Stubborn Myths About American History Everyone Still Believes

Ask people about American history, and you'll hear a mix of truth and tall tales. Over the years, stories get twisted, and myths start to feel like facts.

This article aims to clear up the confusion and set the record straight on some common misconceptions.

Many believe in legendary figures and events, but not everything is as it seems.

From tales of presidents to groundbreaking moments, some of what we think we know is more fiction than fact.

Ready to explore the real story behind these myths? Let's dive in!

1. Christopher Columbus discovered America

Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering America. Many people still believe this, but it’s far from the truth. Let's bust some myths.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • First Explorer: Columbus was not the first European to set foot in America. Nearly 500 years earlier, Viking explorer Leif Erikson landed in North America.

  • North America: Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the United States. He landed in the Caribbean islands.

  • Hero: The idea of Columbus as a heroic discoverer was partly created to give the U.S. a founding figure. This myth rose in popularity during the 19th century.

Columbus' voyages did open the way for widespread European exploration, but it wasn't the first discovery of America, nor did he land in most parts of the continent.

It's fascinating to see how history can get rewritten, right?

2. Thanksgiving Always Involved Turkey

Think Thanksgiving, think turkey, right? Well, not exactly.

From the start, Thanksgiving wasn't all about the bird. Early celebrations likely featured venison, seafood, and nuts. Some historians even say eel might have been on the menu. Early settlers and Native Americans ate what was available, and turkey wasn’t always in abundance.

Common misconceptions include:

  • Turkey was the main dish: Venison took the spotlight more often.
  • Pilgrims and Native Americans feasted with turkey: More likely, seafood and game were the stars.
  • Stuffed turkey was always a tradition: Stuffing likely didn’t enter the scene until much later.

Fast forward to the 19th century. It’s said that author Sarah Josepha Hale's campaign for a national holiday and her portrayals gave turkey its centerpiece status. She described it in such a mouth-watering way that turkey became Thanksgiving's mascot.

So, thank Hale, not history, for that delicious bird on your table today.

In short, while turkey dominates Thanksgiving today, it wasn't always the star of the show. Happy feasting!

3. The First Thanksgiving Was in November

Many people believe the first Thanksgiving was in November, but that's not quite right.

The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag did share a feast in 1621, but it likely took place in late September or early October. This timing was when the harvests were completed. November is cold in Massachusetts, making a feast outdoors challenging.

Quick myths about the first Thanksgiving date:

  • It didn't happen in November.
  • It was more of a harvest festival.
  • The modern date was set by President Lincoln during the Civil War.

So, Thanksgiving as we know it today is a blend of history and tradition.

Despite what you learned in school, the Pilgrims were probably bundling up for winter, not feasting, in November.

4. Paul Revere shouted 'The British are coming!'

Paul Revere is a well-known figure in American history. The story goes that he rode through the night, shouting, "The British are coming!" to warn the colonists.

Actually, this phrase is more myth than fact. Here's why:

  • Confusing Message: At that time, the colonists still considered themselves British. Yelling "The British are coming!" would have made little sense.
  • Secret Mission: Revere's ride was a secret mission. Shouting loudly would have alerted the British troops they were trying to avoid.
  • Alternative Phrase: Historical accounts suggest he likely said something like, "The Regulars are coming out!"

The real story is still heroic. He rode about 20 miles from Boston to Lexington, warning key figures about the approaching British troops. This helped the Patriots prepare for the battles of Lexington and Concord.

By understanding these myths, we can better appreciate the true complexities of history. Paul Revere’s real actions were just as brave, even if less theatrical than in the legend.

5. Benjamin Franklin suggested the turkey for national bird

Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things, but suggesting the turkey as the national bird isn't one of them. This is a myth that many people believe.

In reality, Franklin did write a letter to his daughter in 1784. In it, he compared the turkey and the bald eagle, calling the turkey a "much more respectable bird." However, he never seriously proposed it as the national bird.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Franklin officially proposed the turkey: Not true. It was just a letter to his daughter.
  • The turkey was an actual contender: Nope. The idea never made it to the official discussions.

Franklin did express his disappointment with the bald eagle, calling it a bird of "bad moral character" for stealing from other birds. Still, this letter was just a personal opinion, not an official suggestion.

While the story makes for a fun historical "what if," there's no evidence that the turkey was ever a real candidate for the national bird.

So, next time you see an eagle, thank the founding fathers—and not Franklin's Thanksgiving musings!

6. Pilgrims wore only black and white clothing

Forget the dull black and white outfits with buckles everywhere. The real fashion scene of the Pilgrims was far more colorful and interesting.

Contrary to popular belief, bright colors were in style. Plymouth Colony citizens wore clothes in red, green, blue, and even more colors. Black was typically reserved for special occasions like the Sabbath.

Here are some big misconceptions:

  • Misconception: All black and white clothing.

  • Reality: Wore colorful garments like red cloaks and green skirts.

  • Misconception: Always wearing buckles.

  • Reality: Buckles weren't a thing for them; this idea came much later.

The black and white Pilgrim look comes from 19th-century artists who portrayed them this way. This look stuck, and now it’s hard to shake this myth!

Instead of sticking to dark and plain outfits, the Pilgrims embraced a range of colors. Only on special religious days did they opt for black. On regular days, they wore a variety of hues, making their wardrobe way more vibrant than we might think!

7. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

The myth that George Washington had wooden teeth is one of the most popular stories about America's first president. It’s a tale that's been passed down for generations, but it’s not true.

Washington did have serious dental issues and wore dentures for most of his life. None of these dentures were made of wood.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Wooden Teeth: Washington’s dentures were made from materials like ivory, gold, and even human teeth, but never wood.
  • Oral Hygiene: Washington’s dental problems were significant, but wood wasn’t part of the solution.

Some of Washington's dentures might have looked like wood because they got stained over time, making them appear wooden. But again, they weren't crafted from wood.

So, while the cherry tree tale and the wooden teeth myth make for interesting stories, they aren't true. Washington’s dental woes were real, just not wooden.

8. The Liberty Bell cracked on Independence Day

Many people believe that the Liberty Bell cracked while ringing on July 4, 1776. This is just a myth.

Common Misconceptions

  • July 4th Ringing: It's often said the bell rang to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Actually, there's no evidence it rang that day.

  • Cracking on the 4th: The famous crack didn’t appear on July 4, 1776. Instead, it cracked decades later.

In reality, the bell cracked in the early 1840s. It was rung to celebrate George Washington’s birthday in 1846, which is when the crack expanded to its current size. The Liberty Bell wasn’t even called the "Liberty Bell" back then; it was just known as the State House Bell.

The legend of it cracking on Independence Day might be romanticized, but it's just that—a legend. It does make for an interesting story to tell at Fourth of July barbecues, though!

9. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776

Many people believe the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. This date is even printed on pretty much everything related to Independence Day.

But as it turns out, this common belief is a bit off.

The Continental Congress actually adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776. So, in a sense, it's understandable why July 4 is such a big deal.

However, the actual signing took place nearly a month later. Most of the delegates signed it on August 2, 1776. A few even signed it even later!

To break it down:

  • Adopted: July 4, 1776
  • Signed by most: August 2, 1776

So, next time you see those fireworks on the Fourth of July, you’ll now know the real story behind the date. It’s less about signing and more about adopting the Declaration.

Sure, July 4 makes for a great party date, but don’t let that mix you up with the real signing day!

10. Witches were burned at the stake in Salem

Many people believe that witches were burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials. This myth is deeply ingrained in popular culture.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Witches were executed by fire in Salem.
  • Burning was a common punishment in the American colonies.

In reality, not a single accused witch was burned at the stake in Salem. The witch trials took place in Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692.

Instead of being burned, those found guilty of witchcraft were mostly hanged.

The trials were chaotic and driven by fear and superstition. Accusations spread quickly and the judicial process was seriously flawed.

So, where did the burning myth come from? It actually originated from European witch trials, where burning at the stake was used.

Joan of Arc is a famous example of someone burned for witchcraft in Europe.

Misunderstandings and dramatizations helped the European practice get confused with Salem.

The Salem Witch Trials were dark and tragic, but fire wasn't part of the execution methods.

Common Misconceptions

Many stories we learn about American history aren’t quite right. They often get passed down through generations despite evidence that they aren’t totally accurate.

George Washington and the Cherry Tree

The Myth: George Washington chopped down his father's cherry tree and then confessed saying, "I cannot tell a lie."

The Truth: This story is a complete fabrication. It was created by biographer Mason Locke Weems after Washington's death.

Weems aimed to highlight Washington’s honesty, but there's no historical evidence that this event ever occurred.

Why It Matters: This tale is often used to teach kids honesty. While that’s a good lesson, it’s important to remember that this specific story is fiction.

Washington's real virtues were plenty, without needing made-up stories.

Betsy Ross and the American Flag

The Myth: Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag after a visit from George Washington.

The Truth: While Betsy Ross was a real person and a talented seamstress, there’s no solid proof she designed or sewed the first American flag.

This tale gained popularity due to her grandson's account given almost a century later, in 1870.

Why It Matters: There were several flag designs and many contributors to what became the American flag.

Recognizing the collective effort behind it is important. While Ross played a part, many others did as well, often overlooked in the classic narrative.

Revisiting Historical Figures

Historical figures often get misunderstood or overly glorified. This section looks at the myths surrounding Christopher Columbus and Abraham Lincoln to set the record straight.

Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?

Christopher Columbus is often celebrated for "discovering" America in 1492.

Schools have long taught students about his brave journey across the Atlantic.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • He proved the Earth was round (Ancient Greeks knew that).
  • He was a hero who discovered an empty land (Indigenous peoples were already here).

Columbus wasn’t a hero to everyone. His arrival led to enslaving and mistreating Native American populations.

This darker side of his legacy is often overlooked. The natives suffered greatly due to diseases and violence brought by Columbus and his men.

Understanding Columbus involves seeing both his navigational achievements and the harm he caused.

Acknowledging these details paints a more accurate picture of his impact on history.

Abraham Lincoln’s Stance on Civil Rights

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, is hailed as the "Great Emancipator." He signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing slaves in Confederate states.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Lincoln always wanted to free all slaves.
  • He believed in full equality for African Americans.

Lincoln's views were more complex. He initially focused on stopping the spread of slavery, not ending it everywhere.

His primary goal was to preserve the Union.

Though Lincoln opposed slavery, he didn’t always support complete equality. Some of his statements and policies reflected the racial attitudes of his time.

Despite this, his actions during the Civil War were pivotal in altering the course of civil rights in America.

By examining Lincoln's nuanced position, we can appreciate his contributions while recognizing his limitations.