Also known as the “Stars and Stripes,” the American flag is a symbol of national pride and history. The first version of the American flag had 13 stars, one for each of the original 13 British colonies that became U.S. states in 1776. Since then, the flag has been modified 26 times, adding a star with the admission of each new state to the Union. It was last modified on July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was admitted as a state, bringing the total number of stars to 50. Each of the flag’s three colors has a meaning. Red symbolizes valor and bravery. White: purity and innocence. And blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice. For Americans, the flag is a sacred symbol because of the ideals it represents. (© Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock.com)

Apple pie is a nostalgic culinary tradition and often references the comfort of a homemade dessert. While not strictly American in origin, apple pie has been embraced by Americans. For many, it is associated with national identity and a sense of home and family. During World War II, U.S. soldiers famously used the phrase “mom and apple pie” to express their reasons for fighting (another way of saying “in defense of home and hearth”). The phrase “as American as apple pie” is used to describe anything that’s considered quintessentially American. In the U.S., apple pie is typically served “a la mode,” with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. (© Barbara Francis/Shutterstock.com)

The bald eagle, an avian predator unique to North America and a symbol of majestic freedom, became America’s national bird in 1782. William Barton, a designer of the Great Seal of the United States, said of its central image, “The eagle displayed is the symbol of supreme power and authority, and … the olive branch and arrows that it holds in its talons are the powers of peace and war.” To this day the eagle appears on official documents, currency, public buildings, and other U.S. government-related items. The eagle features on the flag or seal of the U.S. states of Alabama, Illinois, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah. (© Evans/NPS)

Baseball, developed in the mid-19th century in the United States, is often described as “America’s pastime” thanks to its popularity after the Civil War (1861-1865), when it helped to unify the nation. Baseball had evolved from earlier bat-and-ball games, particularly British rounders and cricket. In 1845, Alexander Cartwright and New York’s Knickerbocker Baseball Club established a set of rules, including the diamond-shaped field and the three-strikes/four-balls allowed per hitter. Baseball often lends American poets and storytellers metaphors for teamwork or fair play. Its jargon is part of American English, used often in phrases such as “home run” and “strikeout.” (© Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

Barbecued (BBQ) pork ribs are a Southern culinary tradition, with regional variations also found in the Midwest. Whether grilled, broiled or smoked, BBQ ribs gained popularity across the U.S. in the 20th century. With the rise of urbanization, entrepreneurial cooks started selling slow-smoked meats on city street corners and at barbecue stands, and eventually BBQ became a familiar menu item in restaurants. For generations, BBQ ribs have been served at family reunions and summer cookouts. Regional styles like Memphis-style (wet or dry), Kansas City-style, St. Louis-style, Texas-style and Carolina-style offer distinct flavors and cooking methods. (© Merch Hub/Shutterstock.com)

Blue jeans, first made in the United States, have become a global fashion staple. American workers wore blue jeans as far back as 1873, when San Francisco shopkeeper Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis, of Reno, Nevada, stitched work pants with denim held together by strong copper rivets. First made as workwear for miners, blue jeans in the mid-20th century symbolized teenage rebellion, thanks to iconic movie portrayals by Marlon Brando and James Dean, who wore them to achieve looks of effortless cool. The prevalence of  blue jeans in American dress codes is a nod to rugged individualism and a connection to the land. Their popularity worldwide reflects a shift toward informal clothing choices. (© crystalfoto/Shutterstock.com)

A variation on the all-American hamburger, the cheeseburger represents a variety of things: America’s culinary innovation, its agricultural economy and its embrace of fast-food culture. To the American palate, cheeseburgers mean “comfort food.” They also blend convenience and affordability. The cheeseburger is a hallmark of backyard cookouts and informal social gatherings. It’s also closely identified with franchise-business success. (© mathias facello/Shutterstock.com)

The Constitution of the United States outlines the core principles of American freedom and democracy. Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, in operation since 1789, and amended with a Bill of Rights in 1791, the Constitution is the world’s longest-surviving written charter of government. Intended as a flexible document, the Constitution has been amended 27 times, most recently in 1992. The Constitution’s first three words – “We the People” – affirm that the U.S. government exists to serve its citizens. Its Bill of Rights shapes Americans’ sense of themselves even today. (Library of Congress)

The iconic hat favored by Western cowboys on horseback and lawmen patrolling the frontier is romanticized in popular culture to convey strength and self-reliance. Its wide brim, which shields the face from sun or rain, and distinctive silhouette made this staple for working cowboys into a fashion statement today. (© Mike Lawrie/WireImage/Getty Images)

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States and of several other countries. The Coinage Act of 1792 introduced the U.S. dollar at par with the Spanish silver dollar, divided it into 100 cents and authorized the minting of coins denominated in dollars and cents. U.S. paper money was introduced during the American Civil War (1861-1865), and U.S. dollars issued as paper banknotes are popularly called greenbacks because of their predominantly green color. Today, the U.S. dollar is the most widely used currency in international transactions. The dollar bill signifies the strength of America’s economy. (© Andy Jacobsohn/AFP/Getty Images)

Drive-in movie theaters were a U.S. cultural phenomenon, particularly in the 1950s and ’60s, and their image is strongly tied to that period for nostalgic Americans. Drive-ins were an innovation that offered a relaxed and communal film-going environment, a more family-friendly experience than traditional movie theaters offered. Drive-ins were cost-effective too, frequently offering double features for the price of one ticket per car. Americans today associate drive-ins with fond memories of childhood outings, dates, and family time. The near disappearance of drive-ins in the late 20th century adds to their appeal. When drive-ins pop up in small towns or suburban parking lots on occasion today, they are seen as a reminder of a simpler time. (© Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Fireworks light up America’s Independence Day with color and energy. They have been a part of American celebrations since the country’s first birthday in 1777, when the Founding Fathers recognized their power to connect Americans. Beyond Independence Day, fireworks are also used in the U.S. to celebrate presidential inaugurations, sporting events, and festivals, signifying joy. (© Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images)

American football mixes athleticism, strategy and fandom. From local rivalries to the global reach of America’s National Football League (NFL), football creates communities with a shared sense of pride. Football fans establish their own traditions, including specific cheers and chants for each team. The pre-game ritual of tailgating (social gatherings held in parking lots outside stadiums before a game, where fans enjoy food, drinks, music and games) is a significant part of football culture. (© Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder of the American West, bears witness to geological forces across millions of years. Located in Arizona, the canyon is renowned for its scale and dramatic vistas, attracting nearly 5 million visitors each year. To people all over the globe, the Grand Canyon evokes the spirit of exploration and the rugged beauty of America’s West. Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its designation as one of the seven natural wonders of the world underscore its global significance. (NPS/George A. Grant)

To motorcyclists, the century-old Harley Davidson brand’s unmistakable rumble of V-twin engines represents freedom and a love of the open road. This iconic American model survived the Great Depression to become synonymous with a spirit of rebellion. Over time, Harley Davidsons acquired the nickname “hog,” and the company itself eventually embraced the moniker, using “HOG” as an acronym for the Harley Owners Group and even listing the company on the New York Stock exchange under the symbol HOG. (© Paul Harris/Getty Images)

As a symbol of the U.S. film and television industry, the Hollywood sign – perched in the hills above the Hollywood section of Los Angeles – is one of the best-known landmarks in the United States. Originally spelling out “Hollywoodland,” the sign was erected in 1923 to advertise a real-estate development. With Hollywood’s growing role as the home of major film studios, the sign was left up with the last four letters removed. In 1978, the sign was replaced by a more durable, all-steel version. Each year, 50 million people visit the Hollywood sign, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles. (© Walter Cicchetti/Shutterstock.com)

Hot dogs are a casual food tradition enjoyed by Americans at sporting events and summer cookouts, second in popularity only to the iconic hamburger. Reportedly, hot dogs – originally called dachshund sausages – were first sold in America in New York City’s Bowery during the 1860s by a German immigrant street vendor. Before long, the first hot dog stand was established in New York’s Coney Island. By the 1920s, hot dogs were served on buns, allowing the easy addition of mustard, ketchup, relish, onions or chili as toppings. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt hosted U.K.’s King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, at their home in New York, where hot dogs were on the menu. FDR’s mother, when she heard about it, was suitably horrified. (© Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images)

Jazz, a uniquely American art form, reshaped modern music with its emphasis on improvisation and spontaneity. Born in New Orleans, jazz blends African and European musical traditions. To Americans, and to fans everywhere, jazz symbolizes freedom of expression and emotional power. (© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

America’s Independence Day is on the fourth day in July, commemorating the date in 1776 when the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. John Adams, who succeeded George Washington as U.S. president, correctly predicted in 1776 that the Fourth of July would be celebrated each year as a day of “pomp and parade.” His vision has largely shaped how Americans have observed the holiday ever since. Many Americans today mark the holiday by attending parades, and also by holding cookouts or watching local or national fireworks shows. (© Rebecca Nelson/Getty Images)

Located in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is inscribed with the words, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” referencing Americans’ cherished belief in freedom. Commissioned in 1751 and created in the years just after, the Liberty Bell predates the American Revolution. The bell tolled for many occasions during its functional lifetime (1753-1846), marking the signing of the U.S. Constitution, for instance, and the deaths of Founding Fathers Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. In February 1846, the bell developed a major crack and has not tolled since, but it remains a popular attraction. (© f11photo/Shutterstock.com)

Nicknamed “America’s front yard,” Washington’s National Mall is the site of museums and monuments that recall important figures and history. The Mall itself symbolizes American democracy and serves as a gathering place for national celebrations. Among its most prominent features are monuments to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, three of the nation’s most consequential presidents. Other monuments on the Mall honor U.S. service members who fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Mall welcomes more than 36 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States. (© Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

America was first to the moon, showcasing the country’s collective ambition and innovation. NASA’s Apollo 11 mission carried out the first Moon landing on July 20, 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon and gather samples of its surface, while crewmate Michael Collins piloted the command module Columbia. The moon landing – carried live on television broadcasts worldwide – was a moment of national pride and technological achievement. It elevated America’s standing on the world stage and inspired a generation to pursue challenging goals. For people around the globe, it was a symbol of human potential and a shared moment of wonder. (NASA)

Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, memorializes four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The massive sculpture carved into the side of a mountain was completed in 1941 by father-and-son artists Gutzon Borglum and Lincoln Borglum, who chose to depict the four presidents they felt represented the most important events in U.S. history. The landmark receives nearly 3 million visitors each year and appears in a famous scene from the Alfred Hitchcock movie North by Northwest. (© flukez84/Shutterstock.com)

National parks preserve the beauty and history of America’s natural landscapes and are valued as places of recreation. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of the park system. He believed that national parks were vital for both timber and water resources and for the health and happiness of the nation. The U.S. has 63 national parks, with many offering views of geological wonders and native wildlife. Visitors can explore these spaces on hiking trails and, in many areas, on horseback. (NPS/Neal Herbert)

The pickup truck represents hardworking, rural America’s spirit of self-reliance. Pickups are popular in the West and South and are often featured in country music lyrics and videos. U.S. consumers historically favor large vehicles, especially for their hauling capacity and comfort. (The pickup truck’s bed provides ample space for carrying recreational gear or tools for work.) The pickup truck's popularity is partly due to the country’s size – more than twice the size of the European Union – which requires high daily mileage. (© Ursula Page/Shutterstock.com)

Rock ’n’ roll emerged in the 1950s, developing from a fusion of American musical styles like blues, gospel, R&B (rhythm and blues), and country music. This new genre, fueled by such performers as Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, reshaped popular culture. It sparked social change by encouraging teenage rebellion against adult authority. Internationally, rock ’n’ roll has often symbolized American popular culture and reflected U.S. ideals of freedom and self-expression. Rock ’n’ roll continues to influence music worldwide and is credited with subgenres such as hard rock, blues rock, punk rock, grunge, and indie rock. (© Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

To Americans, Route 66 – stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles and connecting rural towns to urban areas – has come to stand for freedom and exploration. Also known as the “Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” the road was built in 1926 as automobile travel became popular and fueled western migration. Artists in many media have immortalized Route 66 and the role it has played in youth culture. The route evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era of roadside diners and motels, capturing a romanticized vision of mid-20th century America. In 1985, U.S. Highway 66 was decommissioned as a federal highway, though sections are still drivable. However, it lives on in the American consciousness as “Route 66.” (© canadastock/Shutterstock.com)

Skateboarding, introduced by California surfers in the 1950s, was developed to re-create the feeling of riding waves while on land. Early skateboards were simple wooden planks with roller-skate wheels attached. The sport’s rebellious image took off in the 1970-80s, as skateboarders found ways to reclaim urban spaces, pushing back against regulations. Celebrating individuality and self-expression, skaters developed unique styles, executing creative tricks and using their boards as canvases for artistic designs. Skateboarding culture is known for its sense of community; it attracts young children who might otherwise not take to sports as well as expert athletes. In fact, it will be included in the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. (© Eakin Howard/Getty Images for Rockstar Energy)

The Statue of Liberty, a gift to the U.S. from the French people, is a symbol of freedom and opportunity. Made primarily from copper sheets assembled over an iron-and-steel framework, the statue has turned green over the years due to oxidation of its exterior. “Lady Liberty” stands on an island in New York Harbor and attracts 4 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited attractions in the country. (© Nacho Such/Shutterstock.com)

The Super Bowl is more than just the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). It’s a cultural phenomenon, combining sport and entertainment. It also brings people together for parties that typically start well before the game’s kickoff. Each year, the Super Bowl features an extravagant halftime show and inventive commercials, which are as widely discussed as the game itself. (© David Buono/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images)

Thanksgiving, a U.S. national holiday celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November, is a day when Americans express gratitude for fortune and family. The first Thanksgiving was a harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people (a Native American tribe) in 1621, in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. President Abraham Lincoln recognized Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863 in an effort to bring divided Americans together. Today, the day centers on a lavish meal – often of traditional foods such as roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie – with family and friends. (© Alexander Raths/Shutterstock.com)

The White House – known as the “People’s House” – is both the official residence and the workplace of America’s president. As such, it represents the executive branch of the U.S. government. For the world, it often symbolizes the United States itself and its role on the global stage. The White House, constructed in the 1790s, became a president’s home for the first time when John Adams, the second U.S. president, moved in on November 1, 1800. In 1814, the British burned the White House, but it was quickly repaired. Today, it hosts official state functions, public celebrations, and private gatherings. Public tours offer a glimpse into the East Wing and several of the State Floor rooms, plus a view of the Kennedy Garden. (© Kevin Carter/Getty Images)