1

Columbus discovered America

Image: Hector John Periquin

Although this isn't strictly about the United States, it does concern our continent. It's often said that Columbus "discovered" the Americas in 1492, but that's not precisely true. He wasn't even the first outsider to arrive! The Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, reached North America around the year 1000 AD, almost 500 years before Columbus. And, of course, the continent was already inhabited long before any European explorers arrived.

2

George Washington had wooden teeth

Image: Priscilla Gyamfi

One of the most famous historical myths is that George Washington, the first US president, had wooden teeth. While it's true that he struggled with dental problems and used several prosthetic devices made from various materials, none of his teeth were actually made of wood.

3

The US Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776

Image: Glen Carrie

Every 4th of July, the country turns into a party. And it's no wonder, since we're honoring Independence Day! Perhaps because of the date of this holiday, many people believe that the US Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 4, 1776. In reality, the key event on that day was the Continental Congress voting to adopt the Declaration of Independence. Most delegates actually signed the document later, on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia.

4

America became fully independent in 1776

Image: The New York Public Library

On July 4, 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence. However, the Revolutionary War continued for several more years. It wasn't until the war ended in 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, that the United States' independence was officially recognized.

5

Cowboys wore Stetson hats

Image: Brice Cooper

Although Stetson hats are now inseparable from the cowboy image, the reality of the 19th century was pretty different. People in the Wild West sported a variety of styles: while some did wear wide-brimmed hats similar to Stetsons, these were not the most common, and many other types were also popular.

6

Paul Revere rode alone

Image: Pixabay

Paul Revere's name became a symbol of American courage and determination. His midnight ride on April 18, 1775, was undoubtedly heroic, but some details have been distorted over time. While many think he shouted "The British are coming!", historians suggest he likely said something closer to "The regulars are coming", given the dates. And contrary to popular belief, Revere didn't ride alone; he was part of a group of riders working together to warn the colonial militia.

7

George Washington chopped down a cherry tree

Image: Jeffrey Clayton

The story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree is one of the most famous tales in American history. However, it's actually a myth, created by one of Washington's early biographers to highlight one of his defining characteristics: honesty. Although there is no reliable historical evidence to support this famous anecdote, there is plenty of proof of the courage and honesty of the Father of His Country.

8

Al Capone was jailed for his violent crimes

Image: Ashim D’Silva

Al Capone was one of the most infamous gangsters in history. Although his life was filled with criminal activity, it wasn't his violent acts that put him in jail, as there wasn't enough evidence to convict him. Instead, authorities used tax evasion charges, and he was finally imprisoned for that reason in 1931.

9

Prohibition made drinking illegal everywhere

Image: Drew Beamer

Many people assume that drinking alcohol was completely illegal during Prohibition. In reality, the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act (1920–1933) banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, but not the act of drinking itself!

10

The Founding Fathers as a unified group

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Many believe the Founding Fathers worked as a unified group, sharing a single vision without disagreement. But history tends to be a little more complex. While they collaborated and worked hard to establish the United States, they held diverse ideas and visions for the nation, and some even became rivals. Yet, despite their differences, they successfully laid the foundations for the first large-scale modern republic.

1

Charlie Chaplin

Charles Chaplin was far more than a slapstick icon; he was also a gifted, self-taught composer. Despite never learning to read music, he had an exceptional ear and a deep love for melody. He personally created the musical scores for many of his films, ensuring every note matched his vision. One of his most enduring compositions, "Smile," was later turned into a beloved ballad recorded by Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, and many others. Did you know that?

2

Clint Eastwood

Known for his lone-wolf type characters and acclaimed work behind the camera, Clint Eastwood also has a deep love for jazz that has shaped much of his personal and creative life. A skilled piano player, Eastwood doesn’t just tinker with the keys—he plays with real finesse. He’s even composed original scores for several of his own films, including Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby . At home, his Steinway grand piano sits surrounded by a carefully curated vinyl collection, a tribute to the music that inspires him.

3

Mae West

Long before anyone coined the term "multi-hyphenate," Mae West was already doing it all. A screen legend and the epitome of 1930s allure, she wasn’t just known for her wit and curves—she also had serious musical chops. Her signature sultry voice was famous, but did you know she also composed music and wrote her own lyrics? She even experimented with rock ’n’ roll in the 1960s, releasing albums well into her seventies. True to form, her songs—like her film scripts—were brash, playful, and unapologetically ahead of their time.

4

Jimmy Stewart

Beyond his warm, everyman charm, Jimmy Stewart had a lesser-known talent: playing the accordion. Though he never pursued it professionally, the instrument was his faithful companion. He often brought it to movie sets, entertaining cast and crew during breaks. For Stewart, music wasn’t about showmanship but a way to unwind and create a friendly atmosphere wherever he went.

5

Jerry Lewis

Renowned for his wild antics and legendary comedy duo with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis was more than just a funny man—he was also a talented, self-taught pianist. He began playing as a child and kept music close throughout his career, often incorporating piano interludes into his routines. Beyond the stage, Lewis composed original pieces for films and television specials, showcasing a musical side that many fans may not even know about.

6

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep may be the queen of acting, but long before she stepped in front of a camera, she was busy mastering the violin. As a young woman, she studied classical violin passionately, developing not just technique but a deep appreciation for music. Though she didn’t pursue it professionally, her early training paid off in unexpected ways—giving her the confidence and credibility to tackle musically demanding roles later in life, such as the hilariously off-key opera singer in Florence Foster Jenkins or the show-stopping mother in Mamma Mia!

7

Paul Robeson

More than just a performer, Robeson was a powerful voice —both literally and politically. His booming bass made "Ol’ Man River" unforgettable, but his musical talent went far beyond that. A trained singer and accomplished actor, he viewed art as a force for justice. Fluent in over 20 languages, Robeson performed around the world, using his voice not only to entertain but also to speak out against racism and inequality wherever he went.

8

Johnny Carson

Best known as the face of The Tonight Show , Johnny Carson also had rhythm running through his veins. A lifelong music lover, he took up the drums as a boy and never lost the habit. While he never pursued it professionally, he occasionally surprised audiences by sitting in with the studio band for a quick jam—a subtle reminder that behind the suit and tie was a performer with more than one talent.

9

Anthony Quinn

Long before captivating audiences as Zorba the Greek, Anthony Quinn was making noise in a completely different way. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, he picked up the trumpet and saxophone, playing in local jazz bands to earn money and express himself creatively. Music was his first love, and although acting eventually took center stage, those early musical roots stayed with him throughout his life.

10

Jack Lemmon

Beloved for his wit and warm on-screen charisma, Jack Lemmon had another talent up his sleeve: he was a gifted pianist. Audiences who saw him on talk shows were often treated to impromptu performances, where he’d sit down at the piano and play with real flair. It wasn’t just a party trick—music was a lifelong passion for Lemmon, a source of joy, and a way to express himself beyond the roles he played. Whether behind the keys or in front of the camera, his genuine charm always shone through.

11

Steve Martin

Long before he became a household name with comedies like The Jerk , Steve Martin was already strumming the banjo with remarkable skill. What began as a teenage hobby grew into a lifelong passion for bluegrass. He has recorded several albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards, and shared the stage with legends like Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. Not just a performer, Martin also founded a nonprofit to support up-and-coming banjo players and keep the tradition alive.

12

Julie Andrews

We can’t wrap up this list without tipping our hat to the great Julie Andrews. Most folks remember her as the angel-voiced Maria from The Sound of Music , but did you know she’s also a talented pianist? Trained in music from an early age, her time at the piano helped shape her legendary perfect pitch. Later in life, she often sat down to compose music—sometimes even teaming up with her daughter to create songs for children. A true class act, on and off the screen!

1

Elvis Presley’s senior prom

Image: No-longer-here

Did you know Elvis Presley wore actual blue suede shoes to his senior prom? In 1953, at just 18 years old, the soon-to-be King of Rock and Roll attended Humes High School's formal dance at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Wearing a tuxedo for the first time, Elvis picked up his date, a 14-year-old girl named Regis Wilson, in a dark blue rented Chevy. Once they were at the Continental Ballroom Elvis confessed he didn’t know how to dance, so they spent the night watching from the sidelines. Sadly, a few weeks later Regis’ family decided to move to Florida and they never saw each other again.

2

I have a dream

Image: Unseen Histories

2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. But did you know that Martin Luther King Jr wrote the finishing touches for it in the lobby of The Willard InterContinental hotel just hours before addressing the people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial?

It's no wonder such an important event in U.S. history occurred at this Washington D.C. hotel. Located just a few blocks from the White House, the Willard was witness to numerous key political moments: It was Lincoln's temporary residence before his inauguration, and Calvin Coolidge lived here during his vice presidency. Not only that, the lobby of this hotel is where Ulysses S. Grant coined the term "lobbyist".

3

Marilyn’s last photoshoot

Image: Marten Bjork

In late June 1962, six weeks before her passing, Marilyn Monroe was photographed in suite 261 of the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The most desired and sought-after actress at the time arrived at the hotel with a suitcase loaded with dresses and necklaces and ordered three bottles of Don Perignon. Over the next three days, photographer Bert Stern took 2,571 snapshots of her.

These iconic images were published by Vogue magazine just one day after her death and have since become history as the last portraits of one of the most beloved American stars of all time.

4

Blonde on Blonde

Image: Janka Jonas

The Hotel Chelsea in New York City boasts perhaps the longest list of celebrity residents: Mark Twain, Patti Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Stanley Kubrick, Leonard Coen, Sid Vicious and Robert Mapplethorpe all resided here at some point since its opening in 1884.

Another famous guest who spent time at this iconic Manhattan hotel is American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. More bohemian than glamorous, the place fitted perfectly with the musician's style and was the ideal environment for his upcoming work. And so, in 1965 while staying in room 211, Dylan wrote a couple of songs for his seventh studio album, Blonde on Blonde .

5

First Organized Crime Convention

Image: cottonbro studio

The Blackstone in Chicago is best known as "The Hotel of Presidents" since it has welcomed several heads of state since its opening in 1910. However, it is also associated with some notorious American gangsters. Al Capone himself reportedly held meetings at this hotel while getting his haircut in the barbershop during the Prohibition Era.

Another Blackstone infamous guest was Italian-born gangster Charles "Lucky" Luciano. In 1931, he hosted his first crime convention in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Apparently, the purpose of the meeting was to create a board of directors for his "National Crime Syndicate", a confederation of several criminal organizations.

6

The birth of the Academy Awards

Image: Felix Mooneeram

This story involves not one but two mythical American hotels. In 1927, film producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B. Mayer, felt the need to create an organization that would bring together all the players in the film industry. He invited a small group to a formal banquet at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles where he officially presented his idea of an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A few months later, on May 11, the first organizational meeting was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel. At that meeting, they appointed the first authorities and granted the first honorary membership to American inventor Thomas Edison. In addition, they agreed to establish an annual award. According to legend, art director Cedric Gibbons sketched the design of the Oscars statuette that very day on one of the hotel's napkins.

7

The British invasion

Image: Boer, Poppe de, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

By 1964 the Beatles had become so popular that it was no surprise that 3,000 fans were waiting for them at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport the first time they traveled to the United States. The Fab Four stayed at The Plaza in Manhattan and the scenario was the same: the hotel was overrun by hordes of teenage girls who eventually found their way into the fire stairways.

Paul, John, Ringo, and George occupied the 10-room Presidential suites on the 12th floor. They sometimes waved to the fans downstairs, guarded by over 50 policemen. After four days of commotion, the hotel authorities did not want them to return, so, on subsequent visits, the Beatles stayed at the Warwick Hotel.

8

Golden Globe splash

Image: Carolyn Ne

In 1999, before the Golden Globes ceremony, Angelina Jolie promised that if she won the award for Best Actress for her role in the movie Gia she would take a dip in the Beverly Hilton pool. She not only held her promise but also was accompanied by some friends and even ended up throwing in a journalist.

In an interview, the actress said that the dare came about because one very hot summer afternoon when she was a girl, she ended up diving into the hotel pool with a girlfriend. As expected, they were kicked out and she never came back —that is, until the night of the famous splash, ball gown and all!

9

Good Will Hunting

Image: Life-Of-Pix

Since its opening in 1976, the Viceroy L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, has been a true Hollywood institution. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Brad Pitt, and Laurence Olivier, have stayed in one of the 116 suites of this luxurious and secluded hotel numerous times.

But perhaps the spot that holds the most mystique in this hotel is The Lobby Lounge and Bar, once known as the Writer's Bar. Rumor has it, that this is where the biggest names in the industry used to hold their meetings and writing appointments. Apparently, the most fantastic stories in the history of cinema were conceived here, one of these masterpieces being Good Will Hunting . In this bar, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon penned the script for one of the most beloved films of the 20th century. Did you know that?

10

Bungalow 4

Image: Andrew Campana

American business tycoon Howard Hughes was possibly the most peculiar long-time hotel resident who ever lived. Hughes stayed at several hotels during his lifetime but he had a soft spot for the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel in California. So much so that in 1942 he bought three or four of the famous pink stucco bungalows and moved in.

This hotel, built in 1912, accommodated all his eccentricities, including making room for his personal chef —apparently, the only one who knew exactly how to make his favourite pineapple upside-down cake— and delivering his roast beef sandwiches to a specific tree on the premises. Being a billionaire certainly has its perks!