Emily Flores
We all grow up hearing stories about larger-than-life heroes, but if we take a closer look, some of those tales start to fall apart. That’s because the real people behind the scenes are often way more realistic, or never existed. Let’s separate the myths from the truth, and start with those stories that aren’t true.
Paul Bunyan And His Giant Blue Ox
Legend says Paul Bunyan was a towering lumberjack born with a beard, clearing forests in a single swing. His blue ox, Babe, was so large that she formed Minnesota’s lakes with her footprints. Together, they shaped American topography—or so the tales go. However, no historical record supports their existence.
Johnny Appleseed’s Mythical Apple Empire
John Chapman did plant apple nurseries across the Midwest, but he wasn’t a barefoot saint scattering snack-ready apples. Most apples were for making hard cider, not munching. He ran a savvy business using sharecropping agreements. Over time, mythmakers turned him into a gentle folklore hero, far from the truth.
The Jersey Devil Of The Pine Barrens
Born from legend, the Jersey Devil was said to be the cursed thirteenth child of Mother Leeds. Its eerie cries and hoofprints have haunted southern New Jersey for centuries. The 1909 panic cemented its fame, but despite countless stories, no physical evidence has ever proven the beast is real.
John Henry’s Steel-Driving Feat
Stories have it that John Henry once outpaced a steam drill before collapsing from exhaustion. The narration captured the tension between man and machine during America’s industrial surge. Immortalized in song and story, he stands as a symbol of grit and endurance. Whether he existed or not remains a subject of debate.
The Lost City Of El Dorado In The Rockies
El Dorado was long believed to be a legendary city of gold hidden in the Americas. Explorers vanished while chasing it, driven by tales from Indigenous lore and colonial fantasies. Despite centuries of searching, no city was ever found. Still, the myth glows in pop culture.
Pecos Bill, The Cowboy Who Rode Tornadoes
It was said that Pecos Bill could lasso a tornado, wrestle rattlesnakes, and carve rivers with a stick. More than just a cowboy, he was folklore’s answer to Superman. Even though no real-life Bill ever existed, these outrageous tall tales painted him as the wildest man in the West.
The Phantom Hitchhiker Of Route 66
She appears out of nowhere—usually near a lonely stretch of Route 66—and vanishes without a trace. Drivers swear they picked up a young woman who disappeared mid-ride. Variations of this story exist all over the world, each containing chilling details, but not a single verified case.
Bigfoot Sightings In The Pacific Northwest
Decades of searching haven’t produced any real evidence for a towering, hairy figure that’s just out of clear view. Bigfoot has become America’s favorite cryptid, and blurry photos and shaky videos have only deepened the mystery. Indigenous legends mention a forest-dwelling “wild man,” which adds cultural weight.
Davy Crockett Killing A Bear At Three
He might have been a frontier hero, but Davy Crockett probably didn’t kill a bear when he was just three. That legend came from a catchy folk song, not a diary. Crockett’s rugged image was carefully shaped to boost his political career, and over time, myth and man became hard to separate.
The Vanishing Village Of Roanoke
When settlers returned to Roanoke in 1590, the colony had disappeared. Only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post was left behind. Theories include disease or assimilation into Indigenous tribes. Others point to aliens or curses for flair. But truthfully, no one really knows what happened to them.
Now, let’s see some stories that are not just interesting but also true.
Harriet Tubman’s Daring Underground Railroad Missions
After narrowly escaping slavery, Harriet Tubman kept going back. The brave lady made at least 13 dangerous trips into Maryland and rescued more than 70 people through the Underground Railroad. They called her “Moses” for a reason. Later, she served as a spy and nurse for the Union, never backing down from a fight for freedom.
Buffalo Soldiers Who Fought After The Civil War
Riding across the rugged western frontier, these Black soldiers protected settlements and faced enemies and racism alike. On one hand, they were fighting battles, and on the other, they were building America. The warriors earned five Medals of Honor at the Battle of San Juan Hill.
Bass Reeves, The Real Lone Ranger
Bass Reeves was a lawman like no other: fearless, sharp, and untouchable. Once enslaved, he rose to become a US Deputy Marshal, capturing over 3,000 outlaws in Indian Territory. He was fluent in multiple Native languages and often used disguises to outsmart criminals.
Sybil Ludington’s Midnight Ride
In the pouring rain and pitch dark, 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode over 40 miles to warn American militia of a British attack. It was longer than Paul Revere’s ride and twice as gutsy. Yet for centuries, her name stayed in the shadows. Today, she’s finally getting the recognition she earned on that stormy night.
The Navajo Code Talkers Of WWII
While enemies cracked almost every other military code, the Navajo language kept American forces a step ahead. These Native Marines transmitted battlefield instructions with perfect clarity and zero breaches. Their work helped win battles like Iwo Jima, and their heroism is now remembered with deep respect.
Madam C.J. Walker, America’s First Self-Made Millionaire
Madam C.J. Walker was born to formerly enslaved parents, but built a beauty empire with nothing but determination and a formula for haircare. She trained thousands of women as agents and empowered them to succeed. Walker also used her fortune to support civil rights and education.
The Tuskegee Airmen’s Aerial Bravery
Flying in a segregated military, the Tuskegee Airmen proved their worth with every mission. The men successfully escorted bombers during WWII, setting nearly flawless records. Their legacy helped desegregate the US military and rewrite what was possible for Black pilots.
Fred Korematsu’s Fight Against Internment
Fred Korematsu rejected orders to report to an internment camp during WWII and paid the price. Arrested and convicted, he challenged the injustice all the way to the Supreme Court. Though the court ruled against him in 1944, history would vindicate him decades later. He became a voice for civil rights until the end.
Deborah Sampson’s Disguise To Fight In The Revolution
During the revolution, Deborah Sampson cut her hair, bound her chest, and enlisted in the Continental Army disguised as a man. She fought bravely for over a year before falling ill and revealing her identity. After the war, she spoke publicly about her service and won a veteran’s pension.
Bessie Coleman, First Black Female Aviator
When no flight school in the US would accept her, Bessie Coleman learned to fly in France. Then, she returned a star, performing daring stunts and refusing to fly at segregated shows. Her courage was in every stand she took, opening the skies for generations to come.