The USA is a large and magnificent country, and home to over 333 million people. But how much do we actually know about it? Here are 18 facts about the USA that even most Americans don’t know.
It Would Take you More than 400 Years to Spend a Night in Each Hotel Room in Las Vegas
There are around 300 hotels in Las Vegas, so plenty of options for those hitting the slots. And according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Vegas has some 151,000 rooms city-wide. You could move to a different room every night for forty decades before staying in the same room twice.
There are More People Living in New York than in 40 States
The Big Apple stretches 485 square miles and is home to 8.5 million people. That’s more than the entire population of 80% of US states.
The Liberty Bell has a Typo
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was cast in London in 1752. It cracked the first time it was rung in America, prompting two recastings by local workers. But did you know that it also has a typo? The bell reads “Pensylvania” rather than “Pennsylvania.”
Lake Superior Could Cover the Entire Land in the Americas
Lake Superior is huge. It has a whopping three quadrillion gallons of water. That represents 10% of the world’s fresh water. The lake also contains enough water to cover all of North and South America in a foot of water.
The Library of Congress Has Over 800 Miles of Bookshelves
The Library of Congress building has around 838 miles of bookshelves, with a little under 40 million books stored on them. That’s long enough to span all the way from Houston to Chicago.
Over 70 Streets in Atlanta Feature the Name Peachtree
Georgia is known as the peach state, so it’s no surprise that over 70 streets in the city of Atlanta feature the word Peachtree somewhere in their name.
There’s a Town with a Population of One
Monowi in Nebraska is the only town in the United States with a population of one. The sole resident, Elsie Eiler, is the mayor, librarian, and bartender. She runs the town all by herself.
The USA is the Third Most Populated Country in the World
With over 331 million people, the U.S. is the third most populated country after China and India. That’s a lot of neighbors.
Alaska Has the Longest Coastline of Any State
Despite popular belief that Florida or California have the longest coastline, it is in fact Alaska that has the longest coastline of any state at 6,640 miles. This coastline is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery, including glaciers and fjords. The state’s coastal waters are also important for its fishing industry, which is among the largest in the country.
The USA Has No Official Language
While English is the most widely spoken language, the U.S. has never declared an official language. Some states have adopted their own official language, but nationally there isn’t one. Spanish is the second most popular tongue, spoken by millions of Americans, and especially in Texas, California, and Florida.
The USA is Home to the World’s Largest Office Building
Virginia’s Pentagon is the world’s largest office building, covering 6.5 million square feet, and employs around 23,000 military and civilian workers. The building serves as the headquarters for the United States Department of Defense and was constructed in only 16 months during World War II.
A 17-Year-Old Designed the Current Flag
17-year-old Robert Heft designed the current 50-star flag for a high school assignment. After Heft submitted his design to the White House, he received a call from President Eisenhower informing him that it had been picked as the official U.S. flag.
Thanksgiving was Originally on Several Different Dates
You may believe that Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, but this is not the case. The holiday was celebrated on several different days until Abraham Lincoln decided in 1863 that it would be celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in November. Every consecutive president honored this day until FDR changed it to the third Thursday of November in 1939 to extend the Christmas holiday season. After numerous objections, he realized his error and moved it back to the fourth Thursday two years later.
The USA is Home to the Most Dinosaur Fossils
If you enjoy dinosaur museums, you’ll appreciate this surprising fact: the United States not only has the most dinosaur fossils but also the greatest variety. Although these discoveries were spread across the country, the majority of them were in desert locations, where vegetation is unlikely to grow. There, fossils are more accessible since they are covered in sand and rock rather than trees and soil.
George Washington Never Lived in The White House
George Washington chose the site for the White House in 1791, but he never lived there. John and Abigail Adams were the first president and first lady to move into the White House, which was still under construction at the time. Since then, every president has lived in the White House while in office.
The Empire State Building has its Own Zip Code
The Empire State Building is so large, that it even has its own ZIP code. That’s right, 10118 is exclusively reserved for the skyscraper. Having its own ZIP code helps manage the massive amount of mail and packages that flood in every day. Plus, it’s just one more thing that makes this historic landmark stand out even more in the bustling city that never sleeps.
Niagara Falls was the First State Park
Niagara Falls is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the world. Niagara Falls State Park was the country’s first state park, created in 1885. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also created Central Park in New York City.
The Largest Circulated Currency was the $10,000 Bill
Not only was this the largest circulated currency but was also the only bill that didn’t picture a president. Instead, it pictured treasury secretary Salmon P. Chase, who later became the Supreme Court’s chief justice in 1864. But there’s a reason why you haven’t seen a $10,000 bill in circulation. The government stopped making them in 1969.
18 Countries Where Your Clothes Could Land You in Trouble
Have you ever wondered how your dress choice could lead to more than just comments or stares? From religious sensitivities to political statements, here are 18 countries where your clothing could land you in jail.
Read: 18 Countries Where Your Clothes Could Land You in Trouble
18 of the Most Dangerous Places to Live in America
Many things factor into what makes a place dangerous to live in. From weather conditions to more socio-economic issues. Either way, if you are planning on moving residence anytime soon, here are some of the most dangerous places to live in America that you might want to steer clear of.
Read: 18 of the Most Dangerous Places to Live in America
24 Reasons Why No One Likes American Tourists
Americans love to explore the world, but recent trends suggest that they’re not always the most beloved of tourists. Many find themselves spending a fortune to visit new countries only to receive a frosty welcome from locals. This growing unpopularity can be traced back to certain behaviors and attitudes.
