1

Big Shanty to Kennesaw

Image: Joe Yates

Changing the name was probably a good idea, as "shanty" is not the most flattering description for this suburban city northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County, Georgia. The original name was given in the 1830s when the Western and Atlantic Railroad was built, and shanty towns were established to house the workers . In 1887, the city’s name was changed to Kennesaw.

2

Rough and Ready to Mountain View

Image: Waldemar

A community with an interesting name, for sure, Rough and Ready was originally named after the Rough and Ready Tavern (also known as the Bagley House ), a stagecoach stop on the route from Macon to northern Georgia.

The name changed in 1956 when the community was incorporated as a city. It was renamed Mountain View —a reference to the fact that, on a clear day, Stone Mountain can be seen 20 miles to the east.

3

Terminus to Atlanta

Image: Gary Doughty

Atlanta, Georgia, was once known as Terminus because it served as the final station of a major state-sponsored railroad . However, as time passed, several other railroads converged in the city, the largest being the Western and Atlantic Railroad— from which the name "Atlanta" comes.

4

Idlewild Airport to John F. Kennedy Airport

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Although originally named New York International Airport , the 1948 facility was commonly known as Idlewild Airport . However, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, it was officially renamed as it is today, in his honor.

5

New Amsterdam to New York

Image: Luca Bravo

There was a time when New York was called New Amsterdam. In the 17th century, the Dutch established a settlement at the southern tip of Manhattan Island , serving as the seat of the colonial government in New Netherland . It officially became a city in 1653.

However, when the English took control of New Amsterdam in 1664, they renamed it New York after the Duke of York.

6

Minnehanonck to Blackwell to Welfare to Roosevelt Island

Image: Mason C

The third New York-area entry on our list is an island in the middle of the East River , adjacent to Manhattan. It was originally called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans and later became known as Blackwell’s Island.

In 1921, it was renamed Welfare Island, and in 1973, it was renamed once more in honor of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

7

Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences Hot Springs

Image: Ethan Wright-Magoon

Believe it or not, this town accepted a challenge from the 1950s game show Truth or Consequences to change its name in exchange for hosting the program.

Since then, Hot Springs, New Mexico, has been known as Truth or Consequences Hot Springs.

8

Halfway to Half.com to Halfway

Image: everett mcintire

Another example of a town that changed its name in exchange for a reward is Halfway, Oregon. In the 1990s, as part of a marketing campaign , the town agreed to rename itself "Half.com" for an entire year in return for $110,000 and 20 computers for a local school —all to promote an internet start-up.

9

East and West Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe

Image: Donnie Rosie

The picturesque borough of Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania was once known as East and West Mauch Chunk . However, after Native American sports legend Jim Thorpe passed away, the municipality negotiated a deal with his heirs to become the site of his tomb and rename the town in his honor , hoping to boost tourism.

10

North Tarrytown to Sleepy Hollow

Image: Richard Hedrick

North Tarrytown was the home of American writer Washington Irving , who drew inspiration from the town for his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow .

In 1996, the town officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow , honoring both the writer and the story that brought it worldwide fame.

11

Barrow to Utqiagvik

Image: Alexis Mette

This Arctic Circle city was once known as Barrow , named for its proximity to Point Barrow , America's northernmost point. However, following a referendum approved by residents in 2016, the city's name was officially changed from Barrow to Utqiagvik to better reflect its native roots .

12

Bella Vista to West Pittsburg to Bay Point

Image: Robert Bye

The original name of this community, Bella Vista (meaning "Beautiful View" in Spanish), was changed to West Pittsburg. However, because it was often confused with the western unincorporated section of Pittsburgh, California , the name was revised again in 1993 to Bay Point, reviving a historical name used in the area.

1

Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone

Image: Alano Oliveira

Nina Simone was an outspoken soul, and her 1963 song, "Mississippi Goddam," is considered by many to be her first song about civil rights. The tune was written as a response to the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers , as well as other tragedies that involved the movement during the volatile and ever-changing social dynamics of the decade.

As time went on, Nina Simone continued to send a message through her music, specifically regarding activism and social injustice issues.

2

The Times They Are a-Changin', Bob Dylan

Image: Chris Boland

Never one to keep his mouth shut when it came to topics that he found worth communicating, Bob Dylan wrote this song about the changing tide in America , where young people were voicing their displeasure on issues such as war and racism.

The song is considered one of the greatest of all time. It's also one of the most covered—thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman.

3

Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Image: Austin Prock

Anti-Vietnam songs were a staple of 1960s and '70s culture. However, this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit stands out as one of the more mainstream songs that continues to be heard today.

The tune enjoyed prominence in movies like Forrest Gump and has been covered countless times by such bands as Dropkick Murphys.

4

Give Peace a Chance, Plastic Ono Band

Image: Erin Song

One of the most popular anti-war songs of all time, which always makes an appearance in the event of conflict, is "Give Peace A Chance."

While this timeless classic was recorded by the Plastic Ono Band, the writing credit is actually shared between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, marking the beginning of a post-Beatles world.

5

Get Up, Stand Up, The Wailers

Image: Bill Fairs

Bob Marley wrote this classic track in collaboration with his bandmate Peter Tosh. The song was reportedly inspired by Marley’s tour in Haiti . He was taken aback by the country's high level of poverty, as well as the class system.

It has since become a long-time favorite of the band and a staple of Marley's live shows during his lifetime.

6

Ronnie, Talk To Russia, Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince had many hits but this one was not among them. In fact, we can safely assume that The Purple One wrote this song for the express purpose of communicating his political feelings in the most direct possible way. And, being Prince, that had to be done through a song.

"Ronnie, Talk To Russia" is, as the name implies quite obviously**, a straight shout-out to former president Ronald Reagan**. It addresses America's relationship with Russia and the heightened tensions of the time due to the nuclear threat.

7

Born in the U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Having just mentioned the case of an artist who used music to speak to Ronald Reagan, we now turn to one who was very upset when Reagan spoke about him. The reason for this conflict originated from what may be the most misunderstood and seemingly patriotic song in music history.

"Born In The U.S.A." is a Bruce Springsteen classic that sounds very anthemic but is, in fact -yet another- anti-Vietnam tune.

8

Peace Sells, Megadeth

Image: Juan Di Nella

Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political commentary, and this song is, perhaps, the most famous example. "Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying" packs his thoughts on government corruption, failing foreign policy, and more , with catchy riffs and an infectious bass line.

The song’s direct and provocative lyrics resonated with many listeners and became a defining anthem of the thrash metal genre.

9

Fight The Power, Public Enemy

Image: Nicholas Green

It is hard to think of a more straightforward political message in a song title than "Fight The Power" released as a single in 1989. Public Enemy was all about the message, and taking down the establishment, big government, and abuse of authority were usually central themes.

The song is one of the group's most famous and influential tracks, and gained additional prominence when it was featured in Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing.

10

Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine

Image: Jordy

Another highly political band, Rage Against The Machine, created this song, which is fitting for the current political and social climate. Police brutality and systemic racism are at the forefront of the message , delivered with massive guitar hooks and aggressive vocals.

Most of RATM’s catalog delves into these kinds of themes with varying success but this song was a hit when it first came out and still remains a fan favorite.

1

LeConte Lodge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Image: Mitchell Bowser

It’s hard to imagine this massive lodge once being a tent camp, but in 1925, that was its humble beginning. Over the years, it has transformed into the comfortable hotel with grand halls we see today. Built atop Mount LeConte in 1926, this lodge provides breathtaking views of the surrounding areas and all the amenities of a modern establishment.

2

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California

Image: Hanbyul Jeong

Built in 1925, The Ahwahnee is a 121-room hotel nestled in a picturesque meadow at the base of the Royal Arches in Yosemite Valley. Its dining hall, featuring 34-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with its elegant suites and magnificent lounges complete with vintage fireplaces , offers the perfect retreat after a day of hiking in the park.

3

Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana

Image: Michael Kirsh

The largest inn in Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Hotel is a 215-room Swiss-style chalet boasting breathtaking lounges with stunning views , exposed log beams , and a majestic three-story lobby . Its generous dining room offers a panoramic backdrop of the northern Rockies for its guests to enjoy while sipping a local brew or a delicious meal.

4

El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Image: James Lee

Perched on a high ledge along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, overlooking the Colorado River, El Tovar was designed to resemble a Scandinavian-style villa. With 78 rooms, a grand lounge wrapped in hewn Oregon pine , cobblestone fireplaces , and a dining room adorned with dark wood paneling , vintage light fixtures , and murals , El Tovar offers the perfect retreat after a full day of hiking and taking in the breathtaking views.

5

Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Image: Georg Eiermann

The Lake Crescent Lodge was built in 1915 and features 55 rooms and it is ideally situated between firs and hemlocks, in the mountainous Hurricane Ridge area. Guests are greeted by a Victorian-era sunroom , an antique-furnished lobby , and a welcoming stone fireplace —an ideal retreat for those eager to soak in the views or explore the numerous hiking trails.

6

Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Image: Becky Winner

Big Meadows Lodge, a charming 1930s hotel , boasts beautiful craftsmanship and is set near a grassy meadow where deer often graze. The lodge features 29 rooms in its main building , along with 72 additional accommodations spread across its outer cabins and lodges .

7

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Image: Judy Beth Morris

The 1904 Old Faithful Inn is celebrated as the largest log structure in the world , stretching 700 feet in length and rising seven stories high. This iconic hotel was strategically positioned to offer stunning views of the renowned Old Faithful geyser.

It has an awe-inspiring 92-foot-high lobby , and its Obsidian Dining Room has a mouth-watering menu complete with locally sourced bison burgers and smoked-trout ravioli.

8

Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, Utah

Image: James Lee

The 100-year-old Zion Lodge was thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, constructed from untreated logs and locally sourced sandstone . With 76 rooms and 40 cozy cabins , the lodge serves as the perfect base for exploring the park’s diverse hiking trails, offering adventures for visitors of all skill levels.

9

Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Image: Rich Martello

Located 19 miles from the southwestern Nisqually Entrance at Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise Inn was built between 1916 and 1917 and once featured one of the region’s first ski lifts . The inn’s 121 rooms still showcase some of their original rustic charm , with showers and restrooms located down the hall.

10

Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Image: Josh Carter

The Wukachi Lodge, built in 1999, is the first hotel in the area not constructed over 80 years ago. It boasts 102 rooms and modern amenities , including private baths , mini-fridges, spacious accommodations , central heating , and more.

11

Chisos Mountains Lodge, Big Bend National Park, Texas

Image: Intricate Explorer

The 72-room Chisos Mountains Lodge is nestled at the base of Casa Grande Peak, in the heart of the hiking area. Guests can step right out of their rooms and onto the famous Window Trail , summit Emory Peak , or spend a full day on the South Rim Trail .