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December 18, 2006
George Halas to Chief JosephGeorge Halas
Signed Red Grange which helped to establish the present importance of the NFL George Ellery Hale
He gave us the giant telescopes at Mt. Wilson and Palomar, and founded Cal Tech. WIthout Hale there is no Hubble, and without Hubble, there is no "big bang." Prince Hall
Founded one of the most influencial fraternal groups for African Americans and now includes all races—Prince Hall Freemasons Fannie Lou Hamer
Work in voter registration "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." Need I say more? Civil rights activist and co-founder the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Dashiell Hammett
By far the biggest influence on American literature defined as what Americans actually read. John Hancock
Without him, this country wouldn't exist. Learned Hand
Most infliential jurist NEVER to sit on the Supreme Court W.C. Handy
The Jazz musician who brought Jazz and by extension most modern popular music to middle america Tom Hanks
Brilliant actor Donald Hansen
Michael Harrington
Voice of social & economic justice Nathaniel Hawthorne
america's greatest writer the single most important influecne in the civila war, and the greatest all around leader in america in the second half of the 19th century a great writer William Randolph Hearst
Hugh Hefner
Although hedonistic by nature, influential nonetheless For defining American values He revolutionized an industry Did more than anyone else to bring on the "sexual revolution." He defined beauty in America. Still the influence on how women are perceived good or bad. A great s.o.b.—the king of sex/nudity Made sex fun and open He turned the taboo of the unmentionable into an intetity. In the United States today nothing sells the way sex does. Robert A. Heinlein
Paved the way for Science Fiction Jimi Hendrix
He changed the way people approach their instruments Everyone remembers what they were doing the first time they heard him play. People will be copying him for the next 100 years without success. Patrick Henry
Devoted to liberty with speeches that still ring true Firebrand of the American Revolution. His rhetoric fueled the fires that forged a new republic. "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He ensured that the bill of rights were part of the constitution. Paine instead of Patrick Henry? You might remember Patrick Henry. He gave a speech once at which two of your top 5 were present. THEY thought the speech influential. Paine wasn't even really American. The voice that was the trumpet of the revolution, he made it so clear as to why the colonies were right in seeking autonomy the greatest truest purest most patriotic american of all times! His oratory gave voice to the revolution Religious Libertarian Jim Henson
Talk about creativity that will last forever Katherine Hepburn
a legend as an actress, more important than many male entertainers A huge talent. Perhaps the greatest actress of the American film. Abraham Joshua Heschel
Marched with Dr. King, supported Dan Berrigan and brought the old testament prophetic vision to America Charlton Heston
This academy award winning actor could have rested on his laurels. He chose instead to defend the second amendment by becoming president of the NRA. William Hewlett and David Packard
In additon to HPs technical achievments such as the LaserJet printer, which revolutionized the printer industry, Hewlett and Packard created the business model that led to Microsoft and Apple! Hiawatha
The political, military and even philosophical influence of the Iroquois Confederacy was huge, so why not include its semi-legendary founder? James Hill
Built the Great Northern Railroad despite the machinations of politicians in their efforts to stop him. Napolean Hill
Conrad Hilton
hotels Gordon B Hinckley
Current Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; and has accomplished more things in his (very long) life than most men could on ten. (He is currently 96). LDS leader. Lewis W. Hine
Used the camera as an instrument of social reform. Charles Hodge
Most influential theologian of 19th century Abbie Hoffman
Spoke to an entire generation and brought about radical change in the country. Richard Hofstader
Influenced American historical thought and who did or didn't make this list Buddy Holly
First popular musician to write his own music Grace Hooper
instrumental in writing computer language Herbert Hoover
Not a success as president, he did lead the American relief effort in Europe after WWI and headed two government reform commissions after WWII. J. Edgar Hoover
Presided over the FBI for decades establishing a framework of policies that remains largely in place today Pehaps the single most powerful Amercian citizen EVER. You don't have to have done GOOD things to have been influential For better or worse, created and led the FBI for nearly half a century Was to the FBI what Henry Ford was to the automobile business Galvanized law enforcement The longest serving and most powerful government official in the 20th century; his influence on fighting crime and abridging civil liberties He was a blackmailing ghost in the government for decades. Everybody feared him. He was crazy. The anticommunist movement was sustained by his hysteria. Presided over the FBI for decades establishing a framework of policies that remains largely in place today Bob Hope
A National Treasure!!! Not American born but was a citizen. For all he did for our country's fighting men and women. He still makes us laugh Comedian. Tied four generations of American families together with laughter. Entertainer, USO Supporter Harry Hopkins
The power behind the FDR throne, both for the New Deal and for the victory in WW2. Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins
Grace Hopper
Wrote the computer language COBOL, which furthered us into the information age. Harry Houdini
Class Act Charles Hamilton Houston
Set the strategy to defeat segergation Sam Houston
Won the Battle of San Jacinto and the independence of Texas, served as governor of two states and served two terms as President of the Republic of Texas. Statesman, military hero. Where would we be without Texas? (Wait, don't answer that.) Superb leader and very influencial Elias Howe
Where would ready-made merchandise be without the sewing machine? L. Ron Hubbard
Wrote more books than any author on the spirit and mind Howard Hughes
He revolutionized aviation and stood up to a corrupt Senator His innovations in aeronautics and aviation are present in all jets and airplanes today. His aviation accomplishments played a vital role in the development of aviation, and his political accomplishments were indeed acts of bravery. founder and redifined aerospace travel He wrote the Equal Rights Act and Medicare, maybe the two most pieces of legislation in the second half of the Twentieth Century. HL Hunt
His thinking is everywhere now. Jack Hyles
Pastor of First Baptist Church in Hamond Indiana; has one of the biggest bus ministries in the country; passed away 5-7 years ago; influenced many strong, standing pastors today including Bob W. Smith. Lee Iacocca
Automotive marketing innovations like the Mustang and Mini Van also help save the Chrysler Corporation Charles Ives
Changed the face of American Music While ignored during his lifetime, this composer has influenced avant-garde music around the world since his rediscovery. America's first significant classical composer. Judge Lance Ito
(Judge in the O.J. Simpson trial.) USC boys paid big money for that one. Jesse Jackson
Influential man Thomas Jonathan Stonewall Jackson
U S History might have been changed had he not been killed at Chancellorsville Stonewall Jackson
As general Lee's righthand man he helped preserve the outmanned Confederacy long enough for the Emancipation Proclamation which he never saw Henry James
The author who defined the American abroad, whose work has resonated throughout the world for more than a century As Graham Greene said, Henry James is as solitary in the history of the novel as is Shakespeare in the history of poetry--a huge influence on world lit, including much of the best recent fiction Jesse James
The romantic outlaw William Le Baron Jenney
The father of steel-framed architecture gave rise to the skyscraper. Steve Jobs
Visionary of personal computer, digital lifestyle, digital animation The true founder of the PC revolution. if you put bill gates on the list you would have to put on there also brought us the computer mouse on screen navigation and the iPod He is the Frank Loyd Wright of the Information Age. Blazed a trail for others to follow. For us Mac lovers. The genius behind Apple, he might be the only person who single-handedly makes Bill Gates lose sleep. Apple His creation of the Apple computer, the Macintosh, the iPod, and Pixar led the transformation of computers into amplifiers of human creativity. Introduced the mouse and icons making personal computers understandable to the masses. Apple was and still is very influential Made a computer that is user friendly and the iPod Without these guys and their imagination, Gates is a nobody Dr. Rev. Vernon Johns
1 of the MOST revoluntary inventor-thinkers of 21st century Andrew Johnson
His reluctance to enforce the will of Lincoln led to racial animosity created by the false promise of equality. Lady Bird Johnson
Encouraged Americans to beautify the roadsides with wildflowers. Made long distance driving safer and nicer. Robert Johnson
Father of the Blues and all the music that came from it Al Jolson
Starred in the Jazz Singer, the first feature length talking picture Bobby Jones
greatest sports amateur What can I say? Barbara Jordan
Inspired women in politics Michael Jordan
Revolutionized the sports icon Come on how can u miss out the greatest basketball player of all time, he was the first global sports icon to transcend race and ethnic prejudice The man was truly great. He inspired those of all races to strive for greatness First racial crossover athletic superstar Role Model Greatest Basketball Player of All time. Is still emulated The greatest basketball player—- and maybe athlete—- to ever live. He also revolutionized commerical advertising over the last 20 years and became perhaps the most famous American in the world. Revolutionized sports and marketing Sadly in today's culture icon's are more influential in our lives than accomplishments. No one has set the world of sports in motion more than MJ. Revolutionized the world of advertising. Everyone wanted to be like Mike. While definitely not at the top of the list, he was, at one point, the most recognizable face in the world. The element of sport is unique to America and should be represented on the list. influenced an entire generation of kids Chief Joseph
His words on the destruction of the Native people still resound today.
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