Weltkarte der Cosmographiae introductio, 1507

It's a whopping 28 meters wide and 25 high and is the first known document to name America. German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller's "Weltkarte" joins rank amidst the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution.

Thanks to Italian prankster Amerigo Vespuci, who had traveled to South America's east coast between 1499 and 1502, his first name was used to describe the New World on Waldseemüller's world map. Upon his voyage, Vespuci realized that the landmass extended further south than believed by other European explorers. Most notably by Columbus, who until his death believed he had discovered parts of India.

Until today, Vespuci's role remains foggy. His documentations and travels to the New World are questionable. The Soderni Letter, which led Martin to believe Amerigo, was forged. It did talk about super horny females, giants and cannibals somewhere between New Hampshire and Georgia, still is a tough sell today. Vespucci's historical importance might lie within the letters, since the European public first learned about the new landmass through them.

Initially documented as # 01301 not-for-sale German cultural heritage, Library of Congress bought the original for $10 million on its 500 year anniversary. Schröder actually pushed the sale, whereas Merkel handed it over after discussions over missile defense hick-ups between Russia and the US.

German-American heritage is quiet and very few know about the rich connections, even among Native Americans: Hermann Lehmann was one of the last to fight among the Comanche against invading Europeans, bison hunters, Texas Rangers and the US Army.