What is America Known For? (105 Famous Things & Fun USA Facts)

America is known for its historical personalities, major cities, and short, but full history. America is also known for its global influence, especially on the commercial and cultural levels. The United States also has many natural wonders and cultural treasures, 

What is America known for? As an American myself, I can think of an unending list of things! There are its major cities, its natural wonders, its famous people, and much, much more. For now, though, we’ll take a look at some of the many things that won America the fame it has today.

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105 Things America is Known For

1. New York City

New York City is the most famous of America’s major cities. Here one finds iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building. The observation decks of the Empire State Building offer incredible views of the city.

2. Central Park

Central Park is another of the Big Apple’s most famous attractions. It’s also the most filmed location in the world, featuring in 532 major motion pictures.

3. Wall Street

Another major landmark in New York City is Wall Street. Here one finds the New York Stock Exchange and the headquarters of major financial companies. Wall Street is one of America’s, and, subsequently, the world’s most important financial centers.

4. Chicago

Chicago is known for the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), deep-dish pizzas, and professional sports teams. The city is famous for its canals and museums.

5. Los Angeles

Another of America’s famous cities, Los Angeles is known for its professional sports teams, beaches, and smoggy skies. It is also a major hub for the entertainment industry.

6. Hollywood

The streets below the iconic Hollywood sign are home to some of the biggest movie studios in the world. This neighborhood is synonymous with movies and fame and, for many people outside the United States, America itself.

7. San Francisco

The most famous of San Francisco’s landmarks and tourist attractions is the Golden Gate Bridge. Besides the Golden Gate Bridge, there is also the notorious island prison of Alcatraz and the famously foggy weather to see in San Francisco.

8. Las Vegas

Americans love to have fun and “Sin City” is known for its plethora of casinos, entertainment venues, and much more. The city is known also for the many neon signs of these establishments along the “Las Vegas Strip” in downtown Las Vegas.

❓ Trivia Time: Besides Las Vegas, what is Nevada known for?

9. Washington, D.C.

The capital of the United States of America is well-known for its distinctive architecture. The White House, the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and much more can be found here. Learn more in our full article explaining all the things DC is famous for.

10. Small Towns

The major cities of the nation may win it fame on the international stage, but they don’t quite embody classic American values like small working-class towns do. Here one finds the simple way of life and tight-knit community that many Americans hold dear. 

11. The East Coast

America has several distinct regions. The one with the most history is the East Coast, known for its beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and rich colonial history. This region reaches from Maine in the north to Florida in the south.

12. New England

At the northern end of the East Coast is the subregion of New England. New England is known for its prestigious universities, maritime heritage, and fresh seafood dishes. Captain John Smith named this region back in 1614 after exploring it on behalf of English merchants.

13. The American South

Another of America’s most famous regions is the South. The South is famous for its regional pride, hospitality, and breaking away during the Civil War. The Southern accent may be looked down on by some, but Lingoda offers a fascinating look into its surprisingly noble origins.

14. The Midwest

The Midwest states are known for their agriculture, especially corn, and flatter landscapes. This region stretches from Ohio in the east to the Great Plains states in the West. It also includes the states around the Great Lakes.

15. The Great Lakes

Although the Great Lakes are in several states, many people often associate the term “Great Lakes States” with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and, to a lesser degree, Illinois. The Great Lakes states also have a few different accents, with the Minnesota accent being the most famous.

16. The Great Plains

On the western edge of the Midwest region, one finds vast grasslands. Kansas, Nebraska, and North and South Dakota occupy this region known for its frontier history and some of America’s most well-known Native American tribes such as the Blackfoot, the Comanche, and the Sioux.

17. The American West

This term encompasses a large swath of land, and sometimes even refers to almost everything west of the Mississippi River. The West contains a few subregions as well.

18. Southwest

The southwestern states are known for the Spanish influence on their culture and history and their generally hot and dry climate. When people think of the American west, these states and their landscapes come to mind.

19. The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy coastline, dense forests, and natural beauty. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California are the states that make up this region.

20. Alaska and Hawaii

These states fall into their own category, being separated from the contiguous states by land and ocean. Alaska is known for its epic, pristine nature and abundant natural resources. Hawaii is known for its tropical climate and idyllic beaches,

21. Overseas Territories

America also has several overseas territories. The most well-known of these, by most people’s reckoning, is Puerto Rico. Other inhabited territories include American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

22. American Football

America is famous for several sports. The most distinctively American, though, would be American football. To the rest of the world, “football” is what Americans call soccer. The game developed out of English Rugby, following a different course from the late 1800s onward.

23. The Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the most watched of all sporting events in America. It also has a reputation for the many commercials that air in between plays.

24. Baseball

Known as America’s favorite pastime, this sport developed out of the English games cricket and rounders. While football often garners more fame and viewing time, it doesn’t have quite as much of the classic Americana feeling that baseball does.

25. Babe Ruth

Regarded by many as the greatest baseball player of all time, this slugger from Maryland is known for his massive amount of home runs. As professional baseball was still in its early days, he became one of America’s first sports stars.

26. Basketball

Basketball is another sport invented in America. Like baseball and football, it developed in the late 1800s before becoming what we recognize today. While popular throughout the country, few places rival the Midwest’s love of basketball.

27. Michael Jordan

Many people regard Michael Jordan as the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) basketball player. Known for his phenomenal scoring skills, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their glory days in the 80s and 90s.

28. College Sports

College athletics also have a considerable following throughout America, especially in places in the South and Midwest. If, for example, you traveled to northwest Arkansas, it would be hard to find someone who is not a huge fan of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

❓ Trivia Time: What other things besides football is Arkansas known for?

29. Hot Dogs

What sports game would be complete without this classic American treat? Hot dogs have a wide array of local variations nationwide depending on prevailing culinary tastes. There’s even an official hot dog council based in Washington D.C.–the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council!

30. Hamburgers

Along with the hot dog, another American food known throughout the world is the hamburger. To many foreigners, it’s considered the default, and maybe somewhat stereotypical, “American food.” It also served as the staple for most of America’s major fast-food chains (more on those in a bit).

31. Barbecue

One of the most distinctive forms of American cuisine is barbecue. Recipes vary from state to state and each prides itself on having the best. In particular, Texas is known for its barbecue, with nationwide chains of “Texas BBQ” restaurants.

32. Pizza

Italian immigrants brought the dish with them and, in time, it became popular nationwide. Different cities have different variations, either in thickness of crust, shapes of slices, or traditional toppings.

33. Apple Pie

Few things are as American as apple pie. This sweet is a must-have at holiday meals throughout the year, or on any occasion. Many people serve it “a la mode,” including a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

34. American Cheese

America is known (or, perhaps, notorious in some circles) for American cheese. This processed form of cheese is the standby for many picnics and fast food recipes. At the same time, many people tend to shy away from it, preferring more organic, natural varieties.

35. The Classic American Diner

Beginning as cheap and convenient places for working-class Americans to get a meal, diners flourished in the first half of the 20th century. The state of New Jersey is known as “The Diner Capital of the World,” having over 600 such establishments.

36. Fast Food Chains

Fast food, like diners, began as an accommodation to Americans’ increasingly active lifestyles, whether at work or at play. American fast-food chains can be found around the globe, and often adjust their menus to incorporate local cuisine as well.

37. French Fries

Different stories exist regarding the origins of the salty staple food, some tracing the dish back to Europe. Nonetheless, it was America that popularized them in their current form, exporting them worldwide via fast-food franchises.

38. Coca-Cola

One of the most popular ways to wash down a meal is with a Coke. Atlanta, Georgia is known as the birthplace of Coca-Cola. Coke went from humble beginnings in a local drugstore to being well-known the world over, joining burgers and fries as visual symbols of America.

39. Root Beer

This draft bears “beer” in its name, but is a soft drink. Multiple recipes exist for this drink, but, traditionally, sassafras root served as the key ingredient.

40. Craft Beer

While beer brewing has been around for centuries, if not millennia, the craft beer revolution began in America only a few decades ago. The state of Washington is known for producing the vast majority of hops used in America, both by macro and micro-breweries.

41. Bourbon Whiskey

Another traditional American tipple is bourbon whiskey, which Kentucky is known for especially. While whiskey originated in the British Isles centuries ago, settlers in the New World added new ingredients such as corn, giving it its sweeter, smoother taste.

42. Prohibition

Dubbed the “Ignoble Experiment” by detractors, the government restrictions on alcohol from 1920-1933 ushered in a unique era in American history. Clandestine “speakeasy” bars sprung up, serving as secret watering holes, and sometimes being associated with more genuine crimes.

43. Al Capone

Few names stand out from the Prohibition Era like Al Capone. He became a symbol of defiance of Prohibition–and every other law. He seemed untouchable by the law until government agent Elliot Ness and his own “Untouchables” finally arrested the notorious crime lord for tax evasion.

44. The FBI

Eliot Ness did not serve as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but he did answer to J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI. Federal law enforcement agents occupy a special place in American pop culture, with countless movies and video games depicting their (somewhat more glamorized) exploits.

45. The Wild West

The struggle between outlaws and lawmen is a classic theme of American popular culture. Nowhere, though, did it find more expression, in fiction and reality than in the American west. New lands were conquered and settled, but internal conflicts between outlaws and lawmen flourished long after the official acquisition of these territories.

46. Cowboys

Nothing symbolizes the Wild West era like the cowboy. Cattle ranching served as one of the main industries in the new territories and states out west, and the deeds of the cowpoke served as inspiration for many songs, movies, television shows, and more.

❗ Fun Fact: Nebraska is known for having more cows than humans!

47. Davy Crockett

Of all America’s frontiersmen, Davy Crockett stands out as one of the most famous. His adventures came to their end in the famous last stand at the Battle of the Alamo. 

48. The Alamo

This old Spanish mission gained immortal fame in American history when a small band of Texan freedom fighters fell defending it from the Mexican Army. Although Texas later joined the United States of America, the site became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

49. National Parks

The American west is home to some of the country’s most famous natural wonders. The eastern states also have their share of natural beauty, even if it’s on a smaller scale. The most remarkable places are preserved as national parks.

❓ Trivia Time: Which state has the most national parks?

50. The Grand Canyon

One of the most majestic of America’s natural wonders is the Grand Canyon National Park. Native American tribes regarded this place as sacred, and if you happen to see it with your own eyes (especially at sunset) you’ll easily see why.  Check out the linked article on which states does the Grand Canyon go through to learn more!

51. Yellowstone

America’s first national park remains one of its most famous parks. The park gained fame for its geothermal springs and geysers, as well as its rugged natural beauty. Much speculation exists about the possibility of a mega-eruption of the latent Yellowstone Caldera volcano.

❓ Trivia Time: What state is Yellowstone Park in? 

52. Yosemite

This park in California has a collection of sheer cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and towering trees like few other places on earth. Yosemite gained status as a national park in 1890 and remains one of the most popular parks in the country.

53. Redwoods National Park and Sequoia National Park

The gigantic redwood and sequoia trees are two different species. Both species grow only in western America and each has a separate national park in places with especially beautiful forests. 

❓ Trivia Time: California is known for more than its major cities and national parks. Follow the link to find out more!

54. Grand Smoky Mountains National Park

This park is America’s most visited national park. Along with stunning beauty and diverse wildlife, the park offers free entry. 

55. Mountain Ranges

America has several famous mountain ranges. The west’s rugged Rocky Mountains span many states. Dense forests cover the rustic Appalachian Mountains running from Maine to Alabama. These two ranges contain many smaller sub-ranges such as the Tetons in the Rockies and the White Mountains in the Appalachians.

56. Zion National Park

Southern Utah is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and one of the most prominent is Zion National Park. The most famous feature of this park is The Narrows, a constricted canyon trail that often requires wading through deep waters.

❓ Trivia Time: Besides national parks, what is Utah known for?

57. Mount Rushmore

This mountain carving in South Dakota features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Its home state, South Dakota, is known for adopting the nickname “The Mount Rushmore State.”

58. The Mississippi River

America’s most famous river flows from many sources into the Gulf of Mexico. In the past, the river served as a major trade artery with the iconic steam-powered paddle boats forming the backbone of trade and transit. Nowadays, modern replicas offer tour cruises.

59. The Missouri River

After the Mississippi River, the Missouri River is famous for its role in American history. Lewis and Clark traveled up this river on their westward expedition. The city of St. Louis in Missouri is known for being the “Gateway to the West,”

60. The Colorado River

The Colorado River runs through several western states. Its most famous stretch lies at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Since the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River only reaches the ocean in rainier years.

61. Lewis and Clark

The idea of exploration and pioneering infuses much of traditional American culture. Merriweather Lewis and William Clark are two of the most famous American explorers. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned them to explore the recently acquired lands of the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.

62. Sacagawea

Lewis and Clark met with many people along their voyages, though none is as famous as their guide Sacagewea. Originally born in modern-day Idaho among the Shoshone tribe, she was taken into captivity by the Hidatsa of modern-day North Dakota, where she later met Lewis and Clark.

63. Native American Culture

Long before Europeans voyaged to the New World, a wide variety of tribes inhabited the American continent. Some of the most famous tribes include the Algonquin, the Iroquois, the Mohawks, the Navajo, the Cherokee, and many more. Despite numerous hardships, Native culture and identity remain strong in many places throughout the country.

64. Sitting Bull

One of the most famous Native American leaders was Sitting Bull of the Sioux. He and his forces defeated General Custer at the famous Battle of Little Big Horn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand.

65. Geronimo

Another famous leader of the Native American resistance was Geronimo of the Apache. He fought against Mexican and American forces alike in defense of his tribe’s homeland.

66. Hispanic Heritage

The southwest historically had a strong Hispanic heritage, fusing Spanish, Mexican, and Native cultures. Even after the U.S. took over, many Mexican-Americans remained in these territories. Figures such as Ceaser Chavez fought for the rights of migrant farmers. Today, although Spanish is widely spoken throughout America, only Puerto Rico has it as an official language.

❗ Fun Fact: Few states have a blend of Hispanic, Native, and European cultures like “The Land of Enchantment”. Read “What is New Mexico known for?” to find out more!

67. African-American History

Despite beginning with the tragic institution of slavery, much good later came despite an initial evil. Early pioneers of freedom like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Booker T. Washington helped change the fortunes of African-Americans, with others later following in their footsteps.

68. Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the most famous of these people was Martin Luther King Jr. Known for his pacifist activism, and his “I Have A Dream” speech, King did much to advance the cause of civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s.

69. The Civil Rights Movement

Besides King, figures such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and many others fought to end racial segregation and discrimination in America. Despite much unrest and controversy, they made many advances, with the Supreme Court officially ruling against segregation in 1954. Further rulings would contest other issues such as equal pay and other opportunities.

❗ Fun Fact: Alabama is known for being the home of famous civil rights activists and the site of significant events in the movement. Check out the article to learn more!

70. Muhammad Ali

Another famous figure from this time was the boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. Ali gained fame for his athletic ability and for championing civil rights causes.

71. The American Revolutionary War

America is known for beginning with a revolution. The Founding Fathers of the nation deemed British policies unjust and, with more peaceful solutions bearing little fruit, took more drastic measures. The war lasted from 1775-1783, when the British surrendered, realizing that they could no longer hope for victory.

72. Independence Day

This July holiday marks the “birth” of the nation on July 4, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress officially accepted the Declaration of Independence. Americans often celebrate the day with barbecues, sports games, and fireworks displays.

73. Freedom

The most prized of America’s immaterial values, for many people, is freedom. The early colonists that came from England sought religious liberty and their thought paved the way for the generations to come. Throughout its history, the ideal of freedom remained the ideal, even if disagreements occurred as to what that freedom looked like.

❗ Fun Fact: The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is known for serving as the capital for several years before it switched to Washington, D.C.

74. Thanksgiving

This holiday in late November grew out of a practice of New England pilgrims of setting aside a day to give thanks to God for life’s blessings and bounties. President Washington established the precedent for a national Thanksgiving Day, but Lincoln formalized its celebration on the last Thursday of November.

75. The American Civil War

Fought over the issues of states’ rights and slavery, the American Civil War is the only internal war in American history. The blue-clad “Billy Yank” faced off against the gray-uniformed “Johnny Reb” in a war lasting four years. The war remains a contentious issue, not just for the reasons of its causes, but for who was the main aggressor. 

76. Abraham Lincoln

America’s 16th president oversaw the nation during the Civil War. Besides his political significance, Americans remember Lincoln for his folk wisdom and wit. His assassination, ironically, made him all the more famous, adding a martyric air to his other accomplishments. 

77. George Washington

Foremost of the Founding Fathers, George Washington’s resolute character made him a natural leader. His military success helped spur him to fame even in his lifetime and his presidency helped secure the fledgling nation he helped to found. 

78. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson worked as the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. He served as the third President of the United States and helped expand the nation by purchasing the massive Louisiana Territory from France in 1803.

79. Theodore Roosevelt

President Theodore Roosevelt embodied America’s pioneering spirit like no other president. He contributed much to conservation and established five national parks. His strong sense of curiosity and love of nature led him on frequent expeditions into America’s many pristine wildernesses in his personal time.

80. Government

Often described as a democracy, America’s government, in fact, operates as a federal Republic. In a pure democracy, the majority rule of the people decides everything. A republic, on the other hand, puts the power in elected officials. The people elected the representatives, but let the representatives administrate matters.

81. The Star-Spangled Banner

Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812. The first verse immortalizes the brave defense of Fort McHenry in the Chesapeake Bay. The British bombarded throughout the night, but, in the morning, America’s flag still waved proudly.

82. The Blues

Several genres of music originated in America. One of the first distinctly American forms of music was the blues. It developed in southern states, having its roots in the musical traditions of both African and white Americans. Mississippi is known for being one of the centers of early blues music.

83. Bluegrass

One of the forms of music unique to America is bluegrass. This music was born in America’s Appalachian Mountains, where a strong tradition of bluegrass music continues to this day.

84. Country Music

Country music has many sub-genres, but all of them sound undeniably American. This genre is especially popular in the South, the Midwest, and the West. Nashville, Tennessee is known for being the center of the country music scene.

85. Johnny Cash

One of America’s most famous country stars came from humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to world-renown fame. “The Man in Black” sang a unique combination of traditional tunes, love songs, and thoughtful social commentary that few artists managed to achieve.

86. Rap

On the opposite end of the American music spectrum is another American genre–rap. Although the terms rap and hip hop, to many people, mean the same thing, a technical difference exists. Hip-hop refers to the wider culture that the specific music, rap, forms a part of.

87. Jazz

Yet another of America’s musical legacies is jazz music. This genre grew organically out of both American and African influences, especially in places such as New Orleans.

❓ Trivia Time: What else is Louisiana known for besides New Orleans and jazz? Test your knowledge with the linked article.

88. Louis Armstrong

Known for his raspy voice and trumpet-playing skills, Louis Armstrong stands out as one of the most well-recognized names in jazz worldwide. He also collaborated with other jazz music legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

89. Rock and Roll

No other genre has had such global influences as American rock and roll. This influence skyrocketed with the rise of music videos in the early 1980s. America even created a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to commemorate its greatest singers and musicians.

❓ Trivia Time: What state is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in?

90. Pop Music

Pop music is a broad category but generally relies on catchy tunes and lyrics. Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” is one of America’s most famous pop music stars. His music videos also showcased his dancing abilities, which also helped to make him popular.

91. Elvis Presley

“The King of Rock and Roll” came from humble beginnings in Mississippi to international stardom in the 1950s and 1960s. No other musician symbolizes the genre quite the way Elvis did. His Tennessee mansion, Graceland, now operates as a museum and memorial to his memory.

92. Mark Twain

America also has several noteworthy authors and poets. Mark Twain is one of the most widely recognized, with his laconic humor and tales of early American adventure. Though born in Missouri, he lived in many places, eventually ending up in Connecticut.

93. Herman Melville

New England saw the first flourish of major American authors, Herman Melville among the most famous. His most well-known work, Moby Dick, depicts the lives of 19th-century whalers and the mad quest for revenge of the villainous Captain Ahab.

❗ Fun Fact: Mystic Seaport in Connecticut is known for being one of the best places in the country to learn about America’s maritime heritage.

94. Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s perennial classic To Kill a Mockingbird gained fame for its unique insight into contemporary issues. Written in the 1960s, it dealt with the contentious issues of racial animosity but did so through the innocent eyes of a child, capturing also the innocence of a simple childhood in the rural American South.

95. Edgar Allen Poe

One of America’s most famous poets and a pioneer of darker themes in literature, Edgar Allen Poe wrote works such haunting classics as The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart. Born in Boston, he lived in several places, primarily in New York, before his untimely death in Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 40.

96. Thomas Edison

Among the brightest of American historical personalities (terrible pun intended) is Thomas Edison. Although often credited with the invention of the lightbulb, he improved upon earlier designs, making it efficient enough to be worth mass production.

97. The Wright Brothers

Although raised in Ohio, the Wright brothers pioneered manned flight in North Carolina, known for being the “First in Flight.” Today memorials to their memory and achievements stand in both states.

98. Norman Rockwell

While art critics at times decry Rockwell’s works as sentimental and “pedestrian,” it’s hard to deny the charm infused in many of his depictions of everyday American life.

99. Grant Wood

Everyone knows the famous “American Gothic” painting depicting a solemn couple standing outside their farmhouse. Not everyone knows the name of the painter, though. Grant Wood gained recognition for his unique style, fusing several disparate schools of art, depicting primarily rural American themes.

100. Modern Art

While some debate the merit of modern art, no one can deny the pivotal role America played in the movement. American artists such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock rose to become some of the most widely-recognized names in the field.

101. Global Influence

American influence on global culture began to be especially noticeable in the last half of the 20th century. Modern forms of communication combined with American economic power to export American pop culture and economic interests across the globe.

102. Military Power

Until the 20th century, America largely focused on its own shores. World War I and World War II helped to change that course, though. America entered both wars late, sparing it many casualties and helping win Allied victories on both occasions. These victories helped catapult America to the forefront as a global power. 

103. Amusement Parks

Americans love amusement parks and each state has its share of these entertainment venues. Florida is known for having two of the most famous: Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.  

104. Technology

Ever since its industrial boom, America led the way with many technological innovations. This proved especially true in the last few decades with the digital revolution. Tech giants such as Apple, IBM, and Microsoft, not to mention nearly every social media platform, call America home.

105. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

Along with pioneering many other areas of science, America is known for its work in space research and exploration. Numerous missions have been flown since the first ones in the early 1960s. 

FAQs About Famous Things from America

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What is America known for? The answers could fill (and have filled) entire books. We hope this article has shed some light on just a few of the things that make America famous!