This story is part of the Iconic Brands series, a USA TODAY network project showcasing the companies and brands that helped shape the nation's identity, economy and culture. The series celebrates ...

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, it’s worth asking a deceptively simple question: Which companies helped build the America we recognize today? From the brands that powered the ...

From Motown legends to roaring motorcycles, these iconic American brands reveal how innovation and culture collided and defined who we are today.

The Home Depot pioneered the big-box home improvement store format after its founding in Atlanta in 1978. The company's growth mirrored the rise of American suburbs and the do-it-yourself culture.