See these 5 interesting facts even Americans don’t know about USA

11/16/2020

5,542 views

Geography Story: See these 5 interesting facts even Americans don’t know about USA

What would you say if you discovered that even though George Washington was the first president of the United States, he never lived in the White House? Weird right?

Although the average native-born American would boast that they know their country's history, the sad truth is most would be shocked to realize that they may not pass the U.S. citizenship test.

If you're interested in knowing more than just that our country was discovered in 1776, here are 5 crazy facts about the U.S. that would keep you on the edge of your seats.

1. We've got no official language

Tree map of languages spoken in the United States by number of speakers:

Yes, we know what you're thinking – no way! With over 350 spoken languages in the U.S., there's no declaration of an official language by the government. Not even English. Sorry to say that you're probably part of the many people who always fail this history question.

2. The original capital of the United States was Philadelphia

Washington, D.C. wasn't the initial capital of our country. In fact, it was only built after the U.S. was created, and Philadelphia remained as temporary capital from 1790 up till 1800.

3. Where did all the $100 Bills go?

What if we told you that cash transactions had declined recently? With about two-thirds of $100 greenbacks situated abroad, these notes are among America's leading exports. Don't worry, though; this brings several benefits for the U.S.

4. There's a U.S. town with a population of 1

If you thought the idea of social distancing started in 2020, wait till you meet Elsie Eiler - the only resident of Monowi village in Nebraska. She's got no neighbors within 40 miles of her home! 84-year-old Elsie is the town's librarian, mayor, and bartender. That may not be bad to anyone who considers the fact that she pays herself taxes.

5. July 4th may not be Independence day

For a long time, July 4th has always been the national Independence day. However, there are claims to support July 2nd as Independence day. It turns out that July 2nd, 1776 was the day that the continental congress actually voted for independence. They finally approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, and it made sense to choose this day.

Still, there are others who believe that August 2nd may be more appropriate! On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially signed.

Let us know which of the facts you already knew before reading this in the comment section below.

Have more fun and boost your knowledge on QuizzClub:

answer fun trivia questions to test your knowledge;
learn something new or just laugh with our articles;
try to ace all hundreds of our trivia quizzes

SHARE this article with your friends from the US!

#Geography #Culture #History #Society

What are your thoughts on this subject?

31 Comments

ninakamwene

Interesting and thank you for educating me. I passed the citizenship test in 2001 to become a naturalized American. I think most foreigners know more about the USA than native Americans because we have to study it.

innflyte

According to historyNew York City was the first capital of the United States once the Constitution was ratified. George Washington took the oath of office to become the first President of the United States from the balcony of the old City Hall. And to echo other's questions..What is August the 2nd all about

Joy Holbrook

If Elsie Eiler is the only resident of Monowi, who would she serve in the bar?

Dorothy Davidson

USA not discovered in 1776, gained independence then!

David Hill

David Perkins, nah most are baled sitting on pallets in drug lord warehouses

Joe Stennett

When the American constitution was formed, there was a vote taken which language French or English would be the official language of America. English won the vote and was adopted as Americas language

Robert Rogers

Knew that Philadelphia was the capital.

Tina Marie Haddad Rhodes

I want to move to Monowi. That is my dream to live as far away as possible from people, just me and my family….

lls

ninakamwene, Very true...it's been a long time since high school government class!

lmoores

I knew this.

superkraut

Joy Holbrook, Visitors

Joe Tur

Already knew that america has no official language

David Perkins

So 2/3 of 100 dollar bills are abroad. Most are probably in Iran during that awesome deal with Iran a few years ago.

tdelisi

Shoshana Katz, Per the answer, July 2nd was THE VOTE; July 4th was the official APPROVAL of the vote and August 2nd was when most signatures were applied.

Shoshana Katz

I knew about the 2nd July being the date of signing, and why the 4th was chosen. I knew about Philadelphia being the 1st capital and that no one language was made official.