The United States of America (USA) consists of 50 states and more than 328 million people reside in America, making it the third most populous country in the world. America is also the fourth largest country in the world by total surface area. This vast country is well known across the world for its cultural imprint. Here you will discover amazing and interesting facts about America, so let's begin.
1 - Did you know the American flag has 27 versions?
Since the founding of the USA in 1776, there have been 27 different versions of the flag that feature the stripes and stars. The first United States American flag only displayed 13 stripes and 13 stars that were arranged in a circle, and the stripes and stars represented the 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. However, the origins of the first American flag are unknown. Some believe that it was designed by a New Jersey Congressman, Francis Hopkinson, and sewn by a Philadelphia seamstress, Betsy Ross. Each new flag represented the addition of new states, and today, the American flag displays 50 stars that represent the 50 states that make up the US.
2 - The capital of America Washington, DC wasn't always the capital.
Washington, DC didn’t become the capital until 1790. From 1785 to 1790, NY City served as the country's capital. Today, over 8 million people live in New York City, which makes it the most populous city in America. Washington, DC, including the iconic ones of the federal government’s 3 branches: the White House, Supreme Court, and Capitol. It's home to iconic museums.
3 - There is a city that is named Boring.
Whenever you hear the word "boring," nothing exciting and interesting comes to mind. So you might be wondering who and why they would ever want to reside in a city named Boring. In the state of Oregon, about 20 miles from Portland, there is a city named Boring, whose population is well over seven thousand people. The city's name was chosen for a reason. The name was taken after its founder, William H. Boring.
4 - Washington, D.C. has Many Free Museums.
Washington, D.C. has many things to see and do, including many free museums. Did you know 11 of the 20 Smithsonian Institute museums are located in Washington, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and several others?
5 - Did you know the Statue of Liberty was a French gift?
The Statue of Liberty, also known as "Liberty Enlightening the World", was a gift from France in October 1886, and the gift was sent to celebrate 100 years of Franco-American friendship. The statue of liberty was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and the framework was designed by a French engineer, Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower.
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6 - Did you know that the current flag of the USA was designed by a 17-year-old child?
In 1958, the flag was designed as part of a high school project by 17-year old Robert Heft. His teacher gave him a B-grade, but after Heft submitted his design to the White House, his teacher went on to update the grade to an A, and eventually the lead President, Eisenhower, selected Heft's design as the official United States of America flag.
7 - Did you know that the United States doesn't have an official language?
Most people assume English is the official language of the United States, but that is not true. The federal government has never declared an official language, but that might be the case in many of the states of America that have declared English the official language, not English or anything else.
8 - Did you know that the date of American Independence Day could have been July 2, 1776?
One of the important things many people don’t know about Independence Day is that Congress officially declared its independence from England on July 2, 1776.
In June 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, and here Virginia statesman Richard Henry Lee proposed a motion for the colonies to declare independence from Britain. A committee was formed to draft an official independence document that became known as the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, 1776, Lee’s motion for independence was approved. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted and the United States became an independent nation.
In June 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, and here Virginia statesman Richard Henry Lee proposed a motion for the colonies to declare independence from Britain. A committee was formed to draft an official independence document that became known as the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, 1776, Lee’s motion for independence was approved. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted and the United States became an independent nation.
9 - Niagara Falls was the first state park in the USA.
Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. In 1885, Niagara Falls State Park became the first established park in the United States, and it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City.
10 - To Compete in NASCAR You Don't Need a Driver's License.
Technically, it's not important to have a state's driver's license to compete in NASCAR. If your driver's license is suspended for reckless driving or DUI, you will still be able to race in NASCAR.