubarb a chance—in a pie, it’s a superstar!

5

Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Speaking of classics, pecan pie is the king of Southern desserts—and for good reason, we might say! With a gooey filling made of sugar, butter, and eggs, topped with toasted pecans, it’s as rich as it gets.

Traditionally served during Thanksgiving, this pie has a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with whipped cream. And the crunch of the pecans? It’s dessert perfection in every bite!

6

Lemon tart

Image: Ira Ushak

Okay, this isn’t technically a pie, but a lemon tart deserves a spot in this article, don’t you think? This tangy dessert features a velvety lemon custard nestled in a buttery crust.

It’s like sunshine on a plate—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweetness! Lemon tarts are refreshing compared to heavier desserts, there’s not a specific season for them, making them perfect year-round. It’s a must-try for citrus lovers!

7

Squash Custard Pie

Image: Natalia Y.

This one might come as a surprise to you, but it’s a delicious nod to fall flavors, and if you like pumpkin pie, you’ll like this one too. Made with sweetened pureed squash, eggs, cream, and warm spices, it offers a fun and unique twist, right?

Squash pies have been part of American cuisine since colonial times, showcasing the resourcefulness of early cooks. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sweater weather.

8

Oregon’s Marionberry Pie

Image: micheile henderson

Oregon takes pride in many things, and one of them is marionberry pie—as it should! Marionberries, a cross between two types of blackberries, are sweet, juicy, and perfect for a pie. Native to Oregon, these berries create a filling that’s rich and slightly tart. The pie is a regional treasure, it's as Oregonian as rainy days and coffee shops.

9

Coca-Cola cake

Image: Toa Heftiba

No, we’re not kidding. Coca-Cola cake was born in the South, and it is as uniquely American as its namesake soda.

In case you were wondering, yes, Cola is a key ingredient, and it gives the rich, moist chocolate cake a subtle caramel flavor. It’s often topped with a fudgy glaze, and if you’re a Coca-Cola fan, you simply must try a slice of this one!

10

Carrot cake

Image: Sharon Chen

As you can see, using vegetables as key ingredients in pies is quite common—and successful! Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake studded with grated carrots and often walnuts or raisins. As if that weren’t enough, we can’t forget about the cream cheese frosting, which made it quite popular among Americans. Do you like this one?