#10: Benjamin Franklin’s Preference for the Turkey
Despite popular misconceptions, Benjamin Franklin never formally proposed the turkey as America’s national bird. While Franklin did express his disdain for the bald eagle and admiration for the turkey in private letters, he never made a formal proposal to replace the bald eagle with the turkey as a national symbol.
The confusion likely arises from his writings where he humorously contrasted the two birds, praising the turkey for its courage and suitability as a symbol of American character. However, this was more of a personal opinion rather than a serious suggestion for national symbolism.