[QUOTE=Chanak]@Smokesoft: You won't draw any criticism from me on your choice: Thomas Jefferson is my own pick as well. Add Benjamin Franklin along with him, and you have two of my favorite figures in history. It's a shame that Franklin didn't get his way on the choice of a national symbol for the fledgling United States: his choice was the wild turkey.
Really though, while the bald eagle looks pretty cool (no argument there), the wild turkey is a much more intelligent, noble bird than the bald eagle, who is primarily a scavenger.
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Supposedly, the Bald Eagle, carrying arrows in its left talon, was supposed to represent the Iroquois League. That organization supposedly also inspired the rebels behind the Boston Tea Party to dress and act like natives, in order to symbolize the freedom that the colonies desired from their over-sea oppressors.
And to think, a few may associate a bundle of arrows with the symbol of the deity Hextor from D&D.
(Not implying anybody in particular, though.)
Anyways, my favorite American historical figure would have to be Jonathan Trumbull, the governor of Connecticut during the American Revolution. He supplied much aide to George Washingon, which gained Connecticut the nickname of the Provision State. In addition, CT was the only state that appointed its own governor.
From a more international standpoint, I'd have to say Winston Churchhill (sp?) was quite an impressive person outside of American shores. He seemed to be a very colorful orator, and as unmovable as a mountain in the face of despair. He may have hid in a bunker, but he did not give up when his country was devastated. He trudged on until the end of one of the world's darkest conflicts. Sure, there's more than likely to him than I know, so I'm open to whatever can be said about him.
