1

The American Revolution against the British Empire

When fighting began in 1775, Britain was the world’s most powerful empire. The colonies had no professional army, little money, and limited supplies . George Washington’s Continental Army often struggled with food shortages, harsh winters, and major defeats during the early years of the war.

The turning point came after the American victory at Saratoga, New York, in 1777, which convinced France to support the colonies. British General Charles Cornwallis finally surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781. The Treaty of Paris officially recognized U.S. independence in 1783.

2

Abraham Lincoln won the Civil War after early Union defeats

At the start of the Civil War, the Union suffered humiliating losses, including the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Many Americans doubted President Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, while Confederate General Robert E. Lee repeatedly defeated Union forces in Virginia.

Things changed in July 1863, when Union victories at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, shifted momentum . Lincoln’s support for General Ulysses S. Grant helped the North gain control. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865.

3

The Apollo 13 mission’s safe return

Apollo 13 was launched on April 11, 1970, and was supposed to become NASA’s third Moon landing. But two days later, an oxygen tank exploded in space. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert suddenly faced freezing temperatures, limited power, and dwindling oxygen .

NASA engineers in Houston worked nonstop to save the crew. The astronauts used the lunar module as a lifeboat and improvised repairs with onboard materials. Against enormous odds, Apollo 13 safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970.

4

Economic recovery from the Great Depression

The Great Depression devastated the U.S. after the stock market crash of 1929. By 1933, unemployment had reached nearly 25%, banks were collapsing, and millions of Americans lost homes, jobs, and savings during the worst economic crisis in modern U.S. history.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced New Deal programs aimed at relief and recovery after taking office in March 1933. Public works projects, banking reforms, and job programs slowly helped stabilize the economy . The country eventually emerged stronger during the years leading up to World War II.

5

The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" victory v.s the USSR

During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the Soviet hockey team was considered nearly unbeatable . The USSR had dominated international hockey for years, while the young American team consisted mostly of amateur and college players.

On February 22, 1980, the U.S. shocked the world with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Soviets . Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal, and broadcaster Al Michaels famously asked, "Do you believe in miracles?" The Americans later defeated Finland to win Olympic gold.

6

The Chicago Cubs ending their 108-year World Series drought in 2016

The Chicago Cubs had not won the World Series since 1908, suffering one of the longest championship droughts in sports history. By 2016, generations of fans believed the team was cursed after decades of heartbreaking losses and missed opportunities.

The Cubs fell behind three games to one against Cleveland in the 2016 World Series, but fought back to force Game 7. On November 2, 2016, Chicago won 8-7 in 10 innings after a rain delay, finally ending its 108-year drought

7

The Space Race

The Soviet Union dominated the early Space Race by launching Sputnik in 1957 and sending Yuri Gagarin into orbit in 1961. At the time, many experts believed the U.S. was permanently behind in space technology.

President John F. Kennedy challenged NASA to land a man on the Moon before the decade ended. After years of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during Apollo 11.

8

New Orleans’ recovery after Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005 and caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans after the levees failed. About 80% of the city was flooded, and hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced in one of America’s worst natural disasters.

Recovery took years and required rebuilding homes, schools, roads, and flood protection systems . Despite enormous challenges, New Orleans gradually restored much of its tourism, culture, music scene, and population while continuing to strengthen its storm defenses.

9

The U.S. women’s soccer team in 1999 and 2019

The 1999 U.S. women’s soccer team helped transform women’s sports in America. Facing strong international competition, the Americans defeated China in the Women’s World Cup final before more than 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Twenty years later, the U.S. returned to the top again at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France . Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle scored in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, giving the U.S. its fourth world title.

10

The Boston Red Sox reversing a 0-3 deficit against the Yankees in 2004

In a 2004 American League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox lost the first three games against their rivals, the New York Yankees. No baseball team had ever recovered from a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series.

Boston stayed alive after Dave Roberts stole second base in the ninth inning of Game 4. The Red Sox then won four straight games to complete the comeback . They went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals and win their first World Series since 1918.

1

Bigfoot

Image: Mandy Bourke

We’ll start with a classic. For many Americans, Bigfoot is the quintessential mystery —a fantastical creature that has fascinated generations. Also known as Sasquatch, Bigfoot is described as a large, hairy, ape-like being that supposedly roams the forests of North America, evading hikers and adventurers. Some believe most sightings result from misidentifying large mammals like black bears, but true believers continue their relentless search for this mythical creature.

2

Area 51

Image: Oliver Pacas

Who would have thought that a number could become synonymous with aliens and mystery? There’s no doubt that Area 51 exists—it is a real and highly classified United States Air Force facility in Nevada. However, most of us know it for the intrigue surrounding it. According to some sources, Area 51 houses crashed spaceships and alien life forms . Of course, the government denies these claims, but to quote the classic TV show The X-Files , some theorists "choose to believe."

3

Amelia Earhart

Image: Tomas Martinez

Amelia Earhart's life was one filled with adventure. She became the first female pilot to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, among many other feats. Beyond her achievements, her magnetic personality and best-selling books made her an international icon, forever cemented as an American cultural icon. Her mysterious disappearance only deepens the intrigue surrounding her: While attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart’s plane vanished over the Pacific Ocean —no wreckage or remains were ever found.

4

Mothman

Image: Sonika Agarwal

Moths are sadly often given a bad reputation. Though they are close cousins to the beloved, colorful butterflies, some people find them slightly unnerving. For the people of West Virginia , there’s an even greater reason to find moths scary: The "Mountain State" is home to one of America’s most famous cryptids— the Mothman . According to legend, this eerie creature resembles a man , stands about seven feet tall , and has large white wings and glowing red eyes .

5

Jersey Devil

Image: Tech Nick

If you ever visit South Jersey’s Pine Barrens, be on the lookout for an oddly shaped creature often described as a cross between a kangaroo and a winged beast . If luck (or misfortune) is on your side, you might encounter the fabled Jersey Devil . Many legends surround this creature, but the most popular tells of the cursed thirteenth child of a Pine Barrens resident, forever cursed to haunt this region.

6

UFO Sightings

Image: Michael Herren

UFO sightings are the bread and butter of paranormal enthusiasts. Thousands of Americans have reported seeing flashing lights in the sky , unable to explain their origin. In that regard, we’ll focus on what is perhaps the most famous UFO sighting in this article: In 1947 , residents of the town of Roswell, New Mexico , claimed to have seen a UFO crash into the desert.

7

Haunted houses

Image: Ján Jakub Naništa

As soon as October comes around, hundreds of excited families transform their garages into spooky, fun haunted houses. It’s a thrilling activity that brings neighborhoods together, but let’s face it—these aren’t the haunted houses we’re talking about. From the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose , America is home to some of the world’s most terrifying haunted houses—locations definitely not suitable for the faint of heart.

8

Chupacabra

Image: Nandhu Kumar

For such a terrifying creature, the English translation of " Chupacabra "—literally " goat-sucker "—somewhat diminishes its mystique. However, don’t let the name fool you. According to legend, this cryptid is a foul beast that preys on livestock , draining their blood. Descriptions of its appearance vary: In Puerto Rico , it is depicted as an alien-like creature , while in the Southwestern United States , it is described as more dog- or wolf-like .

9

Marfa lights

Image: Jr Korpa

Many cultures around the world have legends about mysterious lights appearing before wary travelers at night. In our case, the city of Marfa, Texas , is home to a strange phenomenon known as the Marfa Ghost Lights . While scientists suggest a rational explanation—claiming they result from automobile headlights distorted by warm desert air—some still believe the lights have a paranormal origin.

10

Chimayó, New Mexico – Land of Healing

Image: Lina Trochez

We’ve covered some dark and gruesome mysteries in this article, so why not end on a lighter note? In New Mexico’s Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, Chimayó is home to a remarkable site . Some believers claim that El Santuario de Chimayó , a Roman Catholic church, possesses mysterious healing powers —particularly the "holy dirt" found in a small well at the back of the church.

1

The Miracle on Ice

Image: Jerry Yu

We begin with an unforgettable underdog story. At the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid , New York , the United States faced what many considered a leviathan in ice hockey history. Adding to the challenge, the American team was composed mostly of 21-year-olds, making it the youngest U.S. squad in Olympic history . Yet, against all odds, these determined players triumphed over a heavily favored opponent in what became known as the " Miracle on Ice ."

Do you remember which formidable rival they defeated?

2

Rumble in the Jungle

Image: Attentie Attentie

Many sports historians consider " The Rumble in the Jungle " to be the greatest boxing match in history. Held in 1974 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this legendary bout cemented Muhammad Ali’s place in boxing history. Even more impressively, Ali’s victory came against an undisputed and undefeated heavyweight champion, whom he knocked out in the eighth round.

Though he is not as widely remembered as "The Greatest," this American boxer is still regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation. Can you guess his name?

3

Michael Jordan’s Last Shot

Image: Mike Von

It’s no exaggeration to say that Michael Jordan completely revolutionized basketball worldwide. Over his 15-season career , he delivered countless jaw-dropping moments. As you’d expect, choosing just one was no easy task, but we ultimately selected what is now known as Michael’s "Last Shot."

In the final seconds of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz , Jordan sank a game-winning shot that secured the Bulls’ victory. While you already know which team he scored against, there’s a certain player who is always featured in retellings of this iconic moment. Do you know who we’re talking about?

4

Serena Williams’ Golden Medal in London

Image: Josephine Gasser

What can be said about Serena Williams that hasn’t already been said? Arguably the greatest American tennis player in history, Williams’s career is a collection of remarkable achievements. However, we’ve chosen to highlight one of her later triumphs—her dominant performance at the 2012 London Olympics , where she became only the second woman to complete a career Golden Slam in singles.

Even more impressive was the way she secured her victory, defeating her opponent 6-0, 6-1 to claim the gold medal. Do you know who she faced in that historic match?

5

Michael Phelps's record-breaking achievements in Beijing 2008

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the world was introduced to Michael Phelps , an affable kid from Baltimore who achieved the impossible: breaking seven world records and earning eight gold medals —the first step in his journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps’s incredible feats often overshadow his competitors, so we thought we’d take a moment to recognize the swimmers who came close but couldn’t overcome " The Baltimore Bullet ." Do you remember them?

Answers:

6

Miracle on Ice - Soviet Union

Image: Markus Spiske

If you guessed that the Soviet Union was the Goliath defeated by the American team at the Winter Olympics, you were right! At the time of the match, the Soviet team was a four-time defending gold medalist and the heavy favorite to win. Although the United States pulled off a legendary upset, the victory didn’t come easily . The game was a thrilling showdown , with the American team scoring the decisive goal exactly 10 minutes before the final buzzer.

7

Rumble in the Jungle - George Foreman

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

Known as " Big George ," Texas-born boxer George Foreman was defeated by Muhammad Ali in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle." As mentioned earlier, Ali’s victory was even more remarkable given Foreman’s dominance in the sport—he was a two-time world heavyweight champion , an Olympic gold medalist , and the favorite to win the match. Today, Foreman is remembered not only for his boxing achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success: Since 1994, his iconic George Foreman Grill has sold over 100 million units.

8

Last shot - Bryon Russell

Image: Markus Spiske

The play that would become known as " The Last Shot " began when Michael Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and raced down the court. Before taking the shot, he swiftly dodged Utah Jazz defender Bryon Russell , causing him to trip and fall. By the time Russell got back on his feet, the ball was already soaring through the air, swishing through the net and sealing victory for the Bulls.

9

Serena Williams’ Golden Medal - Maria Sharapova

Image: Valentin Balan

Throughout their careers, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova maintained a high-profile rivalry as two of the biggest names in women’s tennis. Fortunately for tennis lovers everywhere, the 2012 Olympics brought these titans head-to-head, and while Serena dominated the match , it was far from the end of Sharapova’s career—she continued to showcase her talent until retiring in 2020.

10

Michael Phelps - László Cseh and Milorad Čavić

Image: Serena Repice Lentini

As mentioned earlier, Michael Phelps' historic victories at the 2008 Beijing Olympics were unprecedented, and narrowing it down to just one of his competitors wouldn't do justice to the event. Instead, we’d like to highlight a few remarkable runner-ups. Hungarian swimmer László Cseh secured multiple silver medals, often finishing just fractions of a second behind Phelps . Meanwhile, Serbian swimmer Milorad Čavić lost the 100m butterfly by an astonishing one-hundredth of a second —though he still managed to break the European record in the process.