Introduction
The United States is one of the most powerful and diverse countries in the world. From towering skyscrapers to quirky small-town laws, the U.S. is packed with surprising and sometimes downright weird facts.
Even if you’re a proud American, there’s a good chance you don’t know all the secrets hidden across the 50 states. In this post, we’ve gathered 15 of the craziest, most interesting facts about the U.S. — and we bet at least 5 will surprise you!
Let’s jump in!
1. There's an Official U.S. Town With Only One Person
Yes, welcome to Monowi, Nebraska — population: 1.
Elsie Eiler is the town’s mayor, librarian, and bartender. She runs the only business in town — a tavern — and also maintains a public library with over 5,000 books!
Fun Fact: She even grants herself a liquor license each year.
2. The U.S. Has a Town That’s Always Burning
In Centralia, Pennsylvania, an underground coal fire has been burning since 1962 — and it’s still going. Smoke seeps through cracks in the road, and the population dropped from 1,000 to under 5.
The town inspired the creepy setting for the horror game “Silent Hill.”
3. Alaska Is the Westernmost, Easternmost, and Northernmost State
Geographically, Alaska wins the location lottery. It’s the northernmost state — obviously — but because the Aleutian Islands cross the international date line, it’s also the westernmost and easternmost.
Geography nerds, rejoice!
4. There's a Town in the U.S. Named “Boring”
Located in Oregon, Boring is a small town that leaned into its name — they even formed a sister-city partnership with Dull, Scotland and Bland, Australia. Together, they call themselves the “League of Extraordinary Communities.”
But their story is anything but boring.
5. It’s Illegal to Tie a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole in Georgia
Yes, seriously. There are tons of weird old laws still on the books in different U.S. states. Other examples:
In Arizona, it’s illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub.
In Minnesota, it's illegal to cross state lines with a duck on your head.
These laws are rarely enforced, but they’re technically still real.
6. America Has More Public Libraries Than McDonald’s
As of 2024, there are more than 16,000 public libraries in the U.S., compared to just over 13,000 McDonald's locations.
Knowledge > Burgers? Maybe!
7. There Are 5 Time Zones in the U.S. (6 If You Count One More)
Most people know the four main ones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. Add Alaska and Hawaii, and that’s six. But if you count Samoa Standard Time used in American Samoa — that makes seven!
Jet lag, anyone?
8. More People Live in California Than in Canada
As of 2024, California’s population is about 39 million, while Canada has around 38 million people. That means one U.S. state has more people than the entire nation of Canada!
One state > one country (population-wise)
9. You Can Mail a Coconut in the U.S. Without Packaging
In Hawaii, it’s completely legal (and common) to mail a coconut with no box or wrapper. Just write the address and postage directly on the shell — and off it goes!
Post office workers even draw fun pictures on them sometimes.
10. The U.S. Constitution Is the Oldest Written Constitution Still in Use
Written in 1787, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest still-operating national constitution in the world. It’s only about 4 pages long, yet it governs the world's most powerful country.
Small document, big impact
11. The United States Has More English Speakers Than Any Other Country
Even though English originated in England, the U.S. has the largest English-speaking population in the world — over 300 million speakers.
English is the unofficial official language!
12. Americans Eat Over 3 Billion Pizzas a Year
That’s around 350 slices per second. Pizza is the #1 favorite fast food in the U.S., followed closely by burgers and tacos.
One nation under cheese.
13. There’s a Town in Michigan Where Your Phone Thinks You’re in Canada
In Point Roberts, WA, you're connected to the U.S. mainland only by driving through Canada. It often causes confusion with GPS, phone services, and deliveries — because you’re technically "trapped" between two borders.
Your roaming bill may disagree.
14. The U.S. Flag Has Been Changed 27 Times
The first version had 13 stars. As more states joined the Union, more stars were added. The current 50-star flag design was created by a 17-year-old student, Robert Heft, as part of a school project in 1958.
He got a B-minus — until Congress adopted it.
15. There's a Giant Ball of Twine in Kansas
It weighs over 20,000 pounds and keeps growing every year. Started by a man named Frank Stoeber in the 1950s, it’s become a roadside attraction in Cawker City, Kansas.
If you're bored, you can still add to it!
Bonus Section: Quick U.S. Trivia
The tallest roller coaster in America is Kingda Ka in New Jersey.
The U.S. national animal is not the bison — it’s the bald eagle.
Montana has three times as many cows as people.
New York City was the first U.S. capital (not D.C.).
Final Thoughts
From giant twine balls to burning towns, the U.S. is full of surprises. These quirky facts show just how diverse, unexpected, and downright fascinating this country can be.
Whether you're from the U.S. or just fascinated by it, these facts give a peek into a nation that's anything but ordinary.
Post a Comment