1

The sweet tooth

Image: Michelle Tsang

What's your favorite ice cream flavor? With so many options available today, it's hard to choose just one, right? Like us, Thomas Jefferson also loved ice cream. Not only that, he's often credited with making this treat famous in America.

The third US president discovered his sweet tooth during his time in France. It's impossible not to imagine Jefferson doing important paperwork with a bowl of ice cream on his desk. In addition, it's said that he often served the sweet dessert to his guests at the White House.

And that’s not all! A recipe for vanilla ice cream, handwritten by Jefferson himself, is still kept to this day in the Library of Congress.

2

The handshaker

Image: Erika Fletcher

It seems that Jefferson was a man who set trends and influenced fashions. Ice cream wasn’t the only custom that spread across the country thanks to him.

Today, the handshake is a very common and popular form of greeting. But this was not always the case. Before Jefferson's presidency, handshakes were less frequent, and people often used other formal greetings, such as bowing.

Jefferson argued that handshakes were horizontal and, therefore, more democratic. This belief illustrates how he integrated his principles into every aspect of his life, even small habits and customs.

3

The friend

Image: Joanna Kosinska

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams first met in 1775 at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Despite their differences, they liked and respected each other. Together, they were part of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and became even closer when they both served as diplomats in Europe during the 1780s. Jefferson later served as vice president to his friend Adams when the latter took office in 1797. Although they drifted apart after Adams' presidency, they reconciled in 1812, and their regular letters returned.

As if all this weren’t enough, they both died on the same day. And not just any day—both passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

4

The polyglot

Image: Thomas Kelley

Can you speak more than one language? It's hard not to be impressed when you see a bilingual person developing their skills, right? And then there are those who speak three or four languages!

In this regard, Jefferson’s case is remarkable. The third president of our country was fluent in no less than six languages! In addition to his mother tongue, English, and the widely spoken French (which he used during his time as American minister to France in the 1780s), Jefferson also had strong skills in Latin, Ancient Greek, Italian, and Spanish. Furthermore, some sources suggest he also knew some German. A true polyglot!

5

The musician

Image: Baher Khairy

During his childhood in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson developed a strong interest in and passion for music. Music was a fundamental element in his home, and this art form was also a main part of his education.

The Father of the Declaration of Independence played the violin perfectly. His father, Peter Jefferson, taught him to play this instrument when Thomas was very young, and his talent only grew over the years.

Less frequently than the violin, Jefferson also played the cello—another stringed instrument known for its sophistication.

6

The architect

Image: Richard Hedrick

Jefferson's talents were even more varied! He was not only a polyglot and a musician but also an accomplished architect.

Thomas Jefferson played a major role in the design and construction of his plantation home in Virginia, the magnificent Monticello, which would later earn him one of his famous nicknames. Inspired by classical and Renaissance architecture, Monticello is considered one of the greatest works of American architecture. To add further merit to his work, Jefferson began the design of the plantation and its house in 1768, when he was only 25 years old!

Fun fact: Today, Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7

The family man

Image: Heike Mintel

If you're a family person, you'll love this aspect of Thomas Jefferson.

In addition to politics, business, and his many talents, Thomas Jefferson was also a devoted family man—and, we must say, he had quite a large family. But how big was his family? Jefferson was born to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph Jefferson and was the third of ten siblings.

In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton, with whom he had six children. However, only two daughters survived to adulthood: Martha and Mary, who also gave him many grandchildren.

8

The farmer

Image: Stephen Radford

Agriculture was central to Jefferson's vision at the national policy level and also in his personal life.

Monticello was not only his home but also a 5,000-acre plantation where he experimented with different crops, including wheat, corn, tobacco, and various vegetables and fruits.

In addition, he was also an enthusiast of flower gardens. His interest in horticulture led him to import seeds and plants from around the world to experiment with in America!

9

The pet lover

Image: Dawn McDonald

Among his many qualities, his appreciation for animals truly stood out.

At Monticello, he had a variety of farm animals, including geese, turkeys, chickens, horses, cows, and pigs, all of which played an important role in maintaining the plantation. But his true love was for horses. He loved riding and spending time with them, both at his home in Virginia and even during his presidency.

It’s also said that he had a soft spot for birds. One of his most beloved pets was a mockingbird named Dick, who, according to historians, was allowed to fly around the house. Cute, isn't it?

10

The astronomer

Image: Matthew Ansley

Jefferson's interests and passions were not limited to earthly matters. In fact, he was an amateur astronomer. The stars and the cosmos sparked a deep curiosity in him.

In line with this interest, he developed a taste for telescopes, through which he could approach that mysterious object of study. He had several telescopes in his house and would spend hours and hours observing the night sky.

This inclination played a key role in the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), as it’s believed that Jefferson provided precise astronomical guidance and instructions to the two explorers.

1

The Great Chicago Fire (1871)

Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel

The Great Chicago Fire burned for almost two days in October 1871, destroying thousands of buildings and leaving the city in ruins . Sparks, dry conditions, and wooden construction helped the flames race through entire neighbourhoods.

It was a painful turning point, but it launched a huge rebuilding effort. Chicago adopted tougher building codes, better water systems, and more specialized fire departments, becoming a model city for urban planning.

2

The Johnstown Flood (1889)

Image: Lukas Hron

In 1889, the failure of the South Fork Dam sent a massive wall of water toward the town of Johnston, Pennsylvania . The flood wiped out entire homes, bridges, and rail lines in a matter of minutes.

The Johnstown Flood drew attention to private dam ownership and safety inspections of such constructions. Engineers and lawmakers used its lessons to plan for better maintenance and more accountability for these large-scale structures.

3

The San Francisco Earthquake (1906)

Image: Library of Congress

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck before dawn, violently shaking the city and the surrounding areas . Broken gas lines and toppled chimneys sparked fires that raged for days , destroying block after block of homes and businesses alike.

Rebuilding was hard but transformative, as the city adopted stricter building codes, stronger materials, and better street layouts.

4

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911)

Image: Pukima ‎

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 began on the upper floors of a New York City garment factory packed with workers. Locked exit doors, narrow stairways, and crowded conditions turned what would have been a relatively small blaze into a historic tragedy.

Public outrage was immediate and intense. The fire led to tough new safety laws, regular inspections, and rules for unlocked exits and fire escapes.

5

The Hindenburg Disaster (1937)

Image: Library of Congress

In 1937, the German airship Hindenburg approached its mooring mast in Lakehurst, New Jersey, after a transatlantic flight. Suddenly, it burst into flames and fell to the ground in front of cameras and radio reporters who witnessed the tragedy.

The disaster shocked the world and quickly ended the age of passenger airships. Public trust shifted toward airplanes, and the whole airship industry faded into obscurity almost completely.

6

The Texas City Disaster (1947)

Image: Ash Edmonds

The Texas City Disaster of 1947 began when a ship carrying ammonium nitrate caught fire in the bustling Texas City harbor . As crowds watched from the waterfront, the cargo exploded in a blast so powerful it shattered windows miles away.

The incident prompted sweeping changes in how hazardous materials are stored, transported, and labeled. It led to improved emergency planning, better first-responder training, and regulations aimed at preventing industrial catastrophes.

7

The Silver Bridge Collapse (1967)

Image: Suzanne Anderson

On a 1967 December day, the Silver Bridge that connected Point Pleasant in West Virginia to Gallipolis, Ohio, collapsed into the river below . Dozens of vehicles were on the bridge and fell into the water.

The collapse spurred nationwide inspections of older bridges and stricter design standards. It introduced new rules for maintenance, record keeping, and modern safety ratings.

8

Buffalo Creek Flood (1972)

Image: Chris Gallagher

In 1972, after days of heavy rain, a coal-waste dam above Buffalo Creek, West Virginia, gave way . A torrent of water and slurry rushed down the narrow valley, wiping out homes, roads, and small communities in its path.

The Buffalo Creek Flood drew national attention to the dangers of poorly regulated waste dams, and it helped push stricter environmental laws across the country.

9

Three Mile Island (1979)

Image: Lee Lawson

The Three Mile Island accident of 1979 began with equipment failures followed by human mistakes inside a nuclear power plant . Cooling problems led to a partial meltdown of the reactor core, alarming nearby residents and the entire country.

Even though it was contained, the incident reshaped nuclear energy in America. Regulators tightened training, communication, and emergency procedures.

10

Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse (1981)

Image: AJOY DAS

The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City happened during a popular social dance event in 1981. Two suspended walkways above the hotel lobby suddenly gave way, crashing onto the crowded area below .

Investigations exposed serious flaws in the design and in the approval process itself. The disaster led to stricter engineering reviews, clearer responsibilities, and tougher building codes.

11

Exxon Valdez oil spill (1989)

Image: Yuval Zukerman

The Exxon Valdez tanker struck Bligh Reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound in 1989, tearing open its hull. Crude oil spilled into the cold waters , drifting onto beaches, shorelines, and wildlife habitats in the surrounding area.

The spill led to new rules for double-hulled tankers, improved navigation systems, and better emergency response plans. It also inspired major environmental legislation and long-term monitoring to reduce the impact of future shipping incidents.

12

Deepwater Horizon (2010)

Image: Jonathan Gong

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig experienced a blowout during exploratory drilling . A series of failures led to an explosion and a major well leak far below the ocean’s surface, drawing worldwide attention.

The disaster sparked new offshore drilling rules, better blowout preventers, and stricter inspection routines. It also sparked debates about energy policies and environmental protection.

1

Elvis Presley

Just two years before "Heartbreak Hotel" catapulted him to worldwide fame in 1956, Elvis was working as a truck driver and deliveryman in Memphis, Tennessee.

He started at Crown Electric Company on April 20, 1954, earning $1 an hour to deliver electrical supplies to local job sites while hoping to train as an electrician. But everything changed that June, when Sun Records owner Sam Phillips remembered a recording Elvis had made a few years earlier as a gift for his mother and called him into the studio. They recorded a high-energy version of Arthur Crudup’s blues song "That’s All Right," which became Elvis’s first hit. Even after the song hit local radio stations, Elvis didn’t quit his job right away; he continued driving until mid-October 1954, when his touring schedule made it impossible to keep working a 40-hour week.

2

Johnny Cash

We all know Johnny Cash for hits like "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire," but before becoming a country music legend, he had a totally different career.

In 1950, at 18, Cash enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War. Stationed in Landsberg, West Germany, he worked as a Morse code intercept operator, transcribing secret Soviet transmissions. According to his 1997 autobiography, he was the first American to learn of Joseph Stalin’s death on March 5, 1953 , after decoding the Soviet message announcing it. But the Air Force also brought Cash closer to music. While in Germany, he bought his first guitar for 20 Deutsche Marks (about $5 at the time) and began writing songs and performing for fellow soldiers. Several years later, after moving to Memphis, Cash took the lyrics to "Folsom Prison Blues" to Sam Phillips, the same man who helped launch Elvis Presley’s career.

3

Madonna

Can you imagine walking into Dunkin’ Donuts for a coffee and being served by Madonna? If you lived in New York City in the late ’70s, it could have happened.

Madonna moved from her native Michigan to New York in 1978 at age 20, dreaming of becoming a singer and dancer. With just $35 in her pocket, she needed a job to pay the rent, and landed her first one at Dunkin’ Donuts in Times Square. But it lasted only a week. As she later recalled, she was fired for playing with the jelly-squirter machine. Over the next few years, Madonna took cassette recordings of her songs to producers, nightclubs, and DJs around the city. Her persistence paid off in 1982, when she gave a tape to Mark Kamins, a DJ at Danceteria. He played her song "Everybody," and the crowd loved it.

4

Tina Turner

Before becoming one of the world’s greatest voices and performers, Tina Turner worked at a hospital.

Born Anna Mae Bullock in November 1939, she graduated from Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1958 and got a job as a nurse’s aide at the city’s Barnes-Jewish Hospital, hoping to pursue a career in medicine. But music soon changed her plans. She and her sister often visited clubs where Ike Turner performed with the Kings of Rhythm. One night, a drummer handed Tina the microphone, and Ike was so impressed by her voice that he invited her to sing with the group. For a while, Turner worked at the hospital by day and performed at night, but that changed in 1960, when she recorded "A Fool in Love" with Ike. The song became a huge hit, and touring demands forced her to leave her hospital job behind.

5

Chuck Berry

Before becoming the Father of Rock and Roll with hits like "Johnny B. Goode," Chuck Berry had some surprisingly ordinary jobs.

After leaving a youth reformatory in 1947, Berry settled in St. Louis, got married, and found work on General Motors’ auto assembly line. While working at the factory, he developed a love for cars (which later showed up in songs like "Maybellene") and continued his longtime passion: playing guitar. In the early 1950s, he began exploring other fields, and in 1953, he left the factory to work as a professional hairstylist and cosmetologist, a job that allowed him to play guitar at local clubs on weekends. His ordinary life changed in 1955 when Berry showed up right at Chess Records' doors with his songs. That July, "Maybellene" became a huge hit and launched his music career.

6

Axl Rose

After seeing Axl Rose on stage, it’s hard to imagine him doing anything other than music. But he certainly did.

Born William Bruce Rose Jr. on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana, he moved to Los Angeles in 1982 and formed a band named Hollywood Rose. During those years, he took a job as a clerk at Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard. He was pretty good at it and was eventually promoted to store manager. In his new position, he hired Saul Hudson, better known as Slash, who would later become his bandmate. They were both fired from Tower Records in 1984, but they didn’t give up on music. In June 1985, Rose joined Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Slash, and Steven Adler to form Guns N’ Roses. After building a following in LA bars, a Geffen Records executive saw the band perform, and they were finally signed to a major deal in 1986.

7

Cyndi Lauper

We tend to imagine famous artists as having glamorous lives, but many had difficult beginnings. That was the case for Cyndi Lauper, who, in 1970, dropped out of school and left her home in Queens at 17 to escape her abusive stepfather.

She left with little more than a toothbrush, an apple, her cat, and some art supplies. In those early years, she relied partly on unemployment checks and money from panhandling. But she needed a steady income to support herself while pursuing her dreams. So she took on a series of odd jobs, working as a dog kennel assistant, personal assistant, vintage clothing clerk, and even a horse walker at Belmont Park racetrack. Her life finally began to change in 1981 when David Wolff discovered her singing covers at a New York piano bar and became her manager.

8

Duke Ellington

As a child growing up in Washington, D.C., in the early 1900s, Edward Kennedy Ellington was actually more interested in baseball than the piano.

At just 7, he would skip piano lessons to play baseball. His love for the sport became a way to earn money when he took a job as a vendor at Washington Senators games, selling peanuts, popcorn, cigars, and candy from around 1908 to 1912. But as a teenager, his interests began to change. At 14, he started sneaking into Frank Holliday’s Poolroom, where hearing local ragtime pianists sparked his passion for music. By 1914, Duke had written his first song, and over the years, his talent made him a local star. In 1923, he moved to New York City, and four years later, his big break came when his orchestra became the house band at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club.

9

Neil Diamond

It’s hard to believe, but the man who gave us "Sweet Caroline" once imagined a life in medicine — and was a talented fencer, too.

After his grandmother died of cancer, young Neil Diamond dreamed of becoming a doctor or biologist so he could help find a cure. In 1958, he went to New York University on a fencing scholarship and studied pre-med, while also helping his team win the 1960 NCAA men’s fencing championship. But just 10 credits short of graduating, he took a job doing what he loved most. For about 4 months, he worked writing songs for Sunbeam Music Publishing for $50 a week. That job changed everything, and Diamond eventually dropped out of college to pursue music full-time. His career took off in 1965 when producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich helped him land a deal with Bang Records.

10

Patti Smith

What does Patti Smith have to do with tricycles? It sounds like a strange question, but before becoming the "Queen of Punk," Smith worked in a factory inspecting parts for baby strollers and tricycles.

At 16, while growing up in New Jersey, she took a summer job at a factory checking metal pipes and handlebars for defects. After graduating high school in 1964, she returned to the factory full-time while briefly attending Glassboro State Teachers College. In 1967, she dropped out and moved to New York City, where she worked at a Brentano’s bookstore while struggling to get by. After years in the city’s underground music scene, Smith finally broke through with her legendary 1975 album, Horses.