I will try and post one weird but true fact each weekday. Perhaps on a Saturday when I have some free time, like now.
In 2014, a missing woman on a vacation in Iceland was found when it was discovered that she was in the search party looking for herself. (Source is from bu.edu website)
Apparently she never considered herself lost.
Have a blessed weekend, take care and GOD bless.
There is an island off the coast of Okinawa (near Japan) that has an entire village made out of life size Legos. Once a year the village has a build party every October to add an building. I wonder what happens if you show up with some superglue!!! Source: Mainichi Shimbun News
@Mwallspecial, thank you for sharing that very interesting fact. Take care and GOD bless.
Good Wednesday afternoon, dear friend, and welcome back to our series of Weird but True facts about the States of our great Nation. Today, we are going to learn weird but true facts about the great state of.
Nevada.
1.) Nevada is the 32nd most populous and the 7th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States.
2.) The state attained statehood on October 31, 1864, becoming the 36th state to join the union. Nevada shares its border with Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and California. Nevada (nicknamed: the “Silver State”, the “Battle Born State”, and the “Sagebrush State”) has 16 counties. The state’s capital is Carson City. The postal abbreviation for Nevada is NV.
3.) The name of the state, Nevada, is an old Spanish word meaning “snow-covered.” That appellation refers to the white-topped Sierra Nevada Mountains, which inspired early settlers to name the place after one of the area’s most beautiful sights.
4.) Nevada was the first state to ratify the 15th Amendment on March 1, 1869. The amendment gave African American men the right to vote. One day after it was ratified, Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, became the first black person to vote under the authority of the 15th Amendment.
5.) Did you know that the longest telegram sent in the US is the state constitution of Nevada? The governor, James Nye, sent it to President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
6.) There’s no corporate or individual tax in Nevada.
7.) A total of 44 U.S. states have state lotteries. Only six states don’t have one. Nevada is one of those six. The other five include Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Mississippi, and Alabama. Except for fundraisers and church raffles for charity, lotteries are illegal in the state of Nevada, according to the infamous law known as “four-twenty-four,” which indicates the state legal code, Article IV, Section 24.
8.) U.S. Route 50 (US 50) cuts directly across the center of the state of Nevada, and includes the section, which was famously nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America” by the now-defunct Life Magazine back in 1986. The highway’s 408 miles traverses desert, mountain valleys, and otherwise uninhabited areas known for their high boredom factor among long-haul drivers. The total length of the route is 3,000 miles (4,800 km) linking Ocean City, Maryland, on the Atlantic Ocean to West Sacramento, California, on the Pacific Ocean. Life Magazine meant the term “The Loneliest Road in America” as something of a criticism, but state officials decided to use the term in advertising, and the ploy worked. Not only did the nickname seem to intrigue the public, but it also boosted tourism among curious drivers who wanted to see what the desolate stretch of road was like.
9.) As far as crops go, Nevada’s most profitable product is wheat, which brings in a whopping $9.3 million in profit each year.
10.) The Lunar Crater landmark site in Nye County features a 400-acre crater that resulted from a long-ago volcanic explosion, so the theory goes. The odd place was designated a national natural landmark in 1973. Before that, it was a training location for NASA astronauts who were headed to the moon.
11.) Just southwest of Groom Lake (by about 12 miles) is the Sedan Crater. It’s the result of a 104-kiloton nuclear test in 1962 that displaced 12 million tons of earth. Sedan Crater is 320 feet deep and 1,280 feet wide.
12.) A house in Rayolite, Nevada, was built from glass bottles by a stonemason in 1906. The house of Tom Kelly is famous for the odd material used to build it.
13.) The Colorado River was diverted via a tunnel system to prepare the area for the construction of the Hoover Dam. Four giant tunnels were chiseled out of the canyon’s walls, and the river was entirely dug up before any of the actual dam-building work could begin.
14.) The Las Vegas strip in Nevada can be seen from outer space. It is also the brightest spot on Earth when viewed from space, and it is night in Nevada.
15.) Reno is nicknamed “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
16.) The largest slot machine in the world can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is 11 stories or 128 feet tall. It is known as Slotzilla and is the starting point of a zipline adventure.
17.) Jacob Davis is known all over the world for one of his inventions, though his name is known only to a few people. Mr. Davis was a tailor who created the first pair of blue jeans in his small shop in Reno, Nevada. Levi Strauss is credited as co-inventor, and the year was 1873. The men used the Italian city of Genoa (the home of the so-called “jean cotton”) to name the pants “blue jeans.”
18.) The Kangaroo Rat found in Death Valley, Nevada, can live without drinking a single drop of water. The unique desert mammal gets the moisture to survive from the seeds it eats.
19.) In 2009, fishermen got quite scared when they reeled in an alligator at Sunset Park. Alligators are generally not from the desert life in Nevada.
20.) More than 300 couples are getting married daily in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is one of the most popular wedding venues in the US and the world.
21.) The most fans of Elvis Presley are in Nevada, with all the impersonators in Las Vegas. You’ll find Elvis wherever you go in Las Vegas. The king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, was a resident of Las Vegas for five years. His residency contract was later extended for another two years. Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas, Nevada, debut in April 1956. It was an attempt by Colonel Tom Parker to provide Elvis Presley with national credibility. (Source comes from 93 Interesting Facts About Nevada - The Fact File)
Hope you enjoyed the weird and true facts as well as the read. Take care and GOD bless.
Good Thursday morning, and afternoon friend. Today, we are going to learn what is weird but true about the great state of. Enjoy the facts and the read.
Utah.
1.) Famous people with Utah connections include Post Malone, Robert Redford, Katherine Heigl, Mike LookinLand (from the Brady Bunch), The Osmonds, Jewel, David Archuleta, James Wood, Derek Hough, Roseann Barr, Brandon Sanderson, Chrissy Teigen, Ken Jennings, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake.
2.) Utah is home to the Great Salt Lake, which is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
3.) The most generous state in America is Utah, which ranks first for the highest percentage of population who donate time, donated income, volunteer rate, and volunteers per capita.
4.) Over 2/3 of Utah land is owned by the United States' federal government.
5.) Kanab, Utah, is also known as “Little Hollywood” because over 100 movies (mostly Westerns) and many TV series have been filmed there since 1924. Famous movies include Stagecoach, The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, Planet of the Apes, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Sergeants 3.
6.) Two dates appear on Utah’s state seal: 1847, the date Mormon settlers arrived in Utah, and 1896, the year Utah became the 45th state. Also on the seal are sego lilies, which stand for peace and are the state flower.
7.) Utah is the only state to have a cooking pot among its state symbols. The Dutch oven was approved as a state symbol by the legislature in 1997.
8.) Walter Frederick Morrison, the man credited with inventing the Frisbee, was born in Richfield, Utah. He said he got the idea for the “Pluto Platter” after throwing cake tins on the beach.
9.) In Utah, there is a town called “Levan.” Levan is “navel” backwards—and Levan is in the center, or is the “navel,” of Utah.
10.) Because of the state of Utah’s high elevation and desert-like climate, its snow is dry and powdery. Hence, Utah claims to have the “Greatest Snow on Earth.”
11.) Utah is home to the United States' first department store, Zions Co-operative Mercantile Institution. Today, it is known as ZCMI.
12.) With 31% of the population under the age of 18, Utah has the youngest population in the United States. It also has the highest birth rate in the nation.
13.) Utah's Arches National Park has the highest concentration of natural stone arches in the world, at over 2,000 documented arches.
14.) Utah restaurants and bars have a unique partition that separates restaurant bartenders who are preparing drinks from the customers who order them. They aim to prevent excessive drinking by keeping alcohol out of sight. These partitions are called “Zion Curtains” by locals.
15.) Utah is the second-driest state in the United States after Nevada. On average, Utah has about 300 sunny days a year.
16.) The name “Utah” is derived from the name of the Ute Native American tribe. The name means “people of the mountains.”
17.) Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah all meet at Four Corners. This is the only place in the United States where four states come together.
18.) In Utah, it is illegal to hire trombone players to play on the street to advertise an auction. Additionally, it is illegal to fish while on horseback and to hunt whales. In Salt Lake City, it is illegal to walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin. (Source comes from 50 Unique and Fun Utah Facts (2024)| Fact Retriever
Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless.
Good Friday evening, dear friend. I want to thank @JT-Nous for getting me back to working on this post. I was pretty much giving up on it, not because I didn't want to do it, but because it wasn't gaining much interest. So, for those who appreciate this post, thank you to @JT-Nous.
Here are some weird but true facts about the Great United States that we love.
1.) The United States once had an Emperor. It sounds like a tall tale, but for 25 years, San Francisco was watched over by its very own emperor. In 1859, a failed businessman named Joshua Norton declared himself “Emperor of these United States.” Instead of being laughed out of town, the people of San Francisco just rolled with it. Emperor Norton I became a local celebrity, rocking a military-style uniform, inspecting the city streets, and even issuing his own currency, which many local shops actually accepted. He famously issued decrees ordering the U.S. Congress to dissolve, and while the government ignored him, the local papers printed them. His reign showed that San Francisco was a place where eccentricity wasn’t just tolerated, it was celebrated.
2.) Pepsi once acquired a Soviet naval fleet. In a wild twist of Cold War economics, PepsiCo briefly became the owner of a formidable naval fleet. By the late 1980s, Pepsi was huge in the Soviet Union, but the ruble was worthless internationally. So, they bartered. At first, Pepsi traded its soda for Stolichnaya vodka to sell in the U.S. But as the deal grew, the Soviets needed a new way to pay. In 1989, they offered Pepsi a deal for a fleet of warships, including 17 submarines, a cruiser, a frigate, and a destroyer. This led to the popular myth that Pepsi had the world’s 6th largest navy. While a fun story, it was an exaggeration. Pepsi’s CEO famously joked to the National Security Advisor, “We’re disarming the Soviet Union faster than you are.” The company had no plans for a cola war on the high seas; they immediately sold the entire fleet for scrap metal. (WOW).
3.) Boston was once flooded by molasses. On January 15, 1919, a disaster of a uniquely sticky nature hit Boston’s North End. A massive, 50-foot-tall tank holding over two million gallons of molasses suddenly burst. This triggered the Great Molasses Flood, a wave of goo estimated to be 25 feet high at its peak, which smashed through the streets at 35 miles per hour. The wave was so powerful that it ripped buildings from their foundations and crumpled elevated railway tracks. The bizarre tragedy killed 21 people and injured 150 more. The cleanup was a massive job, and people said that on hot summer days, you could still smell the sweet scent of molasses for decades.
4.) The largest armed uprising since the Civil War happened in West Virginia. Here’s a chapter of American history that’s rarely taught in schools. The West Virginia Coal Wars were a period of intense and violent labor disputes. It all came to a head in August 1921 with the Battle of Blair Mountain. For five days, an army of around 10,000 armed coal miners, many of them World War I vets, fought against 3,000 lawmen and strikebreakers. The miners wanted the right to unionize and to end the oppressive company town system. The fighting got so bad that private planes were hired to drop homemade bombs on the miners. The battle only ended when the U.S. Army arrived, but it remains a bloody reminder of how far American workers have gone to fight for their rights.
5.) A Native American tribe saved George Washington’s army. During the brutal winter of 1777-1778, the Continental Army was starving at Valley Forge. Morale was at an all-time low. At this critical moment, the Oneida Nation, one of the few tribes that sided with the Americans, came to the rescue. An Oneida group, led by a woman named Polly Cooper, traveled hundreds of miles through the snow carrying baskets of white corn. This was a lifesaver, but the starving soldiers had no idea how to cook it. So Polly Cooper stayed with the army all winter, teaching them how to prepare the corn and nursing the sick back to health. It’s said that Martha Washington gave Polly a shawl as a gift of thanks, which is still preserved by the Oneida Nation today.
6.) The U.S. almost had a three-person presidency. The 1876 presidential election was so messy it almost tore the nation apart, just a decade after the Civil War. The results were so disputed that it took months to figure out who won. In the middle of all the chaos, a wild idea was floated to stop this from ever happening again. Some folks in Pennsylvania suggested a constitutional amendment to replace the single president with a three-person executive council, kind of like the triumvirates of ancient Rome. The idea was that a rotating leadership could better represent a divided nation. The proposal never got serious support in Congress, but it shows just how unstable things were.
7.) A constitutional amendment was proposed to outlaw millionaires. During the Great Depression in 1933, the gap between the rich and the poor was enormous. In response, a congressman from Washington named Wesley Lloyd introduced a truly radical idea: a constitutional amendment to make it illegal to be a millionaire. The proposal said that any personal income over one million dollars a year would be taken by the government to pay down the national debt. It was a dramatic attempt to redistribute wealth. Unsurprisingly, the idea didn’t get very far with his fellow congressmen, many of whom were millionaires themselves.
8.) In Missouri, it’s legal for neighbors to castrate a roaming bull. This law sounds like it was pulled straight from the Wild West. In Missouri, there’s an unusual statute to deal with wandering livestock. If a bull younger than one year is found roaming free for three days, and the owner can’t be found or won’t contain it, any three neighbors can legally take matters into their own hands. They are allowed to castrate the animal, as long as they have three witnesses. The law was likely created to prevent uncontrolled breeding in a rural, agricultural society. That ain't no BULL.
9.) In Alabama, wearing a fake mustache in church is illegal if it causes laughter. Some old laws are just fantastically specific. In Alabama, there’s a law on the books that makes it illegal to wear a fake mustache in church for the purpose of making people laugh. This wasn’t about fashion; it was about decorum. The law was designed to prevent people from disrupting the solemnity of a religious service with silly pranks. While you’re not likely to get arrested for it today, it remains a hilarious example of old-timey legislation.
10.) North America’s tallest mountain is in Alaska. Towering over the Alaskan wilderness is the massive peak of Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. At 20,310 feet, it’s the tallest mountain in North America. What makes Denali look so imposing is its dramatic vertical rise. From its base to its peak, it rises about 18,000 feet, a greater vertical relief than even Mount Everest. The mountain’s extreme weather makes it one of the most challenging climbs in the world and a powerful symbol of the American frontier.
11.) The world’s largest freshwater lake is partially in the U.S. Lake Superior, one of the five Great Lakes, is so huge it feels like an inland ocean. By surface area, it is the largest freshwater lake in the world, holding 10 percent of the world’s surface freshwater. Bordered by Canada and the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the lake is known for its cold, clear water and rugged coastline. Its immense size and powerful storms have claimed countless ships, making it a place of both stunning beauty and serious power. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald ” keeps the story alive in popular culture. Lake Superior has claimed over 350 ships throughout history, but the Fitzgerald stands out because of its mystery — even today, the exact cause of the sinking is debated (structural failure, rogue waves, or hatch cover issues are all theories). Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is exactly why that ship remains etched in popular memory.
12.) Minnesota isn’t the state with the most lakes. Minnesota proudly calls itself the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and it actually has over 11,800. But the state that really holds the title is Alaska. The Last Frontier is home to an incredible number of lakes, over 3 million of them. Its vast, untouched wilderness contains a massive network of waterways, from tiny ponds to giant lakes. So, while Minnesota’s nickname is well-earned, Alaska takes the crown for the most lakes in the nation.
13.) The U.S. is the only country with all five major climate zones. The United States is a country of incredible geographic diversity, and its climate proves it. It’s the only country in the world that has all five major climate zones: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. You can find a tropical climate in Florida and Hawaii, a desert in the Southwest, a temperate climate in the Southeast, a continental climate in the Midwest and Northeast, and a polar climate in Alaska. It’s like a microcosm of the world’s climates all in one country.
14.) Texas was once an independent country. Before it became the 28th state, Texas was its own nation: the Republic of Texas. After winning independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas existed as a sovereign country for nearly ten years. It had its own president, congress, and money, and even had diplomatic relations with countries like the U.S. and France. The “Lone Star” on its flag is a symbol of this independent period. In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States, but this unique history contributes to the fierce pride and independent spirit of Texans today. (Source comes from Smart Curiosity Top 50 Surprising Facts About United States You Won’t Believe)
Hope you enjoyed the read as well as the facts. Take care, and GOD bless.
Thanks for the facts @MOHLovesAlaska !
When I was a kid I remember I was given a book about the Great Molasses Flood. Something about a boy that loved molasses and that was sent to get some molasses by his mom and came back covered on it and the mom was angry at him and didn't believe him about the explosion and though that the boy had done something else. Don't remember the end about that story though.
Oh and the Pepsi boat I saw it on a meme, so I looked for the backstory and saw it was true! I was really surprised to learn that.
I really love all the facts you share, specially the ones about weirdly specific laws, like the one about fishing when horse riding. I always wonder what happened so someone would make a law about that.
Thanks for sharing!
@MariaPandora, good Tuesday afternoon, dear friend. I'm happy you like this thread. I love the weird law facts, too. I have been thinking about doing more of those, not just about the weird and true laws here in the United States, but also doing a series on the strange but true laws from around the world. I have been reading some of them, and some of them are absolutely hilarious.
Take care, and GOD bless.
Good Wednesday evening, dear friend. This evening, we are going to take a glance at some of the most bizarre and weird laws from around our beloved Nation. Enjoy the read, and the weird law facts.
1.) In Alabama, putting salt on a railroad track could be punishable by death. At first glance, this weird law seems completely out of left field, but with a little insight, things make a lot more sense, making it less weird. Apparently, salt could potentially attract cattle to railroads, and with trains potentially passing through, this could create quite the mess. So if, for some strange reason, you’ve been thinking about sprinkling the tracks, don’t!
2.) In Alaska, it is illegal to wake a sleeping bear for a photograph. It seems like if someone is willing to go to these lengths for the ‘gram, maybe they could use this advice. It seems doubtful that you would get a good smile out of a bear if you interrupted his nap, anyway, so why risk it? Though out of all the weird laws in the US, this one may just save your life. Just leave bears alone, and all will be well.
3.) In Arizona, it is illegal to refuse a person a glass of water. Do you hear that, Arizonans? Hospitality isn’t optional! This law certainly seems like it could be tied to the sweltering temperatures that occur in the summer. No fear, though; you can knock on any door for refreshment! It would be immoral to actually disobey this one. Weird laws in the US sometimes are based on moral imperatives like this one.
4.) In Arkansas, it is illegal to honk your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 P.M. Oddly specific, but true. Actually, this law applies to any establishment that serves cold drinks or sandwiches. I feel like a funny origin story is behind this one…
5.) In California, Vehicles with no drivers may not go over 60 miles per hour. This one seems like a no-brainer until you look at it a little more closely! Autonomous cars are a reality now. We’re living in the future, folks. A future that moves at a moderate speed, apparently. So, let’s call this one the most futuristic of the weird laws in the US.
6.) In Colorado, it is illegal to lend your vacuum to your next-door neighbor. Calling on those close by for a cup of sugar is fine, apparently, but you’re on your own when it comes to cleaning supplies. I wonder if you would be in the clear if you called the neighbor across the street? I wouldn’t risk it, though. Maybe there were too many lawsuits about neighbors not returning borrowed vacuums.
7.) In Connecticut, it is illegal to educate dogs. This one certainly seems harsh. What’s wrong with trying to show Fido a new trick or two? Perhaps this law was created to avoid people’s disappointment when their old dog inevitably can’t learn new tricks. Whatever the case, this is one of the most dog-offensive weird laws in the US.
8.) In Delaware, it is illegal for a pawnshop to accept someone’s wheelchair or prosthetic limb as payment. Imagine being so desperate that you offered up your fake arm or leg as a means of payment. That’s rough!
9.) In Florida, if you tie an elephant up at a parking post, you are required to pay the fee as you would for a car. Imagine, even if you were cool enough to have a pet elephant, you would still have weird laws in the US like this one to deal with. It makes sense, though, because an elephant arguably takes up even more room than a car.
10.) In Georgia, it is illegal to keep an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays. I’m not sure who would consider this a remotely reasonable option, but if you’re the person who does, feel free on the other six days of the week.
11.) In Hawaii, it is illegal to have more than one alcoholic drink in front of you at a time. I suspect that this one may not be very well enforced. Who can resist the call of a fresh, fruity cocktail while you’re relaxing oceanside, listening to the waves crash. It’s completely reasonable that you would want to have a backup drink ready and waiting for when your current glass runs dry, right? Though it’s not necessarily the weirdest of the weird laws in the US, considering it keeps people from drinking too much, it can also potentially save a lot of money.
12.) In Idaho, it is illegal to fish from a camel’s back. As far as weird laws in the US go, this one takes the cake. Is a camel’s back a particularly good vantage point for fishing? Someone must have thought so! It seems like a strange, but harmless thing to do. All the same, I don’t recommend it unless you’re looking for trouble with the law.
13.) In Illinois, it is illegal to have a smelly dog. This is a fairly substantial commitment if you’re getting a dog, since we know how dogs love getting into all sorts of gross things. Better keep the baths frequent, or you may see the red and blue lights pulling up outside your house anytime!
14.) In Indiana, Baths are illegal between October and March. I think we can all consider ourselves lucky that this law isn’t enforced. I imagine half the country might be able to smell this state a couple of months out of the year. Though it says nothing against taking showers.
15.) In Iowa, One-armed piano players must perform for free. Okay, well, this one may be the most offensive of the weird laws in the US. If someone with one arm manages to become an accomplished piano player, that’s very impressive, and they definitely shouldn’t have to do it for free. Hopefully, this one has been successfully challenged.
16.) In Kansas, it is illegal to eat clam chowder on Sundays between 11:50 A.M. and 12:48 P.M. This one is another strangely specific law. I guess that helps narrow down the choices for lunch, right? Is there perhaps a shortage of clams in Kansas? Whatever the case, clam chowder lovers may have difficulty following weird laws in the US like this one.
17.) In Kentucky, all Kentucky residents are required to shower once per year. This law seems rather generous… We certainly hope that the citizens here are overachievers, or we may have to lump them in with Indiana during March and October. As far as weird laws in the US go, this one may be based on conservation.
18.) In Louisiana, you must buy a special license to legally sport a goatee. Whoever enacted this law clearly has some strong opinions on men’s facial hair. This also may be the most just of the weird laws in the US. I wonder if the fashion police oversee the enforcement of this law? I hear they’re brutal.
19.) In Maine, it is illegal to keep an armadillo as a pet. If you’re looking for something a little more interesting than your everyday dog, cat, or bird, armadillo, unfortunately, isn’t an option. Wonder why this specific animal was outlawed…
20.) In Maryland, it is illegal to be in a public park in a sleeveless shirt. If you’re bringing the gun show to town, don’t head to Maryland, because they won’t take kindly to seeing your biceps. Clearly, this has been a problem at some point in the past. I wonder if you could get arrested for selling sleeveless paraphernalia (tank-tops).
21.) In Massachusetts, it is illegal to eat more than 3 sandwiches at a wake. It stands to reason that a true mourner wouldn’t be quite so hungry? Three sandwiches are quite a meal for most people though, so who knows. It does say a lot about you if wakes makes you hungry.
22.) In Michigan, it is illegal to serenade your girlfriend. This law certainly puts a damper on the romance in Michigan. Perhaps you could get away with it if you did it in the privacy of your own home? After all, women love a bad boy. What makes this one of the weirdest of the weird laws in the US is apparently it’s okay to serenade anyone who isn’t your girlfriend. It just singles out girlfriends.
23.) In Minnesota, it is illegal to tease skunks. Not sure who had our black and white friend’s best interest in mind when this law was created. Or, maybe, the law was actually created to protect humans. After all, irritating a skunk could have some serious consequences.
24.) In Mississippi, any dog being walked must wear a diaper. We’re not sure if this is more or less glamorous than carrying around poop bags. It also seems like it might be extremely hard to execute a successful diaper change on a rambunctious pup.
25.) In Missouri, it’s illegal to worry about squirrels. Someone, somewhere in Missouri, is looking out their window at a squirrel, thinking, “Gee, I wonder if that furry guy has enough nuts saved up to make it through the winter.” That person is a criminal! And arguably has a very boring life…
26.) In Montana, it is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone. I’m guessing that one time, a sheep did a heck of a lot of damage to result in the creation of this law. Not the best choice of farmyard animals as a copilot, then. One question remains, though: is a sheepdog considered a chaperone? Hence, the old saying "Where men are men, and sheep are scared."
27.) In Nebraska, it is illegal for bars to sell beer unless they are also cooking a kettle of soup. Whoever created this law simply wanted to make sure that if a couple of drinks sparked your appetite, you would have a hearty option on hand for a meal. How considerate.
28.) In Nevada, it is illegal to ride a camel on the highway. I really have no clue what the top speed of a camel is, but I feel certain that a highway would not be a safe place for this animal. Best to find yourself a casino and cross your fingers that you’ll win enough for a new car.
29.) In New Hampshire, it is illegal to keep time to the music in cafes or taverns. This includes nodding your head and tapping your feet. If this law were enforced, I imagine a lot of people would be in trouble. What’s the point of music if you can’t enjoy it?
30.) In New Jersey, it is illegal for birds to poop on statues. Another brilliant idea on someone’s part, again… if we had any ability to enforce it. Who knows, maybe the birds in New Jersey are all law-abiding. Simply post a sign, and the problem is solved. I hear bird prison is tough, too.
31.) In New Mexico, if a newspaper spells someone’s name incorrectly, they could be subject to a fine. Talk about accountability! New Mexico cares about every one of its citizens and won’t stand for disrespectful mistakes! I like this one. As far as weird laws in the US go, this one seems to be one of the fairest.
32.) In New York, it is illegal to wear slippers after 10 P.M. in public. It’s said that slippers might attract the attention of New York’s notorious subway rats. That and scathing looks from all the fashion-forward models and celebs, no doubt.
33.) In North Carolina, Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields. You know, in case you were considering it. I can see how they might be good for the job, but apparently, it isn’t allowed. You’ll have to stick with traditional horses. How many elephants are in North Carolina anyhow?
34.) In North Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. Have a hard day at work? No excuses! The least you can do is remove your shoes before heading to bed, or North Dakota law enforcement very well may have a word with you.
35.) In Ohio, you will need a license to kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church. How does one go about obtaining this license? Is there a test you must pass? I have so many questions.
36.) In Oklahoma, it is illegal to open a soda bottle without a licensed engineer present. Evidently, Oklahoma has very little faith in its citizens. I think this law definitely goes a little overboard, even in the interest of “safety first.” And does it matter what kind of engineer? Would a software engineer suffice? In any case, this is one of the most despised weird laws in the US by the Coca-Cola company.
37.) In Oregon, it is illegal to wear roller skates in a bathroom. This law seems like common sense. It would be extraordinarily awful to take a tumble and end up with an arm in the toilet, or worse. Best to keep activities like roller skating in the great outdoors.
38.) In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to sleep on a refrigerator outside. Personally, I have never once considered doing this, but clearly someone has. I’ll side in favor of this law, because it doesn’t seem like a comfy choice, and it could potentially be quite chilly outside as well in this eastern state. I wouldn’t suggest sleeping on a refrigerator inside, either. But I don’t get to write any weird laws in the US or any other country, for that matter.
39.) In Rhode Island, you cannot ride your horse on the highway for the purpose of testing its top speed. Undoubtedly, someone had this idea and thought it was a brilliant one. And while I can see how they might think so, it seems dangerous for not only the horse and rider but also motorists as well. I guess your horse’s top speed will just have to remain a mystery.
40.) In South Carolina, Nothing may be sold on Sundays except light bulbs. Clearly, we have come a long way since this weird law. And thankfully, because for those of us who don’t plan, you can’t make a very tasty dinner using light bulbs. Also, think about all the businesses that would have to be closed on Sundays. How would you even purchase gas for your car?
41.) In South Dakota, it’s illegal for horses to enter Fountain Inn if they aren’t wearing pants. This law seems like a clever way of getting around not simply barring horses from entering, but still making life very difficult for someone who wanted to bring their horse in. After all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an establishment that sells pants for horses. Custom order, here we come.
42.) In Tennessee, only persons 18 or above may play Pinball. This law seems like it could be the plot of a hilarious, Footloose-esque movie, where youths fight for their right to play this arcade classic. I’m glad I didn’t grow up in Tennessee then. I loved playing pinball when I was a kid. Still do, actually. Anyway, there are certainly many worse things young people could be doing.
43.) In Texas, you are required to give written or oral notice to the victim of any crime you may commit 24 hours before doing so. This law sure puts a damper on things for criminals, but I’m guessing it’s one that isn’t adhered to often. Props to whoever came up with it, though; it’s bound to snag a dumb criminal or two occasionally.
44.) In Utah, Husbands are responsible for crimes committed by their wives if they are present at the time. Men, you'd better choose your spouse very carefully, because if your wife decides to break the law with you around, she could land you both in the slammer. Is this perhaps the most unfair of all the weird laws in the US?
45.) In Vermont, it is illegal to undress in public. This law seems like common sense, but it becomes interesting when you address the fact that leaving your house naked is fine. No weird laws in the US against public indecency here; just make your decision before leaving the house.
46.) In Virgina, it is illegal to wash a mule on the sidewalk. Honestly, this doesn’t seem like the most ideal place to wash your mule if you had one, but clearly, someone has attempted it in the past and caused a stir. Stick to the barn if your mule is getting stinky.
47.) In Washington, it is illegal to harass Bigfoot. Not that I’ve had the opportunity, but this doesn’t seem like a wise choice even if I did. Why can’t we all just be friends? Even myths have laws protecting them.
48.) In West Virginia, it is legal to collect roadkill and eat it. While this idea might disgust many, the state actually hosts a Roadkill Festival annually dedicated to exactly this. I personally don’t find it appetizing, but to each his own… I do know that in the state of Arizona, you legally gain ownership of the roadkill victim as long as you can prove you did it. Hmm… that’s another weird law for Arizona.
49.) In Wisconsin, the taste of cheese must be “highly pleasing.” Actually, only certain grades of cheese are required to taste “highly pleasing,” while others must only taste “fairly pleasing.” It’s unclear who exactly makes the call on the taste of these cheeses or how the evaluation works. But if there’s one thing Wisconsin knows, it’s cheese.
50.) In Wyoming, it is illegal to take a picture of a rabbit between January and April. In fact, this law originally included all animals and dates back to 1921, when you had to have a game warden accompany you if you had a photoshoot planned. With apps like Snapchat and Instagram, we can count ourselves lucky that this law is no longer enforced. Who wouldn’t want to immediately take a picture of a cute bunny? A monster… that’s who! (Source comes from Weird Laws in Every US State You Should Know About
So, now that you know a little more about a few of the weird laws in the US, which one do you think is the weirdest of them all? Feel free to leave a comment about the State that has the weirdest and outlandish law.
Take care, and GOD bless.
@MOHLovesAlaska Reading the weird laws was fun to read. Many of them are oddly specific.