The United States is a vast and complex nation, rich in history, culture, and quirks. Yet, even lifelong citizens are often surprised by the lesser-known facts that make America unique. From historical oddities to surprising statistics, here are 15 facts that might just change the way you see the U.S.
1. The U.S. Constitution Wasn’t Signed On July 4th
While July 4, 1776, is celebrated as Independence Day, according to History, the U.S. Constitution wasn’t actually signed until September 17, 1787. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, but the Constitution came more than a decade later.
This distinction is often overlooked, leading many to conflate the two foundational documents. Understanding the timeline is crucial to grasping the nation’s founding.
2. The U.S. Has No Official Language
Despite English being the de facto language, the United States has never declared an official language at the federal level. This reflects the country’s diverse linguistic heritage and commitment to freedom of expression.
Many states have adopted English as their official language, but federally, there’s no such designation. This allows for a rich tapestry of languages spoken across the nation.
3. The U.S. Purchased Alaska For Just $7.2 Million
In 1867, the United States bought Alaska from Russia for a mere $7.2 million, roughly two cents per acre. At the time, the purchase was mocked as “Seward’s Folly,” named after Secretary of State William H. Seward.
However, the acquisition proved invaluable due to Alaska’s vast natural resources. This deal was one of the most significant land purchases in American history.
4. The Liberty Bell Has A Typo
The iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia bears an inscription that reads, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” However, the word “Pennsylvania” is misspelled as “Pensylvania.”
This wasn’t an error at the time; as the National Park Service highlights, spelling standards were not yet established. The bell’s inscription reflects the orthographic norms of the 18th century.
5. The U.S. Is Home To The World’s Largest Office Building
The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the world’s largest office building by floor area, covering 6.5 million square feet. It serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Constructed during World War II, the building was completed in just 16 months. According to Stay Arlington, it houses approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees.
6. There’s A Town Named “Boring” In Oregon
Boring, Oregon, is a real place, and it’s not alone in its unique naming. The town has embraced its name, even partnering with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia, to form the “League of Extraordinary Communities.”
These towns celebrate their unusual names with annual events and cultural exchanges, turning a potential drawback into a quirky attraction.
7. The U.S. Once Planned To Detonate A Nuclear Bomb On The Moon
During the Cold War, the U.S. considered detonating a nuclear bomb on the moon as a show of strength. The project, known as “Project A119,” aimed to demonstrate American superiority in space.
Though the plan was never executed, it highlights the lengths to which the U.S. was willing to go during the space race. As detailed by the BBC, the project was eventually deemed too risky and abandoned.
8. The National Animal Is The Bald Eagle, But It Was Almost the Turkey
The bald eagle is a symbol of American freedom, but it was nearly the wild turkey. Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle’s character and advocated for the turkey as a more respectable bird.
Ultimately, the bald eagle was chosen for its majestic appearance, but the debate reflects the diverse opinions of the nation’s founders.
9. The U.S. Has The Highest Incarceration Rate In The World
With approximately 2.3 million people behind bars, the United States has the highest incarceration rate globally. This accounts for about 25% of the world’s prison population, despite the U.S. comprising only 5% of the global population.
The statistic raises questions about the country’s criminal justice policies and their societal impacts.
10. The First American Flag Had 13 Stars Arranged In A Circle
The original U.S. flag, known as the “Betsy Ross flag,” featured 13 stars arranged in a circle, representing the 13 original colonies. The circular design symbolized equality among the states.
Over time, the flag evolved to include stars for each new state, leading to the current 50-star design.
11. The U.S. Is The Only Country To Have Landed Humans On The Moon
As of now, the United States remains the only nation to have successfully landed astronauts on the moon. The Apollo missions, particularly Apollo 11 in 1969, marked significant achievements in space exploration.
This accomplishment underscores the country’s commitment to scientific advancement and exploration.
12. The U.S. Has More Museums Than Starbucks And McDonald’s Combined
With over 35,000 museums across the country, the United States boasts more museums than the combined total of Starbucks and McDonald’s locations. These institutions range from large national museums to small, specialized ones.
This abundance reflects America’s dedication to preserving and showcasing its diverse history and culture.
13. The U.S. Government Once Poisoned Alcohol During Prohibition
During Prohibition, the federal government added toxic chemicals to industrial alcohol to deter consumption. This practice led to thousands of deaths, as people continued to drink despite the risks.
The strategy was controversial and remains a dark chapter in American history, highlighting the unintended consequences of policy decisions.
14. The U.S. Has A Ghost Town In Every State
Ghost towns, abandoned settlements often resulting from economic decline, exist in every U.S. state. These towns serve as historical reminders of past booms and busts, particularly during the Gold Rush and industrialization periods.
Exploring these towns offers a glimpse into the country’s dynamic and sometimes volatile development.
15. The U.S. Is One Of Only Three Countries That Don’t Use the Metric System
Alongside Liberia and Myanmar, the United States is one of the few countries that haven’t adopted the metric system as the official standard. Instead, it uses the imperial system, which includes units like inches, feet, and pounds.
This divergence can lead to confusion in international contexts and reflects the country’s resistance to change in certain areas.
