1

Superior

Image: Brian Beckwith

As we know, Michigan is divided into the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The discussion about whether the Upper Peninsula should become its own state dates back as far as 1858.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, residents of the region proposed creating the State of Superior , named after the Great Lake that defines the region. Although the movement never gained enough traction, some people still support the idea today, even though Superior would become the state with the smallest population.

2

Jefferson

Image: Kirk Thornton

Jefferson was a proposed state, much like Washington was before it became a state. Picture this: a state straddling Northern California and Southern Oregon, rich in timber and minerals. This was the vision for Jefferson , first proposed in the mid-19th century and revived in 1941.

Residents even declared a symbolic "secession" and distributed pamphlets proclaiming their independence. However, World War II shifted priorities , and the movement eventually fizzled out.

3

Deseret

Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann

Mormon settlers had big dreams in 1849—they proposed Deseret , a massive theocratic state . The name, meaning "honeybee" in the Book of Mormon , symbolized industry and cooperation. But Congress wasn’t exactly buzzing with enthusiasm.

Instead, Congress created the smaller Utah Territory , which at the time included present-day Utah as well as parts of Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming.

4

Sequoyah

Image: Nina Luong

In 1905, Native American tribes in eastern Oklahoma proposed the State of Sequoyah , named after the Cherokee scholar who created the Cherokee syllabary .

It was a bold move to create a Native-majority state. However, Congress chose instead to merge the area with Oklahoma Territory to form the state of Oklahoma . The constitution drafted for the proposed State of Sequoyah went on to influence the final Constitution of Oklahoma.

5

Lincoln

Image: Clark Van Der Beken

The proposed State of Lincoln had multiple identities. One version placed it in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Although the name was intended to honor Abraham Lincoln, other names, such as Columbia and Eastern (East) Washington , were also considered.

Another proposal envisioned Lincoln in southern Texas. This version reportedly had a prepared constitution and a distinctive red flag featuring Lincoln’s face inside a yellow circle.

6

East and West Jersey

Image: Nick Fewings

Can you imagine two New Jerseys? Back in 1674, when the area was still a British province, New Jersey was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey , each with its own government and constitution.

But the separation lasted only 28 years . The territories were rejoined in 1702, and the first New Jersey state constitution wasn’t adopted until 1776, following independence from Britain.

7

Franklin

Image: Dan Mall

The State of Franklin was another plan, except this one worked, for a while. In 1784, settlers in eastern Tennessee had had enough with what they saw as North Carolina’s neglect. They declared independence and formed the State of Franklin , named after Benjamin Franklin, of course.

For four years, Franklin operated as a de facto state , complete with its own constitution and government. However, Congress refused to recognize it, and by 1788, the State of Franklin ceased to exist.

8

Transylvania

Image: Julia Volk

Transylvania (from the Latin for "beyond the woods" ) is more than just a remote land of vampire legends—it was also nearly the name of a short-lived American colony in what is now mostly Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.

In 1775, land speculator Richard Henderson struck a deal with the Cherokee to create the Colony of Transylvania , in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. But Virginia and North Carolina declared the venture illegal. Still, the name lives on today in Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

9

Nickajack

Image: lauren barton

During the Civil War, Union sympathizers in northern Alabama, northern Georgia, and eastern Tennessee proposed the creation of the State of Nickajack . The name came from a Cherokee village, but the idea never gained much traction.

Today, the Nickajack Dam and Nickajack Lake reservoir mark areas that would have fallen within the boundaries of this proposed state.

10

Absaroka

Image: Mohan Nannapaneni

Have you ever heard of Absaroka ? During the Great Depression, residents of parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana proposed the creation of the State of Absaroka , named after the Crow Nation’s word for "children of the large-beaked bird."

The movement was largely a symbolic protest against federal neglect. Absaroka even had its own license plates and a self-declared "governor," but the state never came to fruition.

11

Westsylvania

Image: Isaac Wendland

Yet another -vania . In the late 18th century, settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains proposed the creation of the State of Westsylvania . Frustrated by neglect from eastern state governments—especially Virginia and Pennsylvania—they wanted a state of their own.

But like many other separatist efforts, the proposal was rejected by Congress and never became a reality.

12

Madison

Image: Library of Congress

Another president nearly had a state named after him—but didn’t. The name of the fourth U.S. president, James Madison, was once proposed for the area that is now part of the Dakotas.

In the late 19th century, residents of what is now southwestern North Dakota proposed the creation of the State of Madison . However, the idea faced a major hurdle: Congress was already considering dividing the Dakota Territory into two separate states. In 1889, North and South Dakota were admitted to the Union, and the Madison proposal was quietly shelved.

1

American Goldfinch

If you’ve spotted a drop of sunshine landing on your feeder sometime in the summer, that’s the American Goldfinch. Males turn a vivid yellow each year thanks to a complete molt, usually finished by late May.

They’re found coast-to-coast but are especially common in the northern and central U.S., where they favor open meadows and backyard thistle feeders. Unlike most songbirds, they nest late, often waiting until July when thistle seeds peak. If you see a tiny bird—barely 5 inches long—bouncing through the air in a roller-coaster flight pattern, you’ve found the American Goldfinch.

2

Blue Jay

Blue Jays are known for being loud, confident, and colorful. Throughout the eastern half of the U.S., from Florida to Maine, they flash electric-blue wings marked with black "bar codes." Their blue color is actually a light trick: microscopic feather structures scatter wavelengths to create the hue. Another fun fact: back in the 1970s, researchers discovered they can mimic hawks, a clever way to scare other birds away from food.

3

American Robin

Long before digital calendars, people guessed the seasons thanks to this bird. The American Robin’s spring chorus has been recorded in journals as early as the 1800s, marking the end of winter across most of the U.S. They’re widespread, found in all lower 48 states and even in Alaska during summer. Robins stand upright, tugging worms from lawns with that unmistakable rusty-orange chest. Adults measure about 10 inches long, roughly the size of a small paperback book.

4

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

If you’ve ever seen a green flash zip past your porch faster than a camera shutter, it may have been a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It is the only hummingbird species that breeds east of the Mississippi. It weighs 0.2 ounces—as little as a nickel!—yet crosses the Gulf of Mexico during migration. Males display an iridescent red throat that lights up when sunlight hits at the perfect angle. A single feeder with a simple sugar solution can lure them in from May through September.

5

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals look like Christmas on wings, and it’s easy to see why. Males glow bright red, while females wear warm browns brushed with hints of red. They live year-round in the eastern and central U.S., especially in woodlots and suburban yards. Cardinals measure about 9 inches long and crack seeds with thick, powerful bills. Their "what-cheer!" call is one of the most recognized bird sounds in North America.

6

Song Sparrow

At first glance, this little brown bird might look like one of many, but listen closely. Song Sparrows have been studied for their remarkable vocal variety; a single male may sing more than 10 distinct song types. They’re common nationwide, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but differ subtly by region. They’re small—around 6 inches—but their voice carries surprisingly far.

7

Black-Capped Chickadee

A bird the size of a tennis ball—about 0.3 ounces—with the confidence of a much larger creature: that’s the Black-capped Chickadee. They have a surprisingly sophisticated communication system. In fact, biologists discovered that the number of "dee" notes in their call changes depending on the threat level of predators.

Found across the northern U.S. and in the Rockies and Appalachians, they sport crisp black caps and snow-white cheeks. Offer sunflower seeds, and they’ll visit you all winter.

8

Northern Mockingbird

What if one bird could perform an entire playlist? Northern Mockingbirds—common throughout the South, Midwest, and many western suburbs— can mimic over 100 sounds, from other birds to squeaky gates. In the 1960s, scientists confirmed their habit of singing at night, especially males guarding territory.

They’re roughly 10 inches long, the size of a stretched-out flashlight. Their slender gray bodies and white wings make them easy to spot when they swoop from fence posts.

9

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole can be described as "a flame carried by wings", since males sport brilliant orange while females show softer yellows.

These bright orange migrants breed across the Northeast and Midwest before wintering in Central America. Their hanging pouch nests—up to 8 inches deep—are woven with fibers like tiny hammocks swaying in the breeze. Orioles love tall shade trees and can hang upside down to sip nectar or jelly.

10

American Crow

Think of crows as neighborhood detectives. Studies show they can recognize human faces and remember them for years. Found in every U.S. state except Hawaii, American Crows are large—about 17 inches long—and solid black from bill to tail. Their aerial circling and communal roosts, sometimes numbering thousands, are especially common in the Midwest. They travel in family groups and announce their presence with a clear "caw!"

11

Black-billed Magpie

If you’ve ever driven through the Rockies or the Great Plains, you’ve likely seen this striking bird swooping low over fields. Black-billed Magpies, common from Nevada to the Dakotas, wear glossy black feathers with a blue-green sheen and long tails that can reach 12 inches—nearly half their total length. Their dome-shaped stick nests can be 3 feet across, and they thrive in open country and ranchlands.

12

Tufted Titmouse

One of the most charming feeder visitors in the eastern U.S., the Tufted Titmouse has a soft gray coat, a tiny crest, and warm orange patches under the wings. Though small—around 6.5 inches—they have a bold, ringing call: peter-peter-peter . Their range has expanded steadily northward, partly thanks to backyard feeders. Another fun fact: titmice store seeds one by one in tree bark, creating "pantries" they revisit all winter.

1

World's largest office building

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Among its many record-breaking achievements, America has one lesser-known record that also deserves attention.

Our country is home to the largest office building in the world. Want to know which one? The world's largest office building by floor area is the United States Department of Defense, also known as the Pentagon.

Ok, but how big is it? Located in Arlington, Virginia, and famous not only for its size but also for its distinctive five-sided design, the building has a total floor area of approximately 6.5 million square feet.

2

People in New York

Image: Nicolai Berntsen

We all know that New York City is packed with people. In fact, it's the most populous city in our country. But how many live there?

As of 2024, around 8.8 million people call NYC their home. That's a huge number on its own, but it might be even more impressive when you consider that NYC's population surpasses that of 40 US states, including Montana, New Hampshire, and Mississippi, to name a few. In other words, NYC has more residents than each of those 40 states individually.

After all, New York City is famously known as "the city that never sleeps" for a reason!

3

Many versions of the flag

Image: Chris Hardy

The US flag is one of our most beautiful and beloved symbols and also one of the most recognized worldwide. With its distinctive stripes, stars, and classic red, white, and blue colors, it is an unmistakable icon. But did you know it has undergone several changes over the years?

The US flag has not just had 1, 2, or 3 versions; in fact, there have been 27 official versions! Each of these versions served an important purpose, reflecting some key changes throughout our history. For example, whenever a new state joined the Union, an additional star was added. This is how we arrived at the 50 white stars you see in the upper left corner of our beautiful flag. The current version was made official on July 4, 1960.

4

No official language

Image: Ben Duchac

While English is the most widely spoken language in the United States, the country does not have an official language at the federal level.

This might surprise some people, given that English is the primary language for most Americans and is used for government and legal purposes.

On the other hand, many other languages are spoken here as well. For instance, Spanish is the second most spoken language, though it is used considerably less than English. And that's not all; Chinese, Filipino, and French also have a notable number of speakers in the US!

5

The fastest-speaking states

Image: Chris Liverani

We all have that friend who speaks so fast it's hard to keep up, even if you know them well. Would you like to know how fast Americans speak?

Fortunately, there's not just data on the languages we use but also on how quickly we speak in our daily lives. And it turns out that a few states lead the pack in this speed race.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, Oregon, Minnesota, and Massachusetts are the states where residents speak the fastest . So, if you know someone from those states, why not give it a try and see if you can keep up with their speedy conversations?

6

Most airports in the world

Image: Alex Underwood

Americans seem to love air travel, and there's a good reason for that: the US holds the record for the most airports in the world!

This isn't just a coincidence. The vast size of our territory— yes, we're one of the largest countries in the world—requires fast, safe, and efficient ways to travel to all corners.

With thousands of airports of all kinds spread across the country, it's no wonder that so many movies feature airport scenes or are even filmed inside airplanes, right?

7

Alaska's price

Image: Joris Beugels

We have the great advantage of having the gorgeous state of Alaska as one of the 50 states. Beyond its natural beauty, it holds another impressive distinction: it's the largest state by area, covering approximately 663,300 square miles.

As you may know, Alaska was purchased in 1867 when US Secretary of State William H. Seward sealed a deal with Russia to acquire the territory. However, what some people may not know is just how affordable it was: the purchase cost $7.2 million, which means we acquired Alaska for about 2 cents per acre! To put it in perspective, adjusted for inflation, that $7.2 million would be equivalent to about $140 million today.

8

The first national park in the world

Image: Nicolasintravel

The United States is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse national parks in the world. And not only that, but we also have the honor of being the country that established the world's very first national park.

Inaugurated on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the Earth's first national park. This event marked a turning point, leading to the creation of many other national parks and protected areas both in America and around the globe.

The incredible Yellowstone spans approximately 3,472 square miles , primarily in Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho. Have you had the chance to visit it?

9

A special feature on Washington National Cathedral

Image: Ryan Arnst

The Washington National Cathedral offers many attractions for visitors, starting with its beautiful Gothic-style architecture. However, it also holds some secrets and fun facts within its walls.

Construction began in 1907 and took 83 years to complete. The wait was well worth it, as the Washington National Cathedral is now the sixth-largest in the world! And here's a fun fact: its famous Space Window features a real piece of moon rock at its center. Amazing!

Additionally, there's also a quirky feature that some visitors overlook: on the Cathedral's façade, there's a gargoyle with the face of none other than Darth Vader! This Star Wars character was added to the building's northwest tower in the 1980s after a children's design competition. A curious touch, isn't it?

10

Miles of bookshelves

Image: Roman Kraft

The Library of Congress is much more than a beautiful complex of buildings. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this famous landmark was established over 200 years ago in 1800 . Since then, it has preserved and protected countless documents, treaties, and books that reflect and constitute our nation's history.

Adding to our list of world records, the Library of Congress holds the title of the largest library in the world. It boasts an incredible 164 million items, which translates to 838 miles of bookshelves. That's enough to cover the distance from Atlanta, GA, to New York City, NY!