What is a tall tale?

A tall tale is a story with elements that are unbelievable. Some of these stories are exaggerations of actual events, and others are completely imaginary but take place in settings such as the American frontier or the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. They are generally heart-warming and funny.

Tall tales are an important part of American folklore. Tall tales began as bragging contests between men of the American frontier. There are tall tales about historical figures such as John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett and Calamity Jane. Tall tales about fictional figures include Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and Cordwood Pete.