Jamaican Omar McLeod raced to victory in 13.05 seconds on Tuesday to become his country's first ever Olympic 110 meters hurdles champion.
Cuban-born Orlando Ortega was second in 13.17 to take silver for Spain, while Frenchman Dimitri Bascou claimed bronze in 13.24 ahead of compatriot Pascal Martinot-Lagarde.
It was the slowest winning time in an Olympic final since Canada's Mark McKoy won gold in 13.12 seconds in Barcelona in 1992.
With the exception of the 1980 Moscow Games, which they boycotted, the United States had never previously failed to provide a medalist in the 120-year history of the event at the Olympics.
Brazil fans ask: What now for women's football?
Sindhu shocks world No. 2 Yihan to enter Rio Olympics semis
Hockey: Belgium stun the Dutch to set up Argentina final
American Claye hops, skips and jumps to the altar in Rio
PHOTOS: The gold medallists on Day 11 at Rio Olympics