These fascinating facts about America will astound you, from little-known facts about past presidents to astounding information about the continent itself.
- A 17-year-old developed the present flag
Robert Heff, at 17 years old, created our country’s present 50-star flag as a component of a high school assignment. Heft had a premonition that Hawaii and Alaska would soon be awarded statehood even though there were only 48 states at the time (1958).
Once Heft submitted his design to the White House, his instructor revised his mark from a B- to an A, and President Eisenhower called to inform him that the design had been chosen as the official U.S. flag. One of the 20 fascinating facts about the American flag is this one; bear it in mind, especially on Flag Day.
- Lake Superior is given its name for a reason
Everyone is aware that Lake Superior is vast (it is one of the Great Lakes, after all), but few people are aware of its actual size.
In addition to being the world’s biggest freshwater lake, Lake Superior has a volume of three quadrillion gallons.
That much liquid would be sufficient to totally submerge North and South America beneath one foot of water. It is hardly surprising that Lake Superior has seen so many shipwrecks.
- The New river is the oldest river in North America
The Show Boat song “Ol’ Man River” is well-known, and America really has some knowledge of historic rivers.
The New River, which originates in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and flows through Virginia and West Virginia, is believed by most scientists to be the oldest river in North America, while its exact age is unknown.
The New River is frequently cited as being older than North America itself. These tales of the 14 most eerie bodies of water in the world are sure to disturb you.
- A Civil War pension is still being received by someone
Irene Triplet continues to receive a pension, although the Civil War had finished in 1865. Triplet, who is now over 90 years old, is entitled to a survivor’s benefit of $73.13 each month since her father served in the military.
Triplet has experienced a lot in her life and is aware of the victories and sorrows that only military families can comprehend.
- Americans are generally kind people
According to the Global Giving Index, based on a total of charity donations, volunteer hours, and a history of helping others, the United States is the most giving nation in the world.
Find out which charity will benefit the most from your gift before you go for your wallet.
- There was no initial Constitution
You would be mistaken if you believed that Ben Franklin and the other founding fathers came up with the Constitution on their own.
In fact, they based it on the Iroquois Confederacy of Native American tribes’ constitution. It’s just one of many Native American realities that you weren’t taught in history class.
- The oldest city is St. Augustine
Although many people believe Jamestown, Virginia, is the oldest city in the country, Jamestown is actually only the oldest English colony.
St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the country. Famous explorer Ponce de Leon claimed the region for Spain in 1513; the United States acquired sovereignty in 1821. St. Augustine is one of the top 16 American cities for history enthusiasts because of this.
- Eleanor Roosevelt made history
In many ways, Eleanor Roosevelt was a trailblazing first lady, and she is still regarded as a role model today.
Perhaps one of her most enduring acts was being the first lady to have her own press conference. Even more memorable? Only female reporters were invited to the event. Get more interesting facts about Mrs. Roosevelt and the other First Ladies.
- Independence Day may have fallen on July 2 instead
Many people are unaware that on July 2, 1776, Congress formally declared the United States independence from England. Because John Hancock was the first person to sign the document on July 4th, we observed the festival on this day. Visit this page to read more about the Fourth of July’s past.
- Peggy Whitson is one of the Americans who spent most time in Space
You would be mistaken if you assumed that a male astronaut has spent the most time in orbit. A lady deserves the honor. One of the 13 fascinating facts about NASA women is that Peggy Whitson has spent the total time in space.
- Sacagawea was a young mother
For her crucial assistance in 1805–1806 as an interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark’s Discovery Company voyage, Sacagawea is well-known. Many people overlook the fact that Sacagawea gave birth barely two months before the trip and traveled with her young boy in peril.
Her spouse received $500.33 and 320 acres in exchange for his services, and he was also a member of the expedition. Sacagawea didn’t get anything. One of the numerous hidden tales of Native American heroes is Sacagawea.
- Mustangs came from abroad
The untamed Mustang is arguably the animal that best captures the spirit of the old American West. Yet, mustangs are not truly American natives.
They are descended from horses that were introduced to this country in the sixteenth century from Spain or Iberia. These six areas are still home to wild horses that are allowed to wander freely.
- Dinosaurs are believed to be here
Most dinosaur fossils, along with the greatest diversity, have been discovered in the United States.
Although the discoveries were dispersed around the nation, most were made in desert regions, where vegetation is unlikely to flourish, and fossils are easier to reach since they are obscured by nothing but sand and rock rather than trees and soil.
These are the top dinosaur museums in the world if you want to view dinosaur bones without having to search for them.
- The Liberty Bell’s words
Did you realize that the Liberty Bell misspells Pennsylvania? Indeed, calling anything spelled incorrectly is probably too severe; in 1752, when the bell was produced, there were a number of acceptable spellings.
Also, the Constitution has numerous blatant language errors created by our predecessors.
- The teeth of George Washington weren’t made of wood
The majority of us have at some point heard that George Washington had wooden teeth, but this is untrue.
Even though he had to wear dentures since he lost his teeth when he was young, forensic analysis has shown that his teeth were a composite of human, horse, and donkey teeth.
One of eleven interesting facts about George Washington that you probably didn’t learn in history class.
- You may not understand how accomplished Amelia Earhart was
Amelia Earhart has captured the nation’s attention and imagination for many years. Every year, it seems, a fresh conspiracy theory concerning her disappearance surfaces. Sadly, all of this mystery and intrigue conspire to obscure her accomplishment.
Many people overlook the fact that, after Charles Lindbergh, she was the second person ever, male or female, to fly solo across the Atlantic, even though it is commonly known that she was the first woman to do so.
- Wright Brothers did not attend college
The Wright Brothers, also known as Wilbur and Orville Wright, are famed for creating the airplane, giving you the impression that they were a highly educated couple.
Yet, none of them completed college. Fortunately, the brothers did not live to be one of those innovators who regretted their innovations because the invention gained them recognition and wealth.
- The Clotilda narrative
On the eve of the Civil War in 1860, when slavery was still legal, but the importation of new slaves was prohibited, the Clotilda, thought to be the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States, was smuggled into the nation.
Before setting fire to Clotilda and sinking her, the captain oversaw the transfer of his disgruntled passengers to a different boat. The Clotilda’s wreckage was found in Alabama in 2019.
- The White House was never home to George Washington
George Washington selected the location of the White House in 1791, but he was never able to dwell there. The White House was still being built when John and Abigail Adams became the first president and first ladies to dwell there.
Every president since has spent his or her time in office living at the White House. Discover 11 more things you didn’t know about the White House.
- American cuisine includes S’mores
S’mores are a camping staple that was created in the United States. The recipe was originally published in the Girl Scouts book in 1927, and it is believed that Loretta Scott Crew created them. Check out these incredible American campgrounds if you enjoy s’mores and camping.
- The library here is as old as 275 years
The oldest continually running library in the US is the Darby Free Library in Pennsylvania.
It has been serving local residents who appreciate the free activities they may do with their library card for more than 275 years since it was first established by Quakers in 1743.
- Barbie and Ken were siblings in real life
The little one Barbie is undoubtedly the most well-known doll in America, which makes sense considering that the toy was created in California by Ruth Handler in 1959 and named after her daughter, Barbara.
You won’t likely be shocked that Handler has a son called Ken. When you were born, this was how Barbie appeared.
In this article, we have read about various facts about the USA. To know more, keep following this website.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)
