It is said that history is written by the victors, and the truth often falls victim to mythology and misinterpretation. Throughout U.S. history, there are myriad stories that endure, but many of the details are lost, twisted, or completely fabricated. Here, we take a look at some of the most enduring myths in U.S. history that continue to exist today, examining the true ethos behind these tales.
The Liberty Bell
One of the best examples of a myth shrouded in history is the symbol of freedom known as the Liberty Bell. Located in Philadelphia, the bell is widely considered to be a symbol of American Revolution and the birth of a nation. According to the myth, the bell rang out in celebration of independence and it helped motivate citizens during the war. The reality is that the bell was originally cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House and was meant to celebrate the original 13 American colonies. The bell was recast in 1753, and it was rung to summon the citizens of Philadelphia for certain events. During the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was stored and not rung. Because of its symbolic meaning and history, it is perhaps no surprise that the myth of its role in the Revolution persists today.
The Boston Tea Party
Another myth that continues to endure is that of the Boston Tea Party and its role in the Revolutionary War. The myth states that protest-minded Americans, in the act of civil disobedience, threw crates of tea into the Boston Harbor after protesting against taxation without representation and the unfair taxation policies of Great Britain. Several historians have debunked this myth, noting that the protest was part of a larger protest against monopoly, with the throwing of the tea perhaps being mostly symbolic. Further, there is evidence that only less than fifteen percent of the tea that was thrown overboard was destroyed, and the event was actually more of a political protest than a direct protest of taxation.
The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers are celebrated for their genius and collaboration in forming the United States of America, but this myth-shrouded history is not as straightforward as it appears. The reality is that the Founding Fathers were not a unified force, but rather a rowdy, opinionated, and deeply divided group. While they did agree on some points—namely, the need to unite the colonies to form a new country—they disagreed sharply over critical aspects of their new nation. This included the role of slavery and representation of varying interests, which would go on to shape the course of American history.
Paul Revere’s Ride
Paul Revere was a famous patriot who was purported to have ridden on horseback during the American Revolutionary War to warn of British forces. The details of the story often change, depending on the version of the myth being told, but generally speaking, the dramatic tale is that he rode on horseback in the middle of the night, calling from house to house to warn the locals and inspire the militia. The truth is that Revere only rode as far as Lexington on his fateful midnight ride, and the warning he was giving was about the militia gathering in Lexington and Concord, not about invading British forces.
Johnny Appleseed
Another well-known figure from America’s early years is Johnny Appleseed, otherwise known as John Chapman. Chapman was known for his travels across parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, selling apple tree saplings. He was so devoted to this project that he became an iconic figure in American folklore. The myth has it that he was a loner who planted the seeds of trees with wild abandon and carefree enthusiasm. But the reality is much more complicated. Chapman was actually an entrepreneurial farmer whose aim was to supply settlers with apples for use in commerce and food. He planted nurseries, maintained them, and sold them to settlers, making an official living off of his apple business.
General Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn
The battle of Little Bighorn is perhaps one of the most enduring of myths in U.S. history—one involving famed General George Custer. After the battle, which saw the defeat of American forces at the hands of Chief Sitting Bull and the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, the narrative shifted to one of heroism with Custer going down in his last battle in a final stand. The myth was later bolstered by cinematic depictions showing Custer as the hero, when in fact, the reality of the situation was much different. Custer’s troops saw serious losses in the battle, and his delusional tactics and thoughtless disrespect of the Native Americans were the reasons for his failure.
The Great American Melting Pot
The concept of the United States as a “Great Melting Pot” is an enduring myth of American history. This states that people from around the world come to the United States, leave behind their old ways and values, and eventually blend together to create a harmonious nation. While it is true that countries from all over the world have contributed their culture to the vast swath of Americana culture, the notion of a seamless blending is perhaps a stretch too far. In reality, integration between cultures is less homogenous and more layered, with many cultures and communities existing within the United States, often in physical proximity but with different cultures, customs, and beliefs.
The Myth of Manifest Destiny
One of the more controversial myths in American history is that of Manifest Destiny. This myth claims that American expansion westward across the continent was inevitable, driven by a divine right of the United States to occupy and spread the ideals of democracy and republicanism. While expansion and the settlement of the west certainly had some motivating factors—such as access to natural resources and the need for more land—much of this myth is mistaken. The Native Americans who occupied the land had every right to stay, and much of the expansion was done by force and had negative repercussions for the indigenous population.
Enduring myths in U.S. history abound, and many still carry a great deal of power in American discourse. But this does not mean that these myths should guide our perception of the past. Rather, it’s important to go back and examine the facts behind these stories to gain greater clarity about what truly happened in American’s revolutionary past, and how understanding and addressing these stories can help us confront the challenges of today.
