1

George Washington

Image: Ben Noble

There was one American who laid the foundation for all the influential figures who would follow: George Washington. He led American forces to victory over Great Britain in the Revolutionary War and went on to serve as the nation's first president from 1789 to 1797. He set important precedents, such as the two-term tradition, that helped shape not only the US presidency but also democracy itself, inspiring nations around the world to follow a similar path.

2

Neil Armstrong

Image: NASA

Neil Armstrong was absolutely right when he said that reaching the moon was "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." In 1969, during NASA's Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon . This historic achievement marked a turning point in science and investigation, and the world was never the same again.

3

Martin Luther King Jr.

Image: Unseen Histories

If there is one name that could not be left off this list, it is that of Martin Luther King Jr., the most notable leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Together with other activists, his efforts led to milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Without his fight for equality, the world would be very different today.

4

Elvis Presley

Image: Adam Nemeroff

In the 1950s, one American completely revolutionized popular music and culture; no wonder he's called the King! That's right, we're talking about Elvis Presley, who took the stage and transformed rock and roll into a global thing. He wasn't just a singer; his style, his moves, his legacy, and even his private life marked a definitive turning point in music history.

5

Thomas Alva Edison

Image: Johannes Plenio

There's no doubt that daily life would be very different without the work of Thomas Edison. From a young age, he pursued his passion for invention, which led him to create the first practical electric light bulb in 1879. He was also the inventor of the phonograph, the first device that could both record and play back sound. In addition, his improvements to the motion picture camera made big contributions to the film industry.

6

Wright brothers

Image: History in HD

Imagine having to travel to another continent, and your only option is by boat. That might have been the reality if it weren't for the incredible Wright brothers. These two self-taught American engineers changed the world with a legendary milestone: in 1903, they invented and successfully flew the first powered, controlled airplane. Thanks to them, the dream of flight became a reality!

7

Walt Disney

Image: Jose Mizrahi

The world of entertainment and storytelling wouldn't be what it is today without Walt Disney. From the early 20th century, with iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Disney revolutionized animation, transforming it into an art form that generated enormous profits and created millions of employment opportunities.

8

Susan B. Anthony

Image: Element5 Digital

Susan B. Anthony was one of the women who changed the course of history, not only in our country but around the world, by challenging the belief that politics was only for men. She became a leader in the fight for social reforms, including labor rights for women. Most importantly, her tireless work for women's suffrage led her to co-found the National Woman Suffrage Association, paving the way for generations to come.

9

Steve Jobs

Image: AB

When we think of Steve Jobs, his most iconic creation, the iPhone, comes to mind. But he did far more than that. By founding Apple, Jobs forever changed the way people interact with technology, designing devices and interfaces that are far more user-friendly and intuitive.

10

Benjamin Franklin

Image: David Trinks

Scientist, inventor, writer, statesman: Benjamin Franklin was all that and more! We could easily dedicate an entire article to his achievements, but here's a brief summary: he definitely changed the world thanks to his groundbreaking experiments with electricity and his important role in shaping modern democracy as a Founding Father of the US.

1

Reagan: Breaking the glass ceiling

Image: Library of Congress

Although the numbers are still unequal, women occupy decision-making positions every day. They play an active role in political life, but that wasn’t always the case.

Ronald Reagan made a bold move for gender equality by nominating Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court in 1981. This historic decision marked the first time a woman would serve on the highest court in the country.

O'Connor’s nomination was a landmark moment for women’s rights, opening doors for future generations. Reagan’s choice was both strategic and symbolic, of course. It was a significant step toward inclusivity in the judiciary. Sandra Day O’Connor went on to serve with distinction, becoming a pivotal figure in many key rulings.

2

Johnson: A historic appointment

Image: Library of Congress

America has already seen a black president, but even that marked a significant turning point in history. However, Black men in such high government positions weren’t a reality until 1967 when Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first Black Supreme Court Justice . In the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the U.S., this was a monumental step.

At the time, Marshall was already a legendary figure for his role in Brown v. Board of Education, and his appointment brought a powerful voice to the court. It was a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to racial justice. Marshall served on the court for 24 years! Talk about leaving a mark, huh?

3

Roosevelt: The star of the show

Image: Library of Congress

We can’t get enough of our TVs today, right? But this device was once an innovation, and one can easily imagine how surprising it must have been to see a president on screen for the first time!

In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to appear on television during the World’s Fair in New York.

It’s not that he had gone unnoticed, FDR was already a radio sensation with his "fireside chats," but the television debut marked a new era of presidential communication. This historic moment allowed Americans to not only hear but also see their president, making FDR an even more influential figure.

4

Adams: Picture perfect

Image: Library of Congress

People take pictures of everything, everywhere, all the time today. Photos are like our business cards on social media and even in our job profiles, but it wasn’t always like that. And John Quincy Adams was part of a photography milestone.

Adams wasn’t just a former president, he holds the prize for first presidential photography . In 1843, he became the first president to have his photograph taken, although it was after his term had ended. Before Adams, presidents were immortalized through paintings, but his photo brought a new sense of realism to how leaders were remembered. Was he, by any chance, the first influencer?

5

Hayes: A direct line to history

Image: Library of Congress

What would we do without our telephones? It’s like we can’t imagine our lives without them anymore, right? But have you ever wondered who was the first president to have a phone in the White House ?

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes ushered the presidential residence into the age of technology by installing the first telephone. Of course, this was far from the smartphones we use today, but it was quite revolutionary at the time.

Fun fact: Hayes’s telephone had the number "1," a fitting symbol for such a groundbreaking moment. Only a few could actually get in direct contact with that line, but the step was taken anyway and history was made.

6

John Adams: Home sweet white house

Image: Library of Congress

While George Washington oversaw the construction of the White House, he never actually lived in it. It was John Adams who had the honor of being its first resident in 1800 .

Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the unfinished mansion, making history as the first Presidential Family to live in the iconic building. Despite the unfinished state of the residence, the Adams family’s presence made it the center of American politics. And of course, he was the first, but he was certainly not the last, as the tradition continues today.

7

Truman: Code name "general"

Image: Library of Congress

If you’re a fan of detective novels, you probably always thought that having a code name is super cool! Well, imagine being the first president with a code name!

Harry Truman made history as the first U.S. president to receive a Secret Service code name . Known as "General," his code name served as a security measure. Although now that you know it, it doesn’t seem so secretive or mysterious, right?

The use of code names has since become standard practice, used to protect presidents and their families. While the tradition of assigning code names has evolved, Truman’s "General" remains a nod to the early days of presidential security. It was just the beginning of a tradition that still exists today.

8

Coolidge: A father’s pride

Image: Library of Congress

Few moments in life are so beautiful as when a father’s eyes are filled with tears of pride for his child, don’t you think? Well, now think about that, between a president and his father!

In a unique and touching moment in U.S. history, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as president by his own father. After President Harding’s unexpected death in 1923, Coolidge’s father, a notary public, administered the oath of office in their Vermont home.

This made Coolidge the first and only president to be inaugurated by a family member, creating a truly personal and memorable moment. This father-son moment added a deeply personal touch to the transfer of power, making it a memorable event in both their personal lives and American history.

9

Carter: Born in a hospital

Image: Library of Congress

When you think of a birth, you think of a hospital, right? However, that hasn’t always been the case.

Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president born in a hospital, on October 1, 1924. Before Carter, presidents were typically born at home, which was the norm for the times.

His birth at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, marked a shift toward modern medical practices. This milestone highlighted the changing nature of healthcare in America. Carter’s hospital birth was a small, yet significant, indicator of progress in our country.

10

McKinley: Cruising into history

Image: Library of Congress

Our last "first" is a bit crazy and you’ll see why in a minute: William McKinley became the first sitting president to experience the thrill of a car ride .

In 1899, he took a ride in a Locomobile steam carriage, a cutting-edge mode of transportation at the time. The car was driven by the inventor himself!

This ride was quite an oddity, and McKinley’s willingness to try it out showed his interest in new technology. Why is it crazy? Because no president drives their own car today! Regardless of how innovative and technologically advanced it may be!

1

Babe Ruth

Image: Thomas Park

What is considered America's pastime by everyone else was the great passion of Babe Ruth's life.

Born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, Babe was a child known for his difficult behavior. When he turned seven, his parents made the difficult decision to send him to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. The school was a strict and rule-filled environment, but it was there that Babe Ruth's passion for baseball developed.

By his early twenties, he was already known as a talented pitcher. Throughout his career, he won seven World Series Championships, three with the Boston Red Sox and four with the New York Yankees. In 1936, he became one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2

Serena Williams

Image: Ariv Gupta

While many of us can't even remember what we were doing at the age of three, the incredible Serena Williams was already practicing tennis with her sister Venus and her father.

Known globally as one of the greatest tennis players in history, Serena has filled her resume with titles, trophies, victories, and records.

Four Gold Olympic Medals and an impressive 23 Grand Slam singles titles definitely made her a tennis legend. And as if her athletic achievements were not enough, Serena Williams is also a standout businesswoman today.

3

Muhammad Ali

Image: Nelson Ndongala

Louisville, Kentucky, was the birthplace of the man who would become one of the world's greatest sports stars. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, the man we all remember today as Muhammad Ali began his sporting life at the age of 12 when he started training as an amateur boxer.

The rest is history. With an Olympic Gold Medal, three world heavyweight championships, 56 wins (37 by knockout), and an incredible legacy, Ali is widely and rightly recognized as one of the most important sports figures of the 20th century.

4

Tiger Woods

Image: Robert Ruggiero

If we had to list all of Tiger Woods ' sporting achievements, we'd be here all day, right?

The GOAT of Golf was born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, and from a very young age, he showed his great talent for this sport.

After winning several titles in college and as an amateur player, Tiger became a professional player in 1996, and since then, he hasn't stopped winning and winning.

Tiger has gone on to win 15 major championships, including three U.S. Opens, four Masters titles, three Open Championships, and five PGA Championships, and held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 683 weeks!

5

Michael Jordan

Image: Robin Gislain Gessy

Michael Jordan grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and developed a passion for basketball at a young age, largely thanks to his brother, Larry.

In high school, he developed his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, qualities that, combined with his talent, led him to become the star he is today.

While it is hard to list all of his feats, we believe it is necessary to mention some of Jordan's highlights: two Olympic Gold Medals, six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls (earning NBA Finals MVP honors each time), and five NBA MVP awards. These achievements, among many others, make up the long list of victories of this NBA legend.

6

Michael Phelps

Image: Braden Egli

Michael Phelps , born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, was a very energetic child. Fortunately, at the age of seven, he discovered a perfect outlet for all that enthusiasm: swimming.

His talent and dedication combined to create a world-class athlete, and by the age of 15, he was participating in his first Olympics!

In 2004, he stood out at the Athens Olympics, winning six gold medals. In 2008, he made history by winning a record-breaking eight gold medals in a single Olympics.

"The Baltimore Bullet" has won a total of 23 gold medals in his career, more than any other Olympic athlete in history!

7

Simone Biles

Image: Brian Wangenheim

One of the youngest on this list, Simone Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio.

Considered by many as the world's greatest gymnast ever , Simone was raised by her grandparents. Her sporting career began as a child when an attentive instructor recognized her talent and suggested she take gymnastics classes.

At the age of 14, she was already competing at high levels and never went unnoticed. In 2013, she won her first of many World Championship titles, demonstrating her incredible talent and ability to perform moves that other gymnasts could not.

8

Tom Brady

Image: Thomas Park

Of course, we can't overlook this legendary figure of American football . We're talking about none other than the great Tom Brady .

Considered by many the greatest quarterback of all time , Brady was born into a sports-loving family, which allowed him to showcase his skills when he was still a young boy.

Brady was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft. The Patriots' choice was incredibly wise, as he played for the team for 20 seasons, during which he and coach Bill Belichick formed what became known as the "Patriots dynasty." He also led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories!

During his last three seasons as a professional, he played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not without winning another Super Bowl with them.

9

LeBron James

Image: Markus Spiske

The great "King James" was born LeBron Raymone James on December 30, 1984 , in Akron, Ohio. Since he was very young, he showed basketball skills, which were highlighted during his time at high school.

LeBron was the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he began his career. He later played with the Miami Heat, and finally, he became a legend with the Lakers.

LeBron has a long list of accomplishments in his sports career, making him one of the few who can be compared to Jordan. With four NBA Championships, four NBA Finals MVP Awards, four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, two Olympic Gold Medals, and many other awards and distinctions, LeBron is indisputably one of the best at what he does.

10

Billie Jean King

Image: Valentin Balan

BJK was born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. Her love for tennis began at a very young age when a friend lent her a racket. Her natural talent soon showed: she won her first major junior championship at the age of 14, and from then on, she didn't stop.

With 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles titles, 16 women's doubles titles, 11 mixed doubles titles, and holding the title of world No. 1 for many years, BJK rightfully holds the label of "Queen."

In 1973, Billie won the legendary "Battle of the Sexes," a tennis match against Bobby Riggs , who had challenged her. With this and many other victories, King paved the way for many women in the world of tennis and sports in general, which is why she is considered a pioneer in her field.