1

Jesse James

Image: Jaye Haych

Born in 1847 and raised in western Missouri , Jesse James and his brother Frank earned a reputation robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches, and committing other offenses throughout the Midwest .

After gaining national fame as an elusive criminal, Jesse James's illegal career came to an end in 1882 . He was betrayed by one of his own, Robert Ford , who had met with the governor of Missouri to make a deal and bring James down.

Jesse James lived only 34 years, but the wild story of his life is full of infamous acts that seem like something out of a movie. And here's a fun fact: his son, Jesse James Jr., starred in two silent films playing his father!

2

Billy the Kid

Image: rod m

Ever heard the name Henry McCarty ? Maybe the alias William H. Bonney? If the answer is "no," you probably recognize him by his nickname: Billy the Kid .

In addition to committing robberies and assaults, this 19th-century outlaw gained notoriety for his role in New Mexico's Lincoln County War. Billy, born in 1859 , was arrested several times throughout his life but consistently managed to escape. However, his luck ended in the 1880s.

In the year 1881 , to be exact, Billy the Kid was caught by Sheriff Pat Garrett. That same year, a few months after his last escape, he was struck down at the young age of 21 by Garrett.

3

Butch Cassidy

Image: The National Library of Norway

You've probably heard of the Wild Bunch , a gang that intimidated the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries . Often considered the most successful train robbery gang in history, its members were feared guys, but the most notorious was its leader: Butch Cassidy.

Cassidy, born in 1866 , started his criminal career very early. Many historical sources state that he committed his first minor crime—store robbery—when he was only 14 years old !

However, as with most outlaws, his luck ran out. Escaping the law, he traveled to Latin America. The tales say he was in Argentina and then Bolivia , where he met his end in a shootout in 1908 .

4

Sundance Kid

Image: Ady TeenagerInRO

Another iconic figure in Cassidy's gang was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, more famously known as the Sundance Kid .

Born in 1867 , his distinctive nickname originated during his time in the Sundance, Wyoming, jail, where he landed for one of his early crimes, horse theft. Legend has it that the Sundance Kid was a man of many skills, known particularly for his talent for poker and his ability to escape the law.

The tales suggest that Longabaugh traveled with Cassidy to Bolivia, where he met the same fate as the gang leader. Another theory says that the Sundance Kid returned to the U.S. under another name and lived in a small town in Utah.

5

Black Bart

Image: Joanna Kosinska

While crime and poetry might seem like an unlikely pairing, the outlaw known as Black Bart managed to blend these two things very well.

Probably less famed than the other names on this list, Black Bart was born Charles E. Boles (or Bolton) in England in 1829 . However, he relocated to New York with his family when he was just a toddler.

Between 1875 and 1883, Boles is believed to have robbed about 28 stagecoaches in Northern California and southern Oregon. But one thing distinguished this outlaw: on several occasions, he left behind poems at the robbery sites!

6

Al Capone

Image: Ashim D’Silva

It might be hard to believe, but before Al Capone became synonymous with organized crime, he actually worked at a candy store ! Can you picture him among candies and lollipops?

Definitely one of the best-known gangsters of the Prohibition era , Al Capone was born in New York as Alphonse Gabriel Capone in 1899 . Born to Italian immigrants, Capone moved to Chicago at a young age. By the 1920s , he had already made a name for himself among the city's criminals, smuggling and selling alcohol.

In 1931, his luck ran out, as he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for tax evasion. He was released in 1939 and passed away 8 years later.

7

Bonnie and Clyde

Image: Tengyart

Some say love's power knows no bounds, and the story of this couple seems to prove this.

Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut "Champion" Barrow, known worldwide as Bonnie and Clyde , were two outlaws who committed a wide range of crimes across states such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri during the Great Depression era . Literally partners in crime, they became popular icons over the years.

These two were recurring names in the headlines of their times, gaining notoriety for their robberies, both to banks and small stores. Together until the end, Bonnie and Clyde were fatally wounded in a police ambush in 1934 , when they were still very young. At the time, she was 23 and he was 25.

8

John Dillinger

Image: Tim Evans

John Dillinger , a mobster born in 1903 , led what was known as "the Dillinger Gang." During the Great Depression , Dillinger and his crew demonstrated their criminal prowess, accused of robbing more than 24 banks !

In 1934, John Dillinger became the first person to be declared "Public Enemy Number One" by the FBI. He was imprisoned multiple times throughout his life and, as the stories go, managed to escape jail twice using fake weapons made out of wood!

After a final attempt to escape, the criminal was gunned down by the authorities at the age of 31 as he exited the Biograph Theater in Chicago.

9

Pretty Boy Floyd

Image: Pepi Stojanovski

During the turbulent Great Depression era, a couple of outlaws were not only robbing banks and trains but also the national spotlight. Among them was Pretty Boy Floyd , born Charles Arthur Floyd in 1904 .

Floyd, who operated in the Western and Central U.S. , wasn't seen as a villain by many. Why? Besides robbing banks , he also used to destroy mortgage documents , something that helped many people, relieving them of their debts. Far from the sloppy appearance of many criminals, Floyd had a clean-cut and youthful look, which earned him his characteristic nickname .

His life met an end in his 30s in a shootout with the Bureau of Investigation's agents in Ohio.

10

John Gotti

Image: Jacob Spence

Known as " Teflon Don " for his slippery ability to evade justice, John Gotti was born on October 27, 1940 , in The Bronx, New York. He's widely considered one of the most dangerous crime bosses in U.S. history.

Known for his charisma and trademark hairspray look , Gotti began his life of crime when he was still a teenager. By the mid-1980s, he had become the head of the Gambino Crime Family, and throughout his life, he was accused of multiple crimes of varying severity.

Despite evading convictions many times, he was finally convicted in 1992 . He passed away ten years later while still in prison.

1

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Image: Doni Rath

We’ll start with one of the most logical sisterhoods on this list: Since the capital city of New Mexico shares a name with the Spanish city of Santa Fe (full name "Santa Fe de La Vega"), it seems only reasonable for them to become sister cities—a relationship that was established in 1983.

Santa Fe was one of the first sister cities to the American city, and their bond remains strong. Both cities engage in various ways, whether through true cultural exchanges, economic insights, or tourism opportunities.

2

New York City, New York

Image: Alex Haney

Since New York City is probably the most famous American city in the world, it stands to reason that "The City That Never Sleeps" has many sister cities around the globe. We could have chosen from a long list of truly outstanding cities like London and Budapest, but we ultimately decided to showcase Tokyo. After all, both NYC and the Japanese capital share a buzzing and energetic atmosphere, filled with dazzling lights and exciting opportunities.

Interestingly, many of New York City’s boroughs have sister locations of their own. For instance, Brooklyn is the sister borough of Lambeth, a neighborhood located in southern London. Not only that, Manhattan is related to the Seocho district in Seoul, South Korea, while the municipality of Ulcinj in Montenegro is a sister to Staten Island.

3

Los Angeles, California

Image: Jeremy Bishop

As a cultural hub and "the Entertainment Capital of the world," Los Angeles has several noteworthy siblings. In fact, it is one of the American cities with the most related cities, with 25 sisters as of 2024.

The city of Eilat, Israel, has the distinction of being Los Angeles’ first sister city, established in 1959. That same year, "The City of Angels" also became sister cities with Nagoya, Japan. Other notable sister cities of L.A. include Berlin, the capital of Germany, as well as Mexico City and Bordeaux, France.

4

San Francisco, California

Image: Alexey Komissarov

As we are sure you know, San Francisco was built on a monastery founded by Spanish explorers in the 18th century, and it is from this early settlement that the city gets its name. In that sense, it stands to reason that the "Golden Gate City" shares a relationship with one of the most prominent cities in Spain.

While San Francisco is a sister city to 17 other locations (including Osaka, Japan, and Sydney, Australia), Barcelona is its only Spanish sister city. The relationship was established in 2010, and in 2018, Barcelona was honored alongside all of San Francisco's sister cities with a signpost in Hallidie Plaza.

5

Austin, Texas

Image: Tomek Baginski

Who could be a better sister city to the capital of our largest Southern state than someone from the "Land Down Under"? Since 1983, Austin, Texas, has been a sister city to Adelaide, one of the most prominent southern cities in Australia.

Remarkably, these cities share a number of amazing qualities: they are both filled with lush green scenery from their many parks, and they are crossed by equally beautiful rivers. Not only that, they are both music lovers: Adelaide is the first Australian city to be declared a UNESCO City of Music, while Austin is globally known as "the live music capital of the world."

6

Boring, Oregon

Image: everett mcintire

The town of Boring, Oregon , surely has had some tough luck: after all, would you like to visit a town with that name? The truth is that there’s nothing dull about this town; it was built in a former lava field (a rather exciting landscape, if we do say so ourselves) and named after William Harrison Boring, an early resident who helped build the town.

In any case, Boring’s rather unusual name has landed this town with kindred spirits. Since 2012, this town has been part of a group known as the "Trinity of Tedium." Alongside the village of Dull, Scotland, and the community of Bland, Australia, Boring has proven again and again that friends can be found in the most unusual of places.

7

Hackettstown, New Jersey

Image: Hunter Reilly

This is the only town on this list that shares an (almost) identical name with its sister. Hackettstown, New Jersey , is famous for being the headquarters of the beloved Mars corporation, which caters to the "sweet teeth" of many Americans. It was named after Samuel Hackett, an early settler of the area who helped build the community.

In 2011, this New Jersey town declared Hacketstown, Ireland, as its sister city. In case you are not familiar with this small Irish town, here’s a fun fact that might make you fall in love with it: Hacketstown was once the home of William Presley, an ancestor of the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself.

8

Boston, Massachusetts

Image: Matthew Landers

In 1959, the city of Kyoto, Japan, became Boston’s first sister city . When you think about it, this relationship makes perfect sense: both cities are known as cultural and economic hubs and have strong and independent identities. According to the city of Boston’s official website, both of these metropolises share "strong neighborhood identities."

Throughout the decades, Boston and Kyoto have hosted several events, including annual exchange programs for high school students. Not only that, Kyoto gifted the Boston Children's Museum a "Japan House" in a display of kinship that is still warmly remembered by the capital city of Massachusetts.

9

Seattle, Washington

Image: Thom Milkovic

You might be familiar with a traditional Irish song called "Galway Bay." It has been covered by iconic American artists like Johnny Cash and Bing Crosby. This lovely tune is particularly famous among Irish Americans and speaks about nostalgia and the longing to gaze upon Ireland’s breathtaking shores. In that sense, should you suddenly feel overwhelmed by the powerful message of this song, we can offer you the next best option in America: Galway’s very own sister city, the wonderful Seattle .

Seattle and Galway became sisters in 1986, and two corresponding bronze markers were placed in each city to mark the distance between them. Many cultural events and exchanges are organized by the Seattle Galway Sister City Association, which helps build the relationship between these two wonderful cities.

10

Washington, D.C.

Image: Sara Cottle

Our capital city is considered by many to be the personification of American democracy. After all, it houses both the White House and the Capitol Building and is named after the Father of our Country. Bearing that in mind, can you think of a better sister city for Washington D.C., than the birthplace of democracy?

Washington D.C., became the sister city of Athens, Greece, in 2000. Curiously, Athens is also the sister city to another American city, although perhaps less famously: the Greek capital city also maintains a relationship with the identically named city of Athens, Georgia.

1

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Image: Samantha Jean

Emerson, a celebrated essayist and poet, found joy in trying to describe the essence of the American spirit. His quote "America is another name for opportunity" reflects the belief that America is a land of boundless possibilities where dreams can take root and flourish.

His phrase is from the 19th century, and it resonates with the idea that hard work and determination can turn aspirations into reality. For many, this phrase embodies the American Dream—the promise of a better life through opportunity and perseverance. What do you think about it?

2

Elmer Davis

Image: Wesley Tingey

Elmer Davis, a journalist and WWII-era director of the Office of War Information, deeply understood the connection between freedom and bravery.

His quote "the land of the free… and the home of the brave," emphasizes that liberty doesn’t come without courage. In turn, it’s the bravery of those who defend it that keeps freedom alive.

Quite accurate if we think of the sacrifices many made to build the nation we cherish today. Don’t you agree?

3

John F. Kennedy

Image: History in HD

In his 1961 inaugural address, JFK delivered this unforgettable line: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Do you remember who were the recipients of such a call?

This was a direct appeal to all Americans, to prioritize service over self-interest. It was a rallying cry during a time of change and uncertainty, inspiring citizens to contribute to the greater good. The underlying message? Patriotism isn’t passive, it’s about active participation.

4

Benjamin Franklin

Image: Adam Nir

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, believed that liberty was the cornerstone of a great nation and we all agree with him! His quote, "Where liberty is, there is my country," underscores his commitment to freedom, wherever it might be found.

During the Revolutionary War, Franklin’s words carried immense weight, symbolizing the fight for independence. For Franklin, protecting freedom wasn’t just a right; it was a responsibility.

5

Calvin Coolidge

Image: William Rudolph

Coolidge, the 30th US president, had a no-nonsense approach to patriotism. To him, it wasn’t about grand gestures or flashy displays but about taking care of your community and nation. His quote, " Patriotism means looking out for your country ," reflects a practical, everyday kind of patriotism—one rooted in responsibility and mutual care.

From lending a hand to a neighbor to preserving natural resources, it’s all about the small acts of kindness that add up to a stronger country.

6

Frederick Douglass

Image: Tim Mossholder

Freedom and bravery are common in patriotic quotes, but Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved man turned abolitionist leader, understood the moral backbone a nation needs to thrive too.

His quote, "Honesty keeps the nation secure," reminds us that truthfulness and virtue are essential for lasting security and justice. His words challenge us to strive for integrity in our actions and decisions. After all, a nation built on truth is a nation that endures, don’t you agree?

7

Thurgood Marshall

Image: Jason Richard

Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice, spoke these powerful words about democracy: "Make it. Protect it. Pass it on."

His message is quite clear: democracy and responsibility go hand in hand. It requires effort to build, vigilance to protect, and a commitment to pass it down to future generations. In just three simple steps, he captured the essence of what it takes to sustain democracy—and it’s all up to us.

8

Eleanor Roosevelt

Image: Thomas Park

It was only right to include a woman in this article. Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady, and human rights advocate, redefined the definition of patriotism to include dignity and equality for all.

Her quote, "True patriotism knows no borders," challenges us to think beyond national lines and embrace universal values like freedom and respect. Her words are a call to take patriotism—and the American ideals of dignity and growth—wherever we go, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

9

Thomas Wolfe

Image: Ian MacDonald

Novelist Thomas Wolfe had a poetic way of capturing the magic of America—and we love it. His quote, "Miracles happen all the time in America," celebrates the idea that this country is a land of endless possibilities, where the extraordinary can feel quite ordinary.

From scientific breakthroughs to everyday acts of kindness, Wolfe saw America as a place where hope and wonder flourish. No wonder we developed the whole concept of the American Dream, huh?

10

Robert Frost

Image: Wilson Hobbs

Another poet makes an appearance in this article—our beloved Robert Frost. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, and his quote, "Freedom lies in being bold," is all about that!

For him, freedom is closely tied to courage, and the willingness to take risks and stand firm in the face of adversity. Both in personal choices or collective action, Frost’s words value independence and self-expression.

11

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Image: Daniele La Rosa Messina

This might be the most powerful quote in the article. While the other phrases speak of freedom as something granted, FDR—a president who led America through the Great Depression and WWII—understood the hard work behind true freedom.

His quote, "Freedom must be achieved, not given," takes a step back and makes sure nobody takes it for granted!