America is filled with intriguing history, cultural diversity, and unique quirks. While many Americans may be familiar with some well-known facts about their country. Uncover intriguing facts about America that will surprise even the most knowledgeable citizens that they never knew.
This blog post explores ten fascinating facts about America that will amaze and entertain you. Let’s dive in!
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The current flag was designed by a 17-year-old teenager:
Did you know that the iconic 50-star flag of the United States was designed by a 17-year-old high school student? In 1958, Robert Heft created the flag as a class project, anticipating the addition of Alaska and Hawaii as states.
Initially receiving a B- grade, Heft’s design caught the attention of the White House, leading to its selection as the official U.S. flag.
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We love our pizza:
It’s no secret that Americans love pizza. It’s estimated that Americans consume enough pizza every day to cover an area of 100 acres. That’s a staggering 3 billion pizzas consumed annually!
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Someone is still collecting a Civil War pension:
While the Civil War ended in 1865, Irene Triplet, a nearly 90-year-old individual, continues to receive a survivor’s benefit of $73.13 per month. Her father’s service in the war entitles her to this pension, providing a connection to a time long gone.
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We don’t have an official language:
Contrary to popular belief, the United States has yet to have an official language designated at the federal level. This unique characteristic reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of the country, with English being the de facto language for most governmental and business interactions.
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Thanksgiving was when?:
Thanksgiving, a beloved American holiday, wasn’t always held on the fourth Thursday of November. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared it as such, and subsequent presidents honored this date.
However, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season. After public outcry, it was restored to the fourth Thursday, where it remains today.
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The oldest city is not Jamestown:
While Jamestown, Virginia, is often associated with being the oldest city in the United States, it is, in fact, the oldest English settlement. The true oldest city in the country is St. Augustine, Florida, founded by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513, long before the English arrived on American shores.
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The words on the Liberty Bell:
The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American independence, bears an interesting historical quirk. The word “Pennsylvania” on the bell is spelled “Pennsylvania.” However, at the time the bell was made in 1752, this was one of the acceptable spellings of the state’s name.
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The oldest continuously-run newspaper:
The Hartford Courant, originally known as The Connecticut Courant, is the oldest continuously-run newspaper in the United States. Publishing since 1764, this historic newspaper has recently digitized its archives, providing invaluable insights into the past.
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Hollywood’s Century-Long Film Legacy:
Hollywood’s association with the film industry is well-established, with movies being made there for over a century. The first Hollywood-produced film, The Count of Monte Cristo, was released in 1908, marking the beginning of a cinematic legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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There is a city named Boring:
Tucked away in Oregon, approximately 20 miles from Portland, there exists a city named Boring. Despite its uninspiring name, the city has a unique charm. With a population of 7 thousand people, it has a small-town feel that appeals to many residents.
The name Boring originates from its founder, William H. Boring, who cultivated the land during the 1870s. In an interesting twist, Boring, Oregon, decided to establish a partnership with a town called Dull in Scotland. This unlikely pairing has generated curiosity and even led to the declaration of August 9 as the annual Dull, Boring Day.
