10 facts about America that most America Don’t know

1. Ol’ man river

“Ol’ Man River” is a famous song from Show Boat and as it happens, America knows a thing or two about old rivers. Although its exact age isn’t known, the New River, which flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina to Virginia and West Virginia, is thought by most scientists to be the oldest in North America. Many believe the New River is older than the continent of North America itself. Be prepared to get spooked by these stories of the world’s 14 most haunted bodies of water.

2. Someone is still collecting a Civil War pension

The Civil War ended in 1865, but Irene Triplet is still collecting a pension. Her father served in the war which entitles Triplet, who is now almost 90 years old, to a survivor’s benefit of $73.13 a month. One can only imagine Triplet has seen a great deal in her life and knows all about the triumphs and tragedies only military families can understand.

3. We don’t have an official language

Most people assume English is the official language of the United States but the truth is, although that might be the case in many of the states, the federal government has never declared an official language. Not English or anything else. This is one of the 16 history questions everyone always gets wrong.

4. Mustangs were imported

There is perhaps no creature that encapsulates the image of the old American west more than the wild mustang. But mustangs aren’t actually native to the United States. They are descendants of Spanish or Iberian horses which were brought here during the 16th century. You can still spot wild horses roaming free in these 6 locations today.

5. George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth

Most of us have heard at one time or another that George Washington had teeth made of wood but this isn’t true. Although he did rely on dentures due to losing his teeth early in life, forensic research has proved that his teeth were made from a combination of donkey, horse, and human teeth one of 11 surprising facts about President Washington you didn’t learn in history class.

6. The Wright Brothers never went to college

Wilbur and Orville Wright, better known as the Wright Brothers, famously invented the airplane, which might lead you to believe they were a highly educated pair, but in actuality, neither of them graduated college. The invention brought the brothers fame and fortune, so, fortunately, they didn’t live to become one of these inventors who regretted their inventions.

7. George Washington never lived in the White House

Although George Washington chose the site of the White House in 1791, he never got to live in it. John and Abigail Adams were the first president and first lady to move into the White House, and it was still under construction at the time. Since then, every subsequent president has resided in the White House while in office. Find out 11 more facts about the White House you never knew.

8. We’ve been setting off fireworks on July 4th for hundreds of years

The traditional Fourth of July celebration started in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Large celebrations took place in Pennsylvania and Boston and included fireworks. When fireworks became available to the public in 1783, the tradition spread even further. These cities have some of the most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows.

9. Denali is one tall mountain

The highest mountain peak in the United States is Denali, formerly called Mt McKinley. It stands at more than 20,310 feet tall If you want to see Denali in person, it’s the site of a National Park with over six million acres of land to explore. Check out these other National Parks which are off the beaten path.

10. Niagra Falls was the first state park in the United States

Niagra Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. In 1885, Niagra Falls State Park became the first state park established in the country. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Find out the most beautiful waterfall in every state.