15 Cool Facts About The History of America

The United States is a country rich in history, culture, and diversity. However, there are many intriguing aspects of America that are not widely known or discussed. From historical facts to lesser-known cultural tidbits, here are 15 facts about America that might surprise many of its citizens.

Other Capitals Before Washington, D.C.

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Before settling on Washington, D.C., the United States had several other capitals, including New York City and Philadelphia. These cities played pivotal roles during the nation’s early years, hosting important events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Six Distinct Time Zones

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The U.S. spans an impressive six time zones, from the Eastern Time Zone to the Hawaiian-Aleutian Time Zone. This range highlights the country’s vast geographical expanse and the complexity of managing time across such a large area.

Yellowstone’s Pioneering Status

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Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the world’s first national park. This pioneering step by the U.S. sparked a global movement in the conservation of natural beauty and wildlife.

The Liberty Bell’s Imperfect Debut

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The Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, actually cracked the first time it was rung. The bell’s current state, with its famous crack, is a result of an attempt to fix the original flaw.

Linguistic Diversity Beyond English

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While English is the dominant language, the U.S. does not have an official national language. This fact reflects the nation’s rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, with a multitude of languages spoken across its cities and states.

The Great Lakes’ Global Significance

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The Great Lakes hold over 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, making them not only crucial for the U.S. but also significant on a global scale. These lakes are key to the environment, economy, and water resources.

Russia’s Proximity to Alaska

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Russia and Alaska are incredibly close at the Bering Strait, with only about 2.5 miles separating the two at their closest point. This geographical fact is a reminder of the U.S.’s proximity to Asia.

Capital Punishment’s Evolution

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Initially, hanging was the primary method of capital punishment in the U.S. Over time, methods evolved to include the electric chair and lethal injection, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and legal standards.

The Library of Congress’s Massive Collection

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The Library of Congress, with millions of items in its collections, is the world’s largest library. It serves as a repository of vast amounts of human knowledge and American cultural heritage.

Parchment and the Declaration of Independence

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Contrary to common belief, the Declaration of Independence was written on parchment, a more durable material than paper, made from animal skin. This choice reflected the document’s importance and the need for longevity.

The Mighty Mississippi River

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The Mississippi River, often celebrated in American folklore and literature, is the world’s fourth-longest river. Its role in U.S. history, culture, and commerce is immense and multifaceted.

Hoover Dam’s Name Change

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Originally named Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam was later renamed in honor of President Herbert Hoover. This change reflected Hoover’s significant involvement in the dam’s construction, which was a major engineering feat of its time.

America’s Diverse Climate Zones

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The U.S. is home to almost every climate zone, except tropical monsoon. This climatic diversity contributes to the country’s wide range of natural environments, from arid deserts to frozen tundras.

The Statue of Liberty’s Journey

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The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, was shipped to the U.S. in pieces and assembled on what is now Liberty Island. This iconic statue has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy.

California’s Economic Power

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California’s economy is so robust that, if it were a country, it would rank among the world’s top 10 economies. This economic might demonstrate the significant contribution individual states make to the overall U.S. economy.

Read More: 21 Things That Will Be Lost Forever When The Boomer Generation is Gone

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Baby boomers grew up in a vastly different culture, so they have what younger generations consider strange habits. An internet survey recently asked, “What will die with boomers?” Here are the top 22 answers.

21 Things That Will Be Lost Forever When The Boomer Generation is Gone

18 Common Phrases That Signals Support for Trump

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Understanding the unique language of politics, particularly among Trump supporters, can provide valuable insights into the nation’s current state. Here’s a deeper look into 17 phrases you’ll likely only hear from this demographic.

18 Common Phrases That Signals Support for Trump

17 Religious Facts People Get Wrong All the Time

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Religious beliefs and practices are often misunderstood, leading to common misconceptions. Some are just too general, others are downright out there. So, we’ll be correcting 17 widely circulated ‘facts’ about world religions.

17 Religious Facts People Get Wrong All the Time

Why People Aren’t Religious Anymore: 15 Simple Reasons

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As society evolves, so does our approach to spirituality. This article looks at the subtle yet profound shift from traditional religious adherence to a more personal, evidence-based belief system.

Why People Aren’t Religious Anymore: 15 Simple Reasons

17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit

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The United States of America—land of the free, home of the brave, and the location of some of the most ‘unique’ tourist attractions you’ll ever lay eyes on.

Get ready to chuckle, scratch your head, and maybe even facepalm as we look at 17 American attractions that not even Americans think are worth visiting.

17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit