10 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About the Country
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You are an American. You live in the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. You know your country inside and out, right? But do you really?
Here are 10 things you may not know about America.
The US Constitution Is Not Written on Hemp Paper
Despite popular myth, the U.S. Constitution is not inscribed on hemp paper. While hemp was a common material for paper production in the late 18th century, historians have verified that the Constitution is written on parchment. Parchment, crafted from animal skin, offers greater durability and longevity than hemp paper. This inherent resilience made it ideal for such a crucial and enduring document.
Betsy Ross Did Not Create the American Flag’s Design
While Betsy Ross is often credited with creating the iconic design of the American flag, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. She is credited with sewing the flag; however, Francis Hopkinson designed the flag, drawing inspiration from the British East India Company flag. The flag was officially adopted on June 14th, 1777, and has undergone numerous changes.
More People Speak Spanish Than English in Some Parts Of The Country
While English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States, Spanish is more prevalent in some areas. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, New Mexico and California have higher percentages of Spanish speakers than English speakers. This fact reflects America’s diverse cultural landscape and highlights the influence of Hispanic culture on American society.
The US Has More Than Two Political PartiesÂ
While the Democratic and Republican parties dominate American politics, many citizens may not be aware that there are more than two political parties in the country. Third-party candidates often run for office but face limited media coverage and fundraising difficulties. These parties include the Green Party, Libertarian Party, and Constitution Party.
Philadelphia Was the Original Capital of the United States
While Washington, D.C., is now known as the nation’s capital, it was not always the case. Before moving to D.C., Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States from 1790-1800. It was also where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
Washington Wasn’t the First Face of the $1 Bill
Many Americans may believe that George Washington has always been depicted on the one-dollar bill, but this is inaccurate. The first one-dollar bill featured Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln. It wasn’t until 1929 that Washington’s portrait graced the new design.
The United States Bought Alaska From Russia for Pennies on the Dollar
In 1867, the United States bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, equivalent to roughly two cents per acre. At first, many Americans were skeptical of this purchase and dubbed it “Seward’s Folly,” after then-Secretary of State William Seward. However, the discovery of gold in Alaska later proved this acquisition to be a profitable investment.
The American Flag Has Had 27 Versions
While the current version of the American flag has 50 stars representing each state, there have been 27 different versions throughout history. The first American flag had only thirteen stars; subsequent versions added more as new states joined the union.
Independence Day Didn’t Happen on July 4th
While Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the actual date of independence was July 2nd. The Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain on this day. However, it wasn’t until July 4th that they finalized and approved the written Declaration of Independence.
George Washington Didn’t Live in the White House
While George Washington is often called the “father of our country,” he never lived in the White House. By the time it was completed, Washington had already passed away. The first president to live in the White House was John Adams.
10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have in Their Homes
Having the perspective of someone on the outside looking in can make you rethink what you’re accustomed to every day. This can be as simple as your specific life to the lives of a country as a whole. People who don’t live in America share their thoughts on what every American has in their homes on an online forum. Whether these ten items are genuinely in every household in the US is up to you to decide.
10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have In Their Homes
10 Popular Places in the US That Have Tent Cities Today
The US is dubbed the land of opportunity and abundance, but not everyone has a roof over their head. While the number of homeless people has increased in the last decade, tent cities are a growing reality, especially in larger states, a sobering reminder of the deep-seated issues of homelessness, poverty, and lack of affordable housing in the US.
10 Popular Places in The US That Have Tent Cities Today
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