Over the decades and centuries, the United States has developed into the vast and interesting country we know today. Here are 11 strange and little-known facts about the United States of America.
1. ‘Arizona’s Cactus Laws’
In Arizona, cacti are quite well respected. This has resulted in some strange laws being placed to defend these plants. For example, you could get a jail sentence of 25 years if you cut down a cactus! You’re also at risk of getting a pretty hefty fine of $150,000 (or 5 years’ prison time) if you steal one.
2. ‘No Official Language’
The United States of America is an incredibly large country, with a population of around 335 million people. Despite this, the USA doesn’t actually have an official language. Although some states may designate their own, commonly English, the entire country itself doesn’t officially have one.
3. ‘Massachusetts’ Goatee Licence’
Hairstyles and facial hair are a common way for people around the world to express themselves as a person, or just to have a fun look. However, some weird supposedly old law prevents men from wearing a goatee, and anyone with a goatee must pay for a goatee licence.
4. ‘Cookietown, Oklahoma’.
Cookietown is quite the interesting name that many of us can definitely get behind. The Oklahoma town first gained its name in 1928, and it was named after a trader at the crossroads who was known for giving cookies to children. The name remains to this day and the town is now a small unincorporated community.
5. ‘Nebraska’s (almost) Empty Town’
Located on a remote path in the state of Nebraska, there is a small town called Monowi which only has one resident called Elsie Eiler. She’s the mayor of the tiny town, meaning that she grants herself a liquor licence to keep her bar business up and running. Eiler is also the bartender, treasurer, librarian and clerk.
6. ‘The Old Paper House’
Returning to Massachusetts, down in Rockport there is an entire house made of newspaper. This was started by Elis Stenman as a hobby in 1922, as he used the paper for good insulation. But eventually, he began to make the furniture out of paper too, such as a piano and even a desk and chair. Stenman’s grandniece now takes care of the house.
7. ‘California’s Musical Highway’
On a specific road in Lancaster, California, there are a series of bumps on the road that, if you go a certain speed, will play the ‘William Tell Overture’. This was first created in 2008 and remains on the road to this day. However, it has been reported that the bumps and grooves were created wrong, so the song unfortunately doesn’t exactly sound the best.
8. ‘The World’s Largest Signature’
If you fly over Eastern Texas and look down, you may see a giant word spelled out. This is the signature of Jimmie Luecke and his signature stretches around three miles, each letter being thousands of feet high. This makes it the largest signature on the planet.
9. ‘The Presidential Turkey Pardon’
The pardoning of turkeys is a strange tradition that was officially created under George H W Bush in 1989 after he saved a turkey’s life. Ever since, all following presidents have pardoned turkeys, including Obama, Trump, and Biden.
10. ‘Chesapeake City’s Bizarre Trick-Or-Treat Law’
Bad news for all older fans of Halloween, in Chesapeake City, Virginia, only teens and kids under 14 can go trick-or-treating. It even goes as far as potentially getting a 6 month jail sentence or a $250 fine for going trick-or-treating over 14 years old as it’s considered a misdemeanour!
11. ‘New Years Potato Drop’
Around the USA, the more common ways of celebrating New Year’s Eve involve fireworks, drinking and parties. However, a more local tradition takes place in Idaho, where they drop a 400 pound potato made out of foam. This is actually part of a potato-themed festival that lasts three whole days!