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...
