How much do you know about American history?
Most Americans believe they know enough about the history of their country. However, they’ll probably tell you that the country has been around since 1776 and 1789 when it was formally founded.
Others will narrate to you that Teddy Roosevelt was known to be a proud “Trust Buster” or that Abe Lincoln was America’s 16th president.
But…
There’s more to the history of America than what you can find in history textbooks; so much isn’t included in the textbook purviews.
The average American probably isn’t aware of the fascinating facts loaded in the country’s history. Some include:
- With 1 in every 10 American presidents assassinated, the president’s office is the country’s deadliest job.
- A 17-year old schoolboy designed the grand old American flag with 50 stars in 1958.
- The amount of pizza sold in America daily could cover about 100 acres of land.
- Grover Cleveland was America’s only executioner president; he hanged a murderer in New York as the sheriff.
- Abraham Lincoln was an entrepreneurial president with a saloon and patent for a device used to lift boats.
- The U.S. Air Force is the largest military force worldwide, followed by the U.S Navy and Marine Corps.
- The oldest rivers dating back to millions of years are in the American soil: the Susquehanna, the New, and the French Broad Rivers.
- One in every 10 Americans is likely related by blood to one of the 102 pilgrims of the 1620 Mayflower.
Here’re more interesting facts you’ll love to know about American history:
5 Fascinating Facts about the History of America that You May Not Know
- Celebrations and fireworks
Fireworks are typical of many celebrations in America, especially the 4th of July.
This culture is rooted in a fascinating history of the country. A “Congreve Rocket,” a British weapon and important firework, enabled the British to conquer Washington during “The Burning of Washington” war in 1812.
The rocket was inaccurate and susceptible to failure, hence only caused 26 deaths in the war. However, it turned out to be a terrible weapon for American soldiers who were untrained.
During the Battle of Bladensburg, the British took a sack and burnt Washington to victory, putting the city in the hands of foreign forces.
- Turkish lies and explores American soil with Coronado
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was the first explorer of the American Southwest on an expedition to find the “Seven Cities of Gold.”
A Native American guide is known as “the Turk” accompanied Coronado’s team. The Spanish explorers exploited the native tribes, killing and stealing from them as they deemed fit.
As a result, The Turk led the team of explorers astray so they could get lost in the wilderness. He led them into the great plains far from his people, knowing well he would never return if his plan worked well.
However, the Spanish discovered his plan and assassinated him prior to going back to New Mexico. The Native American hero, The Turk, saved his people from the aggressive Spanish explorers.
- Evolution of hunting rifles contributed to America’s survival and economic prosperity
The history of firearms in the U.S dates back to as early as 1607 when English men arrived at Jamestown, Va. The early settlers used rifles to protect their colonies and hunt for big game meat.
Today, the rifles have evolved to feature the best ar 15 scope for top performance.
- Popov and Pearl Harbor
Dushan Popov is the man believed to have inspired James Bond of Ian Fleming. He lived a high life in the 1940s.
Believed to be a German spy, Popov collected information for the Axis Powers from the Americans. However, he was also working as an agent for Britain.
The Japanese planned an attack on a naval base while he worked as a British agent. He decided to provide the FBI with information about the planned attack.
Upon arriving in America, he was made to set an appointment and wait before seeing J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI. He rented a penthouse while waiting for his appointment and partied with the famous and rich of the time.
However, Hoover was furious at his risky behavior and threatened to send him to jail for violating the Mann Act. Popov failed to tell Hoover the information he came to deliver due to his anger.
- Lincoln’s assassination and a promise to his wife
Lots of myths and theories surround the death of Abraham Lincoln. However, killing him wasn’t part of the initial plan.
Instead, he was to be kidnapped and taken hostage. Lincoln dreamt of his assassination after John Wilkes and his team changed their plan.
The dream bothered Lincoln so much that he shared it with William H. Crook, his bodyguard. Crook advised him not to visit the theater on the night of his killing.
But…
Lincoln had promised his wife to go to the theater. He kept his promise despite the possibility of never returning home.
