Category: American Folklore

Joe Baldwin – In American folklore, a train conductor who was decapitated when his train was rammed by another train. The story dates back to…

Bat Masterson (1855–1921) In American history and folklore, William Barclay Masterson was a sheriff noted for his fine suits, pearl-gray bowler, diamond stickpin, and notched…

Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow In American history and folklore, the cow of Mrs. Patrick (Kate) O’Leary; it supposedly started the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 when…

Molly Pitcher (1754–1832) In American history and folklore of the Revolution, the popular name of Mary L. Hays McCauley, who earned her nickname “Molly Pitcher”…

Mike Fink (1770–1823) In American folklore, a legendary keelboat man, the strongest ever. Mike Fink spent most of his time on the Ohio and Mississippi…

Sam Hart of Woburn : In American folklore of New England, a horseman who once entered into a race with the devil. The devil appeared…

Ruidoso In American western folklore, a big maverick steer that brought destruction on all who came in contact with it. At its death it turned…

Painting depicting the story of Betsy Ross presenting the first American flag to General George Washington, by Edward Percy Moran Ross, Betsy (1752–1836) In American…

Rosie the Riveter In American folklore of World War II, name given to a fictional woman who symbolized women’s contributions to the war effort. In…

Rip Van Winkle: In American literary folklore, creation of Washington Irving in The Sketch Book. Rip, who lives with a shrewish wife, one day goes…