Good Wednesday evening welcome to weird and true facts...Tonight we will see what is weird and true about the great southern state of Louisiana...
1). Louisiana is world famous for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated since the Middle Ages in European countries as part of religious customs. French settlers in Louisiana began celebrating Mardi Gras in the late 1600s, declaring an area near New Orleans as "Pointe du Mardi Gras."The tradition of Mardi Gras is still held in New Orleans with days-long festivities, including music, food, art, and cultural celebrations. People come from around the world to experience Mardi Gras. The laid-back party vibes of the city also led to some referring to New Orleans as "The Big Easy."
2). Jazz came from New Orleans. No one can pinpoint precisely when jazz began, but they know it all started in New Orleans. Some say it grew out of voodoo drumming rituals in the 1800s, while others say it started in the 1900s with the addition of instruments. Regardless, jazz has been and continues to be the lifeblood of New Orleans. Many famous jazz musicians came from New Orleans, including Louis Armstrong. From the festivals and celebrations to the street music of the French Quarter, jazz is ingrained in the soul and the streets of New Orleans.
3). The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Founded in 1718, the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Several historical facts about Louisiana originated here. Also known as the "Vieux Carré," the French Quarter is home to Bourbon Street, Café du Monde, and many other famous historical sites. It is one of the most visited places in Louisiana and offers excellent food, art, culture, music, and celebrations.
4). Louisiana has more alligators than any other state. While Florida is often thought of as the alligator capital, Louisiana reigns supreme with an alligator population that surpasses it by nearly threefold! Over 2 million alligators live in Louisiana's coastal marshes, swamps, and bayous across the state. Records of alligators in Louisiana go back to the diaries of French explorers in the late 1600s, but these reptiles have likely been around much longer.
5). Louisiana is a top strawberry producer in the US. Strawberries are a top commodity in Louisiana and have been since 1876. Louisiana is among the top 10 exporters of strawberries in the US. Every April, a strawberry festival is held in the town of Ponchatoula, one of the largest strawberry growers in the state.
6). Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the world's longest bridge over water. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway spans approximately 24 miles at its longest point and takes about 25 minutes to drive across. It is the longest bridge over water in the world . Originally built in 1955 to connect once-ferry-dependent cities on opposite ends of Lake Pontchartrain, this iconic causeway has undergone several reconstructions and has emerged as one of Louisiana's busiest and most vital thoroughfares.
7). The state is home to an ancient city, Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Believed to be over 3,400 years old, Poverty Point is a massive area of archaeological ruins in northeast Louisiana. The remains of several sculpted mounds and millions of artifacts have been found at Poverty Point. Archaeologists speculate that it was once a city consisting of homes, a trade center, and a proper place for an ancient indigenous culture.
8). The Whitney Plantation is the only former plantation with a sole focus on slavery. While numerous former plantations in the South overlook or evade their history of slavery during tours and events, The Whitney Plantation takes a distinct approach by prioritizing public education about the harrowing realities of slavery. Amongst the many slave plantations that dotted Louisiana in the 1700s and 1800s, the Whitney Plantation stands as a stark reminder of one of the darker chapters in Louisiana's history. Following the abolition of slavery in 1865, the plantation transitioned into a wage-working system. Drawing upon firsthand accounts and records from formerly enslaved individuals, the present-day exhibits at the Whitney Plantation offer poignant insights. The Whitney Plantation now serves as a museum and memorial to the over 100,000 enslaved people in Louisiana's history.
9). Louisiana is home to the National WWII Museum. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is designated by Congress as the official United States museum to remember WWII. It showcases exhibits and artifacts relating to the Second World War. The museum opened on June 6th, 2000, the 56th anniversary of D-Day. In addition to all the educational exhibits, the museum regularly hosts educational events and commemorations for the heroes of WWII.
10). New Orleans has modern-day "vampires". While Louisiana has a long history of vampire legends and folklore, there is a "real-life community of vampires" residing in present-day New Orleans. This group of self-identifying vampires periodically consume human blood from willing participants they refer to as "donors." Some members of this vampire community have even had their teeth altered into fang shapes. It is estimated there are about 50 active members of this vampire community in New Orleans.
11). Louisiana was named for French King Louis XIV. During French control of the area in the 1600s, the state was named Louisiana in honor of France's King Louis XIV. It was part of a district known as "New France''. The state was sold to the United States during the Louisiana Purchase, cutting all ties with the French government, but the name remained.
12). The Louisiana Purchase ended France's control over the region. In 1803, the United States purchased the territory of Louisiana, which encompassed modern-day Louisiana and some surrounding states that settlers had not yet named. The land acquisition became known as the "Louisiana Purchase" and ended France's attempt at reestablishing a French Colonial Empire in North America. The Louisiana Purchase also gave the United States critical trade access to the Mississippi River, shaping America's future prosperity and influence.
13). Louisiana was the 18th state added to the United States. While the United States had already acquired the area of Louisiana and some surrounding states in 1803, it didn't become a recognized state until 1812. On April 30th, 1812, Louisiana was admitted into the Union and became the 18th state in the United States of America.
14). The most haunted city in America is considered to be New Orleans. With several sites being hundreds of years old and many atrocities committed there, New Orleans is known to be the most haunted city in America. From cemeteries to occult shops and a variety of ghost tours throughout the city, it's easy to see why paranormal investigators flock to New Orleans.
15). New Orleans has a Museum of Death. Not for the faint of heart, the Museum of Death showcases macabre exhibits and artifacts. Many of their presentations relate to gruesome murders and notorious serial killers. Visitors interested in true crime find it fascinating, while others report the museum goes too far. Regardless, the Museum of Death remains a popular attraction for those interested in all the creepy happenings in New Orleans. (Source comes from https://www.destguides.com/united-states/louisiana/louisiana-facts)
Have a great night and a wonderful Thursday...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Thursday afternoon, today were are going to see what is weird and true about the great state of Montana...
1). The greatest temperature variation in a single location in 24 hours is 57.2°C (103°F), recorded in Loma, Montana, USA, on 14-15 January 1972. Indeed, Loma, Montana holds an impressive record for the greatest temperature variation within a single location during 24 hours. On January 14-15, 1972, the temperature in Loma experienced a remarkable 103-degree swing! Thermometers surged from a bone-chilling -54°F (-47.8°C) at 9 a.m. on January 14 to a relatively balmy 49°F (9.4°C) by 8 a.m. on January 15.
The extreme temperature change was due to a combination of factors:
Arctic Blast: Initially, an Arctic blast brought freezing conditions to the nearby city of Great Falls on January 11. These high-pressure gusts from the poles tend to bring clear skies, allowing temperatures to drop even further at night. Any snow on the ground traps heat inside the earth, keeping the air frigid for longer.
Chinook Wind: The record-setting leap in Loma’s temperature occurred due to a Chinook wind descending from the Rocky Mountains. As warm, wet air tumbled down the mountain, the increasing atmospheric pressure heated the air. These winds are sometimes called “snow eaters” because towns near the foothills can transition from freezing to balmy in just minutes or hours.
Frontal Boundaries: Cold air masses can quickly displace warm ones. On January 18, a cold front moved in, forcing the warm air to rise. This temperature tug-of-war can last for several days and cover thousands of square miles.
Loma’s weather in January 1972 serves as a fascinating example of sudden temperature spikes and drops, making it a true meteorological anomaly!
2). Name Origin: The name “Montana” comes from the Spanish word “montaña,” which roughly means “mountainous.” Given its stunning mountain landscapes, the name is quite fitting.
3). Treasure State: Montana earned its nickname, the “Treasure State,” due to the gold and silver deposits mined from its mountains in the 1800s.
4). Lewis and Clark Expedition: The famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their Native American guide Sacagawea, passed through Montana during their expedition through the American West in 1805.
5). Geographic Diversity: Montana boasts two distinct geographic regions. The western two-fifths of the state is part of the Rocky Mountain region, home to Glacier National Park with its ancient glaciers. The eastern three-fifths make up the Great Plains, characterized by grassy terrain, hills, and river valleys.
6). Cream of the West: Montana has its very own version of oatmeal called “Cream of the West.” It’s a roasted wheat cereal that local families have been enjoying since 1914.
7). Unique Borders: Montana shares borders with Canada to the north, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming and Idaho to the south, and Idaho again to the west.
8). River Systems: Montana is the only state with river systems that empty into three different bodies of water: the Hudson Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
9). Yellowstone National Park: The original entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is located in Gardiner, Montana.
10). Size Comparison: Due to its sheer size, you could fit six other U.S. states inside Montana. Imagine fitting the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia all within its borders!
11). Montana was the first-ever state to elect a woman to Congress. In 1916 Jeannette Rankin won this historical election which would change the landscape of politics throughout the state.
12). It is the 41st state. The United States acquired the area of Montana from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and by a treaty with Great Britain in 1846. Montana Territory was organized from the northeastern part of Idaho Territory on May 26, 1864, with generally the same boundary as the present state. Census data for Montana are available beginning with the 1870 census. The 1860 census population in present-day Montana was included in unorganized Dakota, although legally the area was within Nebraska and Washington territories. The portion of Yellowstone National Park in Montana was probably enumerated as part of Wyoming from 1880 to 1910. Data for the legally established state of Montana are available beginning with the 1890 census.
13). "According to the Guinness Book of World Records page for the “largest snowflake”: “It is reported that on 28 Jan 1887 at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, ranch owner Matt Coleman measured a snowflake that was 15in 38cm wide and 8in 20cm thick, which he later described as being ‘larger than milk pans’ in Monthly Weather Review Magazine.”
14). The Roe River, situated near the Missouri River and Great Falls is the shortest river in the world, only flowing 200 feet. Made official by The Guinness Book of World Records.
15). The Montana state motto is “Oro y Plata,” which is Spanish for “Gold and Silver.”
16). The Continental Divide in Montana: The Continental Divide is a significant geographical feature that runs through North America. It serves as the boundary between watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean and those that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. In Montana, the Continental Divide adds its distinctive touch to the landscape. It stretches from northern Alaska through the Andes in South America. Long before settlers arrived, Native Peoples used prominent routes along the Divide for their prairie hunting grounds in the east. Captain Lewis crossed the Continental Divide in 1806, following a trail along the Blackfoot River. He found his way back to the prairie via what is now called the Lewis and Clark Pass, a historic place now accessible only on foot or horseback. Interestingly, the Continental Divide played a role in Montana’s early history. When the Idaho Territory was established in 1863, it originally included all of present-day Montana. However, the boundary was eventually set along the Bitterroot Divide, sparing Glacier Park, Flathead Lake, Missoula, and the Bitterroot Valley from being part of Idaho. (Source comes from https://www.bing.com/search?q=weird+and+true+facts+about+the+state+of+montana)
Have a great Thursday...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Friday afternoon...Today we will see some interesting weird and true facts about the Potato State...Idaho...
1). Potato Capital: Idaho grows an estimated one-third of America’s potatoes. The state’s rich volcanic soil and climate make it ideal for potato cultivation.
2). World’s Longest Gondola Ride: Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, boasts the longest gondola ride in the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views as they ascend the mountain.
3). Unique State Seal: Idaho’s state seal is the only one in the US designed by a woman. Emma Edwards Green, an artist and suffragist, created the seal in 1891.
4). Gem State: Idaho is nicknamed the “Gem State” due to its abundant gemstones and minerals. It’s home to precious stones like garnets, opals, and jasper.
5). Geothermal Energy: The Idaho State Capitol Building is the only one in the US heated by geothermal energy. This renewable energy source comes from underground hot springs.
6). Deeper Than the Grand Canyon: Idaho’s Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Carved by the Snake River, it offers stunning vistas and outdoor adventures.
7). Beagle-Shaped House: At the Dog Bark Park Inn in Idaho, guests can stay in a beagle-shaped house. It’s the largest beagle in the world and a quirky accommodation option.
8). The state’s name is derived from a Native American word that means “the land of many waters.” The pronunciation is similar to the state’s name.
9). Idaho might not like the idea of private land. This is evident because a whopping 63 percent of the state is considered public land.
10). The Lake Coeur d’Alene boardwalk is 3,300 feet long and is known as the longest boardwalk in the world. This is definitely for all those who love to walk by the beach.
11). North America has a lot of ski resorts, but it seems that Idaho beat other states to the punch. The first ski destination in the United States is Idaho’s “Sun Valley Resort”. Established in 1936 by Averell Harriman, renowned for pioneering chairlifts and drawing Hollywood celebrities, it became a skiing haven. Ernest Hemingway found inspiration here, writing “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”
12). The small town of Arco, Idaho, was the first in the world to be lit by atomic power in 1955. It’s also known for numerous UFO sightings, earning it the title of the “UFO Capital of the World.”
13). The word “potato” was first used on the state’s license plate back in 1928, and the state has not looked back since.
14). Idaho is home to the Niagara of the West. Yes, those who want to experience something like Niagara Falls could check out Shoshone Falls with its 212-foot drop. (Source comes from 100 Interesting Facts About Idaho - Page 2 of 3 - The Fact File & https://www.bing.com/search?q=weird+and+true+facts+about+the+state+of+Idaho&qs).
Have a great Friday and, a wonderful weekend...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Thursday afternoon friend, I have some spare time today due to thunderstorms...
Today we are going to learn some weird and true facts about the State of Minnesota...
1). First Settlers: The oldest human remains found in the region date back to 7,000 BC. These remains were discovered near Browns Valley, east of Minnesota, leading to the name “Man of Browns Valley.”
2). Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" but has 14,380 bodies of fresh water covering at least ten acres each;
3). Minnesota is the 32nd State...On May 11th, 1858 it became the 32nd in the Union...
4). The Mississippi River rises in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. It covers a total distance of 2,340 miles (3,766 km) from its source. The Mississippi River is the longest in North America.
5). Scotch Tape was invented in Minnesota...
6). The city of Minneapolis is home to several notable museums, including the Walker Art Center, a top contemporary art museum attracting over 700,000 visitors annually.
7). Minnesota is also known as the Gopher State...Another one of the State's nicknames is "North Star State".
8). Minnesota's state motto is "L'Étoile du Nord" (Meaning the Star of the North).
9). The name Minnesota was derived from a Dakota Sioux word.
10). No water flows into Minnesota. A peculiar factoid tucked into an old official highway map of Minnesota has stuck with Mike LaFave for many years: water only flows out of Minnesota, but not into it.
Hope you have enjoyed these weird and true facts...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Friday afternoon, today we will see some weird and true facts about the State of Ohio...
1). The state originated from the name of the river, “Ohio.” “Ohio” in the Seneca language means “the Great River.”
2). Around 1670, French explorer Robert de La Salle was the first non-native person to reach the area. Interestingly, most people from Ohio fought for the Union during the Civil War, and those that did not support the Union were called Copperheads (also called Peace Democrats). Copperheads were considered poisonous snakes lying in wait to attack in favor of the South.
3). Columbus became the capital of Ohio in 1816. Before this, the state’s capital was Chillicothe (the first capital), and then it was moved to Zanesville in 1810 and then one more time back to Chillicothe in 1812.
4). Ohio’s flag is the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag.
5). After Pennsylvania, Ohio has the second largest concentration of Amish living in the United States. After Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Holmes County is the second-largest Amish community in the world. About 70 miles south of Cleveland is relatively rural Holmes County. Known affectionately as Amish Country, the area has a population of around 35,000 Amish people. It has become a regional tourist destination for shopping, food, and more.
6). Tomato juice is the official beverage of the state of Ohio.
7). The Ohio River empties its water into the Mississippi River. Without the Ohio River, therefore, the great Mississippi River would not be what it is today. It is important to note that the Ohio River is formed in western Pennsylvania when the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet.
8). Xenia, Ohio, is known for its unusually high number of tornadoes and is often called the “Tornado Capital of the World .”
9). Did you know that twenty-one thousand soldiers at Camp Sherman, Ohio, were meticulously ordered to form the profile of the sitting president, Woodrow Wilson?
10). Seven U.S. Presidents were born in Ohio. They are Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Taft, and Warren Harding. The state is also nicknamed the “Mother of Modern Presidents.” Benjamin Harrison was the only President whose grandfather (William Henry Harrison) was also a President—list of the U.S. Presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden.
11). Born in Ohio, William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States,delivered the longest inaugural speech in U.S. presidential history. Unfortunately, he died one month after the speech, thus, holding the office for the shortest tenure of any U.S. president. He was the first president to die in office.
12). Did you know that between 1913 and 1915, at least 7 children were shipped in the mail in the United States? The first instance of this weird act was recorded when the Beagles, a couple from Ohio, after paying for postage stamps and insurance money, handed over their 8-month-old infant son to the mailman to be delivered at his grandmother’s place, which was just a mile away. The news broke, and other parents also started using the cheap service; a six-year-old girl was even sent from her home in Florida to her father’s house in Virginia. And that’s a lot of mileage to cover!
13). The first full-time automobile service station in the United States was opened in 1899 in Ohio. The Winton Motor Carriage Company Service Station was named after Alexander Winton, a Scottish-born American inventor and automobile manufacturer.
14). Did you know that the Wright Brothers dealt with bicycles before taking flight? They repaired, rented, built, and sold bikes in Dayton, Ohio. They eventually used the profits from their bicycle business to fuel their aviation experiments.
15). According to NASA, 25 astronauts are Ohio natives, having made nearly 80 space flights, three of which are trips to the Moon. These astronauts include; Neil Armstrong – the first man to set foot on the moon, and John Glenn – the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962.
16). The Cuyahoga River, which flows through Cleveland, famously caught fire multiple times due to industrial pollution, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. (Source comes from 98 Interesting Facts About Ohio - The Fact File).
Have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Thursday afternoon friend, welcome to weird and true facts...Today we will dive into some pretty weird and true facts about the great state of Michigan...
1). The state motto of Michigan is "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice." This is Latin for "if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you," referencing Michigan's location between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This phrase was chosen in 1835 and has been the official state motto of Michigan since it became a US state in 1837. The state motto of Michigan is most associated with the state's official Coat of Arms and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan.
2). Name Origin: The name “Michigan” comes from the Chippewa word “michi-gama,” which means “large lake.” It’s fitting since Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes.
3). Two Peninsulas: Michigan is the only state in the U.S. that consists of two peninsulas: the Lower Peninsula (mainly industrial) and the Upper Peninsula (mineral-rich and sparsely populated). These peninsulas were connected by the Mackinac Bridge in 1957, easing tensions between them.
4). Shipwrecks: Lake Michigan alone holds an estimated 1,500 shipwrecks. The most famous is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior in 1975, claiming 29 lives. Gordon Lightfoot had a hit song about the fateful voyage of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1976... Here is a link to that hit song...The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
5). Great Lakes Country: Michigan shares borders with four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Huron, Michigan, and Erie. It’s a paradise for water enthusiasts.
6). Michigan was the first state with civil rights laws.
7). Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world.
8). Water-Skiing Squirrels: Michigan is home to Twiggy, the water-skiing squirrel. Squirrels here seem to be overachievers!
9). Auto State: Detroit, Michigan, became the hub for car manufacturing after Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company there in 1903.
10). Long Shoreline: Michigan boasts over 3,288 miles of shoreline, more than the entire Atlantic coastline of the United States (only Alaska has a longer shoreline).
11). The Detroit River is the state's border with Canada.
12). Happy Birthday, Michigan! On this day in 1837, Michigan was admitted as the 26th state to the Union.
13). It has a floating post office...
14). It's part of the Northwest Territory... (Source comes from https://www.bing.com/search?q=weird+and+true+facts+about+the+state+of+Michigan&form).
I hope you have enjoyed these weird and true facts...Hope to be back soon...
Take care and GOD bless...
Happy 4th of July...Let's look at some really interesting weird and true facts about the 4th of July, shall we??...
1). The National Anthem is sung to the tune of a British drinking song.
2). Independence Declaration Date: Contrary to popular belief, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776. The actual signing took place later, and the document was adopted by the Continental Congress on that day. Signers of the Declaration: Only two men—John Hancock and Charles Thomson—signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The rest signed it later.
3). Designer of the 50-Star Flag: The designer of the current 50-star American flag lived in Lancaster, Ohio. His name was Robert G. Heft, and he created the flag as a school project in 1958.
4). Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has happened on each Independence Day since 1972. Where does the competition take place? Coney Island, New York.
5). According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, roughly how many hot dogs are eaten on the 4th of July? How about a whopping 150 million doggers...That's a lot of pork missiles...
6). One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence wound up recanting his support of the Colonies’ independence. Who was it? Richard Stockton. On Nov. 30, 1776, Stockton was captured by the British and forced to repudiate his declaration of independence and swear his allegiance to King George. A little over a year later, he escaped the British and re-avowed his loyalty to our country.
7). The 2004 movie National Treasure (Starring Nicolas Cage) alleged (among other historically crazy things) that there is a secret map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. There is no map, but there is something on the back of the engrossed and signed parchment. A label at the bottom of the parchment reads, "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776". This handwritten note gives a real clue into the history of the Declaration of Independence, which spent much of its early existence rolled up with other documents, under the care of Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress.
8). Three former Presidents died on the 4th of July, can you guess what three they are??? John Adams (July 4, 1826), Thomas Jefferson (July 4, 1826) and James Monroe (July 4, 1831)...
9). Massachusettes was the first state to declare the 4th of July a holiday...In the year 1870, the 4th of July was declared a National holiday, but it wasn't declared a Federal holiday until 1941.
10). Calvin Coolidge is the only President to be born on the 4th of July (July 4, 1872)...other famous people were also born on the 4th of July. Nathaniel Hawthorne is the author of The Scarlet Letter and other classic American novels. Rube Goldberg, the cartoonist and inventor of whimsical machines. Ann Landers, the popular advice columnist, and Gloria Stuart, the actress who played the elderly Rose in Titanic.
11). The Philippines also celebrate their independence on the 4th of July...After falling under Japanese control during World War II, the U.S. and Filipino forces fought together to regain control. They gained their independence on July 4, 1946. Watch this video to learn more about the Philippines’ Republic Day.
12). President Zachary Taylor died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit following the 4th of July speeches.
13). The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times every July 4th in honor of the original 13 colonies. (Source comes from several sources https://www.bing.com/search?q=weird+and+true+facts+about+the+4th+of+july&form) ( 60 Patriotic 4th of July Trivia Questions (with Answers) (rd.com) (25 Fascinating 4th of July Facts (weareteachers.com) (Copilot was another source which is found near your search bar).
Have a great 4th of July evening., and a blessed weekend...Take care and GOD bless...
Good Wednesday morning friend...Today we will see what weird yet true facts about the second state in our Nation...
1). Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787. William Penn founded it as a haven for Quakers, and its capital, Philadelphia, played a significant role in the American Revolution.
2). Pennsylvania's motto is Virtue, Liberty, and Independence With God, All Things Are Possible...
3). The Keystone State is one of Pennsylvania's nicknames...Keystone is an architectural term that refers to the stone in the center of an arch. Without that piece, the whole arch would fall apart. The name is used to refer to Pennsylvania because it was an important state in the founding of the United States. It was important politically, geographically, and economically. The keystone is also the Pennsylvania state symbol.
4). The history of Pennsylvania stems back thousands of years when the first indigenous peoples occupied the area of what is now Pennsylvania. In 1681, Pennsylvania became an English colony when William Penn received a royal deed from King Charles II of England. Although European activity in the region precedes that date (the area was first colonized by the Dutch in 1643). The area was home to the Lenape, Susquehannocks, Iroquois, Erie, Shawnee, Arandiqiouia, and other American Indian tribes. Most of these tribes were driven off or reduced to remnants as a result of diseases, such as smallpox. The English took control of the colony in 1667. In 1681, William Penn, a Quaker, established a colony based on religious tolerance; it was settled by many Quakers along with Philadelphia, its largest city, which was also the first planned city. In the mid-1700s, the colony attracted many German and Scots-Irish immigrants. While each of the Thirteen Colonies contributed to the American Revolution, Pennsylvania, and especially Philadelphia was a center for the early planning and ultimately the formation of rebellion against King George III and the British empire, which was then the most powerful political and military empire in the world. Philadelphia served as the nation's capital for much of the 18th century. During the 19th century, Pennsylvania grew its northwestern, northeastern, and southwestern borders, and Pittsburgh emerged as one of the nation's largest and most prominent cities for some time. The state played an important role in the Union's victory in the American Civil War. Following the Civil War, Pennsylvania grew into a Republican stronghold politically and a major manufacturing and transportation center. During the 20th century, after the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II in the 1940s, Pennsylvania moved towards the service and financial industries economically and became a swing state politically.
5). "We have a famous Groundhog". Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney is home to a four-legged meteorological celebrity. Punxsutawney Phil is famed for his ability to block sunlight, and then either observe or not observe the shadow which he may or may not be casting, to predict the end of winter. For some reason, this has become an enormous, nationwide prediction tradition.
6). The first public zoo in the US was the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo opened on July 1st, 1874. It was signed into existence on March 21st, 1859, and it was supposed to open sooner, but it was delayed because of the Civil War. The first chimpanzees and the first orangutans born in the United States were born at this zoo.
7). Have you ever wanted to visit George Washington’s hair? How about Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte? Of course, we all have! But only in Pennsylvania could your dead famous people's hair dreams come true. Specifically, the collection of Peter A. Browne’s on display at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia had those very pieces on display until March 24.
8). The name Pennsylvania comes from Latin "Penn" comes from William Penn, who founded the colony. He wanted to name it after his father. The second half, "Sylvania," is the Latin word for wood. In Latin, the name Pennsylvania translates to "Penn's Woods".
9). The Philly Cheesesteak was made in Philadelphia in the 1930s by two brothers who ran a hot dog stand. There are also famous handmade pretzels that German settlers brought over. Whoopie pies were also created in Pennsylvania by Amish women.
10). The chocolate capital of the US is in Pennsylvania. A fun fact about Pennsylvania is that the chocolate capital of the US is located within the state. It is in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is where the headquarters for the Hershey Company and their chocolate factory is located. Hershey is well known for its chocolate products like Hershey Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats. The town also has an amusement park and a museum dedicated to chocolate. You can find their chocolate everywhere in grocery stores, gas stations, or candy stores.
11). The first American piano was built here. It was designed and built in Philadelphia by Charles Albrecht in 1789. It was a Square Grand piano, and it sparked the popularity of the piano in the United States.
12). The Crayola headquarters is in Lehigh Valley, PA. Over three billion crayons are made in Pennsylvania every year. Along with the crayon factory, there is a Crayola Experience, which has activities for families.
13). Pennsylvania is bordered by six states and one lake. Lake Erie borders the northeastern part of the state. From Lake Erie going clockwise, the states that border Pennsylvania are New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio.
14). Independence Hall in Philadelphia was built in 1732. Independence Hall is an important landmark in North America and was originally called the Pennsylvania State House. One of the interesting facts about Pennsylvania's history is the importance the hall has, as it is considered the birthplace of the country. The Declaration of Independence was adopted here, and the Constitution of the United States was drafted and signed here. All thirteen colonies were represented at that time except Rhode Island.
15). The Liberty Bell is here. The bell used to be in the tower at the Pennsylvania State House but is now across the street in the Liberty Bell Center. The bell first cracked on its first test ring and was recast twice during its early years. The timing or reasoning behind the current, well-known crack is unknown. It likely cracked in the 1840s, and they tried to repair it in 1846. However, the repair did not work, and it now stands as a cracked and silent monument to US independence.
Have a blessed day...Take care and GOD bless...
