There are some historical facts about America we didn’t find out about until long after they’d happened. Some of these facts can really change how we view the things that took place in the past. Here are 19 American history facts we wish we’d known earlier.
The Declaration of Independence’s Hemp Origins
All That’s Interesting writes, “The Founding Fathers penned the first couple of drafts of the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper, since at the time at least 75 percent of all the world’s paper was made from cannabis hemp fiber.” It was only the final version that was written on parchment paper.
Japan’s World War II Balloon Bombs
The Japanese launched their Fu-Go bombs into the sky, which were then carried 6,000 miles to the U.S. by balloon. It took them around 30–60 hours to travel across the Pacific Ocean. They caused significant damage when they landed on U.S. soil, resulting in many casualties.
The Liberty Bell’s Last Ring
The last ring of this bell was on George Washington’s birthday in 1846. This last ring was due to a crack in the bell, but people are still unsure about how it occurred in the first place. Some say it was during the Revolutionary War and others say it happened during the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall.
Ohio’s Late Official Statehood
Even though Ohio legally became a state in 1803, it wasn’t made official until 1953, when Ohio Congressman George H. Bender asked them to retroactively admit his state into the U.S. The formal admission was forgotten in 1803, but luckily, Thomas Jefferson had already approved the territory.
The Sale of Alaska
According to BestLife, Alaska was bought from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, which amounts to 2 cents per acre. It was seen as a strategic and economic win for the U.S., as it helped the country gain valuable resources and territory.
Constitutional Convention Misunderstandings
Many Americans are unaware of the purpose and significance of the Constitutional Convention. Its main purpose is to provide the public with rules for good political behavior. This document led to the U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the United States. It was a critical moment in U.S. history.
The Almost 14th State
A proposed state named Franklin was almost created from lands in North Carolina after the American Revolution. However, this statehood was not recognized due to an insufficient number of votes in Congress. Franklin operated independently for a period, but then became a part of North Carolina again.
The English Origins of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
While the lyrics to the American anthem were written by Francis Scott Key, a U.S. native, the actual melody came from John Stafford Smith, who was an Englishman. The origins of “The Star-Spangled Banner” actually came from an English drinking song. It was adopted as the American national anthem, even though there’s a slight irony to it.
The Conservationist President
Teddy Roosevelt is considered the conservationist president because of all the work he put into establishing national parks. This is supported by the Vintage News, which writes, “The president protected almost 230,000,000 acres of public land. He set aside 51 federal bird reservations, four national game preserves, 150 national forests, five national parks, and 18 national monuments.”
The Civil War’s Proportional Casualties
It’s estimated that there were 1.5 million casualties during the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee, who was a Confederate, incurred a higher number of casualties than Ulysses S. Grant did. It was Lee’s aggressive military tactics that caused him to lose so many Confederates.
Lincoln’s Emigration Plan for Freed Slaves
President Lincoln wanted to send freed slaves to Central America, as he thought it was better for everyone if they were separated from the rest of the United States. It was a policy that was supported by other prominent figures, but the plan was abandoned due to all of the opposition it faced.
Arlington Cemetery’s Transformation from Lee’s Estate
Robert E. Lee’s estate was confiscated and turned into a national cemetery. This was done as a way to ensure that Lee never forgot about the war’s casualties. Since it’s been built, the cemetery has become a symbol of national remembrance and reconciliation.
The Free State of Van Zandt
This east Texas county attempted to secede from both Texas and the United States. Both of these times were short-lived due to military intervention, and the county has stayed a part of Texas and the country since. It shows just how tense things were after the Civil War and the lengths locals went to as a way of resisting.
The Woman Who Nearly Started the Revolution
ListVerse tells us the revolution could have been started by Sarah Tarrant, who was a nurse with a fiery temper. She was hurling insults at retreating redcoats and one pulled their musket out at her. Fortunately, the soldier didn’t fire. This incident showed early colonial resistance and bravery.
Lincoln’s Premonition of Assassination
Abraham Lincoln had a premonition of his assassination before it actually happened. He ignored warnings and attended Ford’s Theater, as he had made a promise to his wife. It was this event that changed the course of American history and Lincoln’s legacy.
Viking Exploration
Before Columbus stepped foot on American soil, it had been founded half a century before by the Vikings. They even interacted with Native Americans before the English, Spanish, and French did. This exploration was led by Leif Eriksson, who is believed to have been born in Iceland.
The Secret Diplomacy of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin created strategic negotiations with France, which helped secure French support during the American Revolution. These diplomatic skills helped him gain extra military aid and financial support for the colonies. This helped influence the outcome of the war and establish the United States as an independent nation.
The Untold Story of America’s First Spy Ring
Intel.gov writes, “In October 1778, with the Continental Army encamped outside British-occupied New York City, George Washington and Benjamin Tallmadge masterminded what would become the most successful and enduring espionage network of the war.” The Culper spy ring was able to gather valuable intelligence for the Continental Army.
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony
In 1587, English settlers mysteriously vanished from Roanoke Island, which is now North Carolina. There are many theories behind the disappearance, such as the colonists being killed by Native Americans or dying from famine or disease. It shows just how great the lengths were that colonists went to to live in America.
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17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit
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