Heroes No More

America has a rich history of true heroes who have changed the course of the nation and inspired generations of people. However, many of the country’s heroes are not what they seem. Beneath the public facade of some of the most revered American heroes lurks a host of dark secrets.

Gilbert Stuart on Wikimedia

1. Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was an early explorer of America who is remembered as both a pioneer and an instigator. Columbus' explorations led to the subjugation of Native Americans. He is the starting point of European colonization in America.

Sebastiano del Piombo on Wikimedia

2. Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill may not be an American politician, but he is recognized as a hero for the American people due to his role and actions during World War II. However, Churchill's policy decisions to divert resources for the war effort during the Bengal famine of 1943 contributed to widespread hunger. His imperialist ideologies also didn’t help his legacy.

Yousuf Karsh on Wikimedia

3. Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson is known for his advocacy for international peace and the League of Nations, among other issues. However, he was an active and vocal segregationist in the United States. He oversaw the resegregation of the U.S. federal workforce during his time in office, further contributing to a hostile atmosphere for African Americans.

Frank Graham Cootes on Wikimedia

4. Walt Disney

Walt Disney was a pioneer in the production of animated films and in creating endearing characters. On the other hand, some of his early films contain troubling stereotypes. Disney's legacy is further tarnished by his association with controversial individuals, such as Leni Riefenstahl.

Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash

5. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is a Founding Father and wrote the Declaration of Independence. But even though he talked about people being equal, Jefferson owned hundreds of people and participated in their subjugation. He even fathered some questionable children.

Rembrandt Peale on Wikimedia

6. Mother Teresa

While Mother Teresa isn’t tied to America, her actions have led to her recognition as a respected hero for the American people. However, her homes for the sick were quite primitive and underutilized modern medical care. Many of those who were aided by Mother Teresa have observed that her emphasis on the spiritual value of suffering often took precedence.

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7. Henry Ford

Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry and modern manufacturing. But he also spread terrible rumors and conspiracy theories about certain groups of people. As such, he was even recognized and awarded by the opposing side during World War II.

Sam Warren on Unsplash

8. Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun was known for being instrumental in the United States landing on the moon. Yet earlier in his life, he was a member of the enemy side during World War II. While his achievements in spaceflight are considerable, the suffering he contributed to complicates his legacy.

NASA/MSFC on Wikimedia

9. Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant deserves credit for winning the American Civil War for the Union and becoming its president. His presidency, however, was rife with scandals. Though Grant was never personally implicated, he was responsible as the leader of the executive branch.

Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress on Wikimedia

10. Joseph P. Kennedy

Joseph P. Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy family and father of President John F. Kennedy, privately admired very troubling figures. He also made statements against certain groups of people, complicating his political career and casting a shadow on his legacy.

Wide World Photos on Wikimedia

11. Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson was a president with a great impact in America's formative political era. Yet, he signed laws that displaced lots of people and led to the Trail of Tears. This leaves many people upset with him and questioning his legacy.

Mathew Benjamin Brady on Wikimedia

12. Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was a noted intellectual, author, and founding father of the United States. However, earlier in his life, he helped support the subjugation of other races. His personal history was at odds with Enlightenment principles and abolitionist perspectives.

David Martin on Wikimedia

13. Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing and health care. However, she was known for being exceptionally strict and demanding with her colleagues. This led to many strained relationships in the name of achieving results. Although she isn't American, it's clear she has had a major impact on American culture through her reforms.

Kilburn on Wikimedia

14. Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon was a president who left a mark on American politics in a time of great change and social upheaval. In retrospect, Nixon was found to have been the controlling force behind cover-ups. His actions in Cambodia and Laos also raise concerns.

Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided on Wikimedia

15. J. Edgar Hoover

J. Edgar Hoover is famous for running the FBI for nearly 50 years and developing modern American policing. But he also secretly spied on and harassed civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. These findings clearly complicate his legacy.

Marion S. Trikosko on Wikimedia

16. George Washington

George Washington was the father of the United States and its first president. He, like many of his generation, participated in the subjugation of other races. He did promise freedom, but not until after his passing.

John Dillenbeck on Wikimedia

17. Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel is famous for changing fashion and creating Chanel No. 5 perfume. But old records show she was also on the opposing side during World War II. As such, she also vilified certain groups of people.

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18. John Wayne

John Wayne was a larger-than-life actor and icon of old Hollywood cinema. In interviews, he revealed his troubling views on civil rights and Native Americans. His roles are still cherished, but these quotes have tarnished his legacy.

Unknown photographer on Wikimedia

19. L. Ron Hubbard

L. Ron Hubbard was the founder of Scientology and a prolific science fiction writer. He claimed to have cured blindness and other ailments and fabricated other aspects of his biography, including military medals and scientific credentials. His statements and actions have largely overshadowed his accomplishments.

Los Angeles Daily News on Wikimedia

20. Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger is known for his diplomacy and Nobel Prize in Peace. But the military actions he participated in in Southeast Asia and Chile cloud his legacy. The debate over his foreign policy actions continues, but many consider him one of the most controversial figures in history.

United States Department of State on Wikimedia