The United States of America is a vast and diverse country, full of fascinating facts and interesting tidbits. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities and rich history, there's always something new to learn about the USA. In this blog, we'll explore 30 fascinating facts about the USA that will leave you amazed and eager to learn more.
1. The Longest River
The Missouri River, which flows through the USA, is the longest river in North America, stretching over 2,500 miles. It played a significant role in the country's westward expansion and is now a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Grand Canyon's Depth
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the USA, with a depth of over 6,000 feet. It was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Largest Gold Reserve
The US Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky, holds the largest gold reserve in the world, with over 147 million ounces of gold. The Depository is considered one of the most secure facilities in the world.
4. World's Largest Ball of Twine
Cawker City, Kansas, is home to the world's largest ball of twine, which weighs over 17,000 pounds. The ball was started in 1953 and has been added to by visitors ever since.
5. Highest Rate of UFO Sightings
The state of Nevada has the highest rate of UFO sightings in the USA. The city of Rachel, in particular, is known as the "UFO Capital of the World" due to its proximity to Area 51.
6. Longest Highway
The US-20 highway, which spans from Massachusetts to Oregon, is the longest highway in the USA, covering over 3,365 miles. It takes around 6-8 days to drive the entire length.
7. Oldest Living Thing
A bristlecone pine tree in White Mountains, California, is the oldest living thing in the USA, estimated to be over 5,600 years old. The tree's exact location is not disclosed to protect it from vandalism.
8. World's Largest Waterfall
By volume, Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the USA, with over 225,000 cubic feet of water flowing per second. The falls are a popular tourist destination and a source of hydroelectric power.
9. Most Livable City
The city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the USA, with a high quality of life, excellent education system, and low crime rate.
10. Largest Amethyst Geode
The Crystal Cave in Wisconsin is home to the largest amethyst geode in the USA, which weighs over 1,000 pounds. The cave was discovered in the 19th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
11. Longest Mountain Range
The Rocky Mountains are the longest mountain range in the USA, stretching over 3,000 miles from British Columbia to New Mexico. The range is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
12. Deepest Lake
Crater Lake, located in Oregon, is the deepest lake in the USA, with a depth of over 1,900 feet. The lake was formed over 7,000 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed.
13. World's Largest Museum
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. is the largest museum in the USA, with over 154 million artifacts and specimens in its collection. The museum was founded in 1846 and is free to visit.
14. Most Haunted Place
The LaLaurie House in New Orleans is considered one of the most haunted places in the USA, with a dark history of torture and murder. The house is now a museum and offers ghost tours.
15. Highest Bungee Jump
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the highest bungee jump in the USA, with a jump height of over 1,000 feet. The bridge is also a popular spot for BASE jumping.
16. World's Largest Corn Maze
The Richardson Farm in Illinois is home to the world's largest corn maze, which covers over 28 acres. The maze is designed to be solved by visitors and changes design every year.
17. Longest Cave System
The Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the USA, with over 400 miles of passageways. The caves were formed over 10 million years ago and are home to unique wildlife.
18. Highest Rate of Lightning Strikes
The state of Florida has the highest rate of lightning strikes in the USA, with an average of over 1.2 million strikes per year. The state's wet climate and location make it a hotspot for lightning.
19. World's Largest Snowflake
The largest snowflake ever recorded in the USA fell in Montana in 1887, measuring over 15 inches in diameter. The snowflake was observed by a US Army officer and was later confirmed by Guinness World Records.
20. Oldest City
The city of St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied city in the USA, founded by Spanish settlers in 1565. The city is home to many historic landmarks and is a popular tourist destination.
21. Largest Desert
The Great Basin Desert, which covers parts of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Oregon, is the largest desert in the USA, covering over 190,000 square miles. The desert is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
22. Highest Suspension Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the highest suspension bridge in the USA, with a height of over 1,260 feet above the Arkansas River. The bridge was built in 1929 and is a popular tourist attraction.
23. Longest Beach
The Gulf Coast of Texas has the longest beach in the USA, stretching over 624 miles. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
24. Largest National Forest
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska is the largest national forest in the USA, covering over 17 million acres. The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and eagles.
25. Deepest Mine
The Mponeng gold mine in South Dakota is the deepest mine in the USA, with a depth of over 2.5 miles. The mine is one of the richest gold mines in the world and has been in operation since 1986.
26. Largest Water Park
The Noah's Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin is the largest water park in the USA, covering over 70 acres. The park features over 50 water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
27. Highest Mountain Peak
Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) in Alaska is the highest mountain peak in the USA, with a height of over 20,310 feet. The mountain is a popular spot for climbing and hiking.
28. Longest Fjord
The Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska is the longest fjord in the USA, stretching over 30 miles. The fjord is a popular spot for kayaking and wildlife watching.
29. Largest Wind Farm
The Alta Wind Energy Center in California is the largest wind farm in the USA, covering over 50 square miles. The farm has over 600 wind turbines and generates enough electricity to power over 400,000 homes.
30. Oldest Restaurant
The White Horse Tavern in Rhode Island is the oldest restaurant in the USA, established in 1673. The tavern has been serving food and drinks for over 340 years and is a popular spot for history buffs and foodies.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.