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Modified & Updated: 08 Feb 2022

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

USA map with separated states, us states facts

US State facts that will show you the unique identity of the American Dream in each state. Know more about the history, practices, and politics of each denomination of the US States with these facts.

  1. There are 50 states in the United States.
  2. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S.
  3. Alaska is the biggest state in the U.S.
  4. California is the most populated state in the U.S.
  5. Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.
  1. Delaware became the first state of the modern United States on December 7, 1787.
  2. Maryland is the richest state in the U.S. Its median household income leads all the states at $80,776.
  3. Maryland benefits from its location since it’s just right beside the capital of the U.S.—Washington.
  4. New York is one of the states in the U.S. with most homeless people.
  5. The national forces of Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Georgia alone are strong enough to face the whole army of another country. These states have the most powerful military force in the U.S.
  6. Texas is the largest domestic producer of oil in the U.S.
  7. Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Texas are consistently among the hottest states of the U.S.
  8. Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S.
  9. California has the most highway traffic congestion in the U.S.
  10. Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Utah are the top 5 health-conscious states of the U.S.
  1. Hawaii is the happiest state in the U.S.
  2. Ohio’s flag is the only flag in the U.S. that isn’t a rectangle.
  3. Tennessee is the birthplace of the famous whiskey, Jack Daniels.
  4. Vermont is the least religious state in the U.S.
  5. Mississippi has more churches per capita than any other state in the U.S.
Table of Contents

Delaware is the only state in the U.S. without any National Park System.

Aside from the fact that Delaware is the first to ratify the United States Constitution, Delaware is also is the only state in the U.S. without any National Park System units like national parks, seashores, historic sites, battlefields, memorials, and monuments.

Delaware is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, north by Pennsylvania, and east by New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, Delaware got its unique name from Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr (Virginia’s first colonial governor).

Two terms are used to describe Pennsylvania—Chocolate & Cheesesteak Sandwich.

Pennsylvania became the 2nd state of the United States on December 12, 1787—just 5 days right after Delaware. Pennsylvania’s largest and most popular city is Philadelphia. Furthermore, the state is known to be the Chocolate Capital of the world, thanks to Milton S. Hershey, who was born in Derry Township, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia skyline at night, Pennsylvania
Image from Adobe Stock

The state is also very famous for its iconic Cheesesteak Sandwich, or commonly known as the Philly cheesesteak which originated from Philadelphia (Philly). This delicious sandwich contains melted cheese, pieces of beefsteak, and hoagie roll (long flat roll).

New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in terms of race and spoken languages.

New Jersey became the 3rd state of the United States on December 18, 1787, with a state motto, “liberty and prosperity”. The state is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Northeastern United States. New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in terms of race and spoken languages. In particular, it has Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, Filipino, Korean, Gujarati, Polish, Hindi, Arabic, and Russian.

Due to the relatively rough nature of New Jersey, it was once called the “Armpit of America”, where Dove, a personal care brand owned by Unilever, took part in a highly controversial commercial ad for their deodorant.

Dear New Jersey,
When people call you the “Armpit of America” take it as a compliment.
Sincerely,
Dove

Nevertheless, New Jersey is known for many things such as beautiful beaches, busy roads, great food, intense politics, and of course its diverse culture.

The Georgia state ranked number one in pecan production.

Georgia became the 4th state to ratify the United States Constitution on January 2, 1788. The state got its name from King George II of England. The most popular city in Georgia is Atlanta and arguably more popular than Georgia state itself.

The headquarters of the giant soda company, Coca-Cola is located at North Avenue and Luckie Street, Atlanta, Georgia. The state has a healthy agriculture industry as it leads the world in pecan production. Several farms in the state also produce peanuts, corn, and soybeans across middle and south Georgia as an alternative.

Connecticut is home to the smallest natural waterfall in the U.S.

Connecticut became the 5th state of the United States on January 9, 1788. The word Connecticut comes from an Indian name “Quinnehtukqut” which means “beside the long tidal river.” This state is the third smallest state of the U.S. by area with 14,357 km².

Its agriculture sector plays for the economy of the state and Connecticut’s most important products are poultry, dairy, forest and nursery, tobacco, as well as fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the smallest natural waterfall in the U.S., the Mill Pond Falls, is found in Newington, Connecticut.

Massachusetts, Boston, has the most NBA championships.

Massachusetts became the 6th state to ratify the United States Constitution on February 6, 1788. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and its most popular city. Furthermore, the former “charismatic” President John F Kennedy is a Massachusetts native who served as the 35th President of the United States. Massachusetts also is known to be the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage on May 17, 2004.

Massachusetts also bagged several sports achievements. The Boston Celtics, an American professional basketball team in the NBA based in Boston, is currently the winningest team in the NBA with 17 championships as of this writing. Boston Red Sox, an American professional baseball team in the MLB based in Boston, won 9 championships making them the 3rd place with most championships in Major League Baseball.

Maryland is one of the leading producers and processors of blue crabs and soft clams.

Maryland became the 7th state of the United States on April 28, 1788. Maryland’s capital is Annapolis and its largest city is Baltimore. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States, the state is one of the leading producers and processors of blue crabs and soft clams. Furthermore, natural resources, such as coal, clays, natural gas, and limestone, are abundant in the state. Maryland’s motto is “Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine” which means “Manly deeds, womanly words” or “Strong deeds, gentle words”.

Annapolis, Maryland, US States
Image from Adobe Stock

The national anthem of the United States was written by a lawyer, Francis Scott Key, from Maryland. On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key saw the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and many believed that he wrote the national anthem on the same day.

South Carolina is named after King Charles of England.

South Carolina became the 8th state of the United States on May 23, 1788. It was named after King Charles I and King Charles II of England. The name “Carolina” comes from the Latin word “Carolinus“, which means “of Charles”. South Carolina’s nickname is “The Palmetto State” as the palmetto tree symbolized Colonel Moultrie’s (a South Carolina planter and politician who became a general in the American Revolutionary War) heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island against the attack of the British fleet in the year 1776.

Captain John Mason named the state New Hampshire.

On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the 9th state of the United States. Bordered by Vermont to the west, Massachusetts to the south, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north, New Hampshire is the 5th smallest state of the United States. Captain John Mason, a sailor and colonizer from England, named the state New Hampshire after the southern English county of Hampshire.

The state has 10 counties, more than 10 municipalities, 221 towns, and 22 unincorporated places. The capital of New Hampshire was initially Exeter. However, it was changed to Concord in the year 1808. The state has a changeable climate and enjoys all four seasons with warm and humid summers, as well as the long, cold, and snowy winters.

Virginia hosts the annual East Coast Surfing Championships.

Virginia became the 10th state of the United States on June 25, 1788. The state got its name after England’s “Virgin Queen,” Elizabeth I. Virginia has always been one of the best in terms of government efficiency, and is the home base of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. This state is the final resting place of the 7 U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Tyler, Taft, and Kennedy.

Although Virginia is not involved in major sports such as basketball and baseball, the annual East Coast Surfing Championships is hosted in Virginia Beach. The famous Thomas Jefferson High School is also located here and it is currently the third-best high school in the U.S.

New York is arguably the most popular state in the United States.

New York became the 11th state of the United States on July 26, 1788. When people hear about New York, several things come to their minds. In particular, those are; the Statue of Liberty, New York Stock Exchange (Wall Street), Broadway Theatre, “The Empire State”, Ellis Island, Madison Square Garden, the Twin Towers (World Trade Center), just to name a few. And of course, not to forget New York City, which is also the largest city in the New York state.

While this may be true, New York’s tourist spots outside the city are just as beautiful and yet, underrated. For instance, the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, New York Botanical Garden, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory are some places you can visit outside of the ‘City that Never Sleeps’. New York is arguably the most popular state of the United States, in turn often mistaken to be the country’s capital.

North Carolina is the king of furniture making.

North Carolina became the 12th state of the United States on November 21, 1789. The state of North Carolina leads the U.S. in furniture, tobacco, brick, and textile production.

north carolina, US States
Image from Getty

Moreover, North Carolina boasts that “when it comes to furniture manufacturing, North Carolina stands second to none”. Thus, North Carolina is home to High Point Market (the biggest furnishings industry trade show in the world), Furnitureland South (the biggest furniture store in the world), and major manufacturers such as Ashley Furniture (the biggest furniture manufacturer in the world).

Rhode Island is one of the world’s best in cutleries and nice jewelry production.

Rhode Island became the 13th state of the United States on May 29, 1790. The state is known for making cutleries and nice jewelry. Once awarded as “the jewelry capital of the world”, Rhode Island continues to fight for its title. Thus, it’s always “hard to stay on top of the food chain” all the time when it comes to the jewelry business since it is a fierce industry. The Rhode Islanders should always put their state motto in their hearts and minds—Hope.

Vermont is the dairy king of the United States.

Vermont became the 14th state of the United States on March 4, 1791. Moreover, dairy products such as Vermont cheddar cheese, maple syrup are its specialty. Most noteworthy, the legendary Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is also based in South Burlington, Vermont.

Ben & Jerry’s makes some of America’s favorite ice cream with over 54 flavors. What makes Ben and Jerry’s ice cream business so unique, they are the only ice cream maker in the world who has a graveyard or a cemetery for their ice creams. Ben & Jerry’s believes that “Ice cream flavors, like everything else, have a beginning & an end”. Hence, if the ice cream flavor is not any more “fast-moving” on the menu, they put it in the grave with “respected honors”. Some ice cream flavors in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream graveyard include; Schweddy Balls, Wavy Gravy, This is Nuts, Ethan Almond, and Vermonty Python.

Kentucky Fried Chicken originated in Kentucky. Well, obviously.

Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States on June 1, 1792. It is given the nickname, “The Bluegrass State” since its land is covered with a type of grass called, bluegrass—which looks blue with all of the buds that can grow all over it. The state motto of Kentucky is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.

Kentuckians love to play all the major sports in the U.S., and Kentucky is home to some of the world’s finest racehorses. It is also home to Kentucky Fried Chicken, or more popularly known as KFC, which originated in North Corbin, Kentucky.

The state name Tennesse came from the word “The Meeting Place.”

Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States on June 1, 1796. The state’s dominant industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and as well as tourism. Tennessee’s main agricultural products are soybeans, poultry, cattle, and other livestock. Furthermore, Tennessee got its name from the old Yuchi Indian word, “Tana-see,” which means “The Meeting Place.” The capital of Tennesse is Nashville and its state animal is a raccoon.

Ohio has 4 nicknames.

Ohio became the 17th state of the United States on March 1, 1803. Ohio’s nickname is the “Buckeye State” to complement its numerous Ohio buckeye trees in the state, a native tree primarily to the Midwestern and lower Great Plains regions of the United States.

Columbus, Ohio, US States
Image from Getty

Ohio is also called the “Mother of Presidents”, “Birthplace of Aviation”, and “The Heart Of It All.” More than 6 presidents of the U.S. were born in Ohio, and 23 Ohio locals have become astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. To promote tourism, the state has the slogan “The Heart Of It All” and its state motto is “With God, all things are possible.”

Louisiana is famous for its numerous festivals.

Louisiana became the 18th state of the United States on April 30, 1812. The state name honors King Louis XIV, and its state motto is “Union, Justice, and Confidence.” Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the United States with 34 floors, standing at 450 feet tall. It is also the only U.S. state that does not have counties.

Louisiana is famous for its numerous festivals such as the Bayou Country Superfest, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival, Festival International, Voodoo Experience, and of course the Mardi Gras. As a result, New Orleans, Louisiana, became the Jazz Capital of the world.

Indiana is home to the indigenous people and Native Americans.

Indiana became the 19th state of the United States on December 11, 1816. Before becoming the state of the U.S., several indigenous peoples and Native Americans inhabited Indiana for thousands of years. Moreover, Indiana’s name means “Land of the Indians”, or simply “Indian Land”. Indiana is also known as “The Hoosier State,” with Indianapolis as its capital. Its state motto is “Crossroads of America.”

Mississippi is the world’s leading producer of pond-raised catfish.

Also known as “Magnolia State” or “Hospitality State,” Mississippi became the 20th state of the United States on December 10, 1817. The state of Mississippi is the world’s leading producer of pond-raised catfish. Furthermore, farm-raised catfish is one of the largest aquaculture industry in the United States. With this in mind, Mississippi produces more than 350 million pounds of catfish which is equivalent to 55 % of all U.S. catfish production.

Jackson is the state capital of Mississippi, with a state motto “Virtute et Armis” which means “I trust in virtue, not arms”.

The state of Illinois generates more nuclear power than any other state.

Illinois became the 21st state of the United States on December 3, 1818. The state is known as the “Prairie State” and the “Land of Lincoln” since former President Abraham Lincoln spent most of his life in Illinois. The capital of Illinois is Springfield, with cardinal as its state bird and the white-tailed deers as its state animal. The state motto of Illinois is State Sovereignty, National Union.

The state of Illinois generates more nuclear power than any other state. With more than 10 nuclear reactors, Illinois produces around 50% of the state’s electricity which is about one-eighth of the nation’s nuclear power generation.

Alabama is a mass producer of cotton.

Alabama became the 22nd state of the United States on December 14, 1819. Although Alabama has no official nickname, the state is known as the “Heart of Dixie” and the “Cotton State”. Moreover, “The Heart of Dixie” reflects the central role of Alabama’s participation in the history of the South. The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, and its state animal is the black bear. “Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere” or “We Dare Defend Our Rights” is the state motto of Alabama.

Alabama, Montgomery, US States
Image from Getty

Cotton production in the state was a major influence for the growth and culture of Alabama. Alabama is also the only state in the U.S. with all major natural resources needed to make steel and iron.

Maine is the lobster capital of the United States.

Maine became the 23rd state of the United States on March 15, 1820. The state is very well known for its lobsters and most of the lobster harvest of the U.S. comes from Maine. Moreover, the state has close to 5,600 kilometers of coastline, and over 8,046 kilometers of coast if all of the nearby islands are combined. The capital of Maine is Augusta and the state motto of Maine is “Dīrigō”, which means “I lead”. The state animal of Maine is the moose.

Budweiser started in Missouri.

Missouri became the 24th state of the United States on August 10, 1821. Known as the “Show Me State”, the expression started in the year 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, “I’m from Missouri and you’ve got to show me”. Missouri got its name from the tribe of Sioux Indians called the Missouris.

Furthermore, while the word “Missouri” is often mistranslated as “muddy water”, the word “Missouri” actually means “town of the large canoes”. Missouri’s state motto is Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto or “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law”. Moreover, the major industries of the state come from farming (soybeans, corn), mining (zinc, lead), aircraft equipment, cars, and beer. Most noteworthy, Budweiser Beer started in St. Louis, Missouri in 1876.

Arkansas is the only state in the U.S. that produces diamonds.

Arkansas became the 25th state of the United States on June 15, 1836. Known for its wonderful lakes, over 600,000 acres of lakes, rivers, and hot springs, its nickname describes it all—“The Natural State”. Moreover, Arkansas is the only state in the U.S. that produces diamonds. The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, with a state motto “Regnat Populus”, or “The People Rule”. The pine tree is Arkansas’s state tree.

There is only one active diamond mine in the U.S., the Crater of Diamonds Mine near Murfreesboro, Pike County in Arkansas.

The Michigan locals are one of the most open, friendly, kind and hospitable.

Michigan became the 26th state of the United States on January 26, 1837. The Michigan locals are one of the most open, friendly, kind and hospitable citizens of the United States. Its capital is Lansing, and the state motto is “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice” or “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”

Although Michigan is often called the “Wolverine State”, due to the abundance of wolverines that once roamed the peninsula, its more common nickname is the “Great Lakes State.” Furthermore, Michigan is the only state in the United States that borders four of the five Great Lakes, a series of interconnected freshwater lakes.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the Yachting Capital of the World.

Florida became the 27th state of the United States on March 3, 1845. Florida is the flattest state in the United States, and Tallahassee as its capital. In particular, Britton Hill is the highest point on the geographic Florida Peninsula at only 95 meters. Its state motto is “In God We Trust,” and its state animal is the panther.

Florida, Tallahassee, US States
Image from Getty Images

Fort Lauderdale in Florida is the home to the superyachts of the world. Above all, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the yachting capital of the world.

The most dominant industries in Texas are gas, oil, steel manufacturing, and agriculture.

Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845. Accordingly, the state is called “The Lone Star State” because of its former status as an independent republic, and as a reminder of Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. The state motto of Texas is “Friendship”. The word, Texas, or Tejas, is a Spanish word from Caddo Indian which means “friends” or “allies”. The most dominant industries in Texas are gas, oil, steel manufacturing, and agriculture.

The U.S. obtained Iowa as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

After almost exactly 1 year upon acquiring Texas, on December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state of the United States. In particular, the United States obtained Iowa in the year 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

The state is mostly made up of farmland, and it’s known for its many cornfields and plains. The state motto of Iowa is “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain”. Furthermore, the capital of Iowa is Des Moines, and it is its biggest city as well.

Wisconsin consumes around 21 million gallons of ice cream year after year.

Wisconsin became the 30th state of the United States on May 29, 1848. The first ice cream sundae was concocted in Two Rivers, a city in Wisconsin, in the year 1881. The state consumes around 21 million gallons of ice cream every year and ranks top 3 in the highest ice cream consumers in the U.S. Its state capital is Madison and its state motto is “Forward.”

California is the most populous state in the United States.

California became the 31st state of the United States on September 9, 1850. By far, California is the most populated state in the United States with close to 40 million residents (and growing), which is equivalent to 12% of the country’s population. Furthermore, the state’s original race is 58% Asian, Hispanic, and Native American. 26% of its people were born outside the United States.

California is one of the top producers of nuts, vegetables, almonds, dairy products, cotton, walnuts, pistachios, rice, grapes, and of course, its world’s most famous wines. Califonia’s capital is Sacramento and its state motto is “Eureka” or “I have found it.”

Minnesota is home to over 15,000 lakes.

Minnesota became the 32nd state of the United States on May 11, 1858, nearly 8 years after California became the 31st state. This state is located in the midwestern United States, bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the third-largest freshwater lake by volume. Minnesota is also known as “Gopher State” or “North Star State”, and its capital is St. Paul.

minnesota, US States
Image from Getty Images

Minnesota is called the “Bread and Butter State,” due to its numerous flour mills and butter-making plants, and “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” since the state is home to over 15,000 lakes. Accordingly, the word ‘Minnesota’ is from a Dakota Sioux Indian word which means “cloudy water” or “sky water”. The state motto of Minnesota is “L’Etoile du Nord” or “The Star of the North”.

Oregon is the first state in the United States to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1859. The capital state is Salem and the state motto is the Latin phrase “Alis volat propriis” which means “She flies with her own wings”.

Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the country, Crater Lake. Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is around 655 meters deep, which was formed more than 7,000 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama. Moreover, Oregon is the first state of the United States to legalize physician-assisted suicide. As a result, Oregon’s suicide rates are one of the highest in the country.

Kansas is one of the leading agricultural states in the U.S.

Kansas became the 34th state of the United States on January 29, 1861. Also known as “The Wheat State”, Kansas is one of the leading agricultural states in the U.S. especially when it comes to wheat production. Furthermore, the state motto of Kansas is “Ad Astra per Aspera” which means “To the Stars through Difficulties”. The state capital is Topeka.

Helium was discovered in 1905 at the University of Kansas, and the food chain giant Pizza Hut opened its first store in Wichita, Kansas on June 15, 1958.

The tourism and coal industry is the leading industry in West Virginia.

West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States on June 20, 1863. The tourism and coal industry is the leading industry in West Virginia. Furthermore, some of the top-rated tourist attractions in West Virginia are the Gauley River National Recreation Area, Seneca Rocks, New River Gorge, Harpers Ferry, Snowshoe Mountain, and Coopers Rock State Forest. The state capital of West Virginia is Charleston, and its state motto is “Montani Semper Liberi” or “Mountaineers are Always Free”.

Las Vegas is arguably more popular than Nevada.

Nevada became the 36th state of the United States on October 31, 1864. Nevada is one of the most popular states in the country because of its “Sin City”, Las Vegas. In contrast to the belief of many, Carson City is the capital of Nevada, and not Las Vegas. Furthermore, Las Vegas is often mistaken as a state. Remember, Nevada is the state and Las Vegas is the city (that’s how famous it is). Nevada is also known as “The Sagebrush State” or “Battle Born State”. The state motto of Nevada is “All for our country”.

Fun fact about Las Vegas since we’re here: It would take more than 400 years for one person to spend one night in every hotel room in Las Vegas!

Warren Buffett is from Nebraska.

Nebraska became the 37th state of the United States on March 1, 1867. The state capital of Nebraska is Lincoln and its state motto is “Equality before the law”. When people hear or think about Nebraska, there are a couple of things that come to mind, the state’s agribusiness, known as the “Cornhusker State”, and Warren Buffett.

Nebraska, US State
Photo by Pieter van de Sande on Unsplash

The living legend Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Warren is known to be extremely frugal, that his holding company, Berkshire Hataway, a $560 billion company, is operated only by 25 staff at 3555 Farnam St, Omaha, Nebraska in a very humble office space. Accordingly, Warren Buffett is the 9th richest man in the world.

Colorado is known for its striking landscape.

Colorado became the 38th state of the United States on August 1, 1876. The state of Colorado is known for its striking landscape of mountains, high plains, mesas, canyons, forests, plateaus, desert lands, and rivers. Furthermore, Colorado is Denver’s capital and the most populous city. The state motto of Colorado is “Nil sine Numine” or “Nothing without providence”. The world’s biggest natural hot springs pool is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

North Dakota is one of the most nicknamed states in the U.S.

North Dakota became the 39th state of the United States on November 2, 1889. The state of North Dakota is the leading producer of spring wheat, durum wheat, canola, dry edible peas, dry edible beans, honey, and flaxseed. The state capital is Bismarck and its state motto is “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable”.

North Dakota is one of the most nicknamed states in the United States and known as the “Peace Garden State”, “The 701”, “The Flickertail State”, “Roughrider State”, “Norse Dakota” and “Heaven”.

North and South Dakota is a midwestern state with one of the smallest populations.

South Dakota became the 40th state of the United States on November 2, 1889, the same day as North Dakota. North and South Dakota is a midwestern state with one of the smallest populations in the United States which is only around 880,000 for each of them. The capital of South Dakota is Pierre and its state motto is “Under God, the people rule”. Furthermore, South Dakota’s major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism.

Montana is one of the most mountainous states in the U.S.

Montana became the 41st state of the United States on November 8, 1889. The word Montana came from a Spanish origin. Accordingly, the early Spanish settlers named the state “montaña” which means “mountain” in the Spanish language. Its state capital is Helena and its state motto is “Oro y Plata” or “Gold and Silver”.

Moreover, Montana is one of the most mountainous states in the United States with more than 100 mountains. Thus, Montana’s nickname is “Land of the Shining Mountains”, “Big Sky Country”, and “Treasure State”.

The State of Washington is often mistaken as Washington D.C.

Washington became the 42nd state of the United States on November 11, 1889. Washington State is often mistaken as Washington D.C. for the non-Americans. In actual fact, these are two different states and are far from each other. Washington State is on the west and Washington D.C. is on the east. The capital of Washington is Olympia and its state motto is “Al-ki” or “By and By”.

washington state, US State
Image from Getty

The biggest and most popular city in Washington is Seattle and some famous destinations in Washington are Space Needle, Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Pike Place Starbucks, and Mount St. Helens National Monument.

Idaho produces high-quality potatoes.

Idaho became the 43rd state of the United States on July 3, 1890. The state capital of Idaho is Boise, and its state animal is the Appaloosa horse. Although the state is called the “Gem State”, Idaho is popularly known for its potatoes.

Accordingly, Idaho’s fertile volcanic soil, water from melting snow in its mountains, sunny days, fresh air, and cool nights are its “secret ingredients” for producing its high-quality potatoes consistently, which made Idaho famous across the globe. Hopefully, its state motto will be the inspiration for the coming generations in terms of excellence in potato production, “Let it be perpetual”.

Wyoming is the 10th largest state by area, and yet it is the least populated.

Wyoming became the 44th state of the United State on July 10, 1890. Although Wyoming is the 10th largest state by area, it is the least populated state with only around 578,000. The United States government owns nearly half of the land of Wyoming.

The state capital is Cheyenne, and its state motto is “The Equality State”. The leading industries in Wyoming are mining, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. Wyoming’s top agricultural products are cattle and calves, hay, sugar beets, hogs, and, lambs.

The Mormons are the first settlers in Utah.

Utah became the 45th state of the United States on January 4, 1896. The early Mormons settled in Utah around the year 1847. Thus, Utah is called the “Beehive State” due to the early settlers from the Church of Jesus Christ (Latter-day Saints), who practice the Book of Mormon. Moreover, the capital of Utah is Salt Lake City and its state motto is “Industry”. Furthermore, Utah is known for having some of the best skiing sites in the United States. Accordingly, Utah’s snowy mounts get an average of 500 inches of snow each year.

Oklahoma has a vast and diverse landscape.

Oklahoma became the 46th state of the United States on November 16, 1907. The state is located in the midwestern part of the U.S. and is known for its forests, hills, lakes, and Plains. Moreover, aviation, biotechnology, energy, and, hospitality & services are its major industries. The state motto of Oklahoma is “Labor Omnia Vincit” or “Work conquers all”. Furthermore, Oklahoma City is the capital of Oklahoma and its nickname is “Sooner State”—in respect for the non-Native settlers.

The United States purchases New Mexico through the Gadsden Purchase.

New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States on January 6, 1912. Accordingly, the early Spanish settlers named the area “Nuevo México” or “New Mexico” in English, after the Aztec Valley of the Rio Grande River in Mexico. The capital of New Mexico is Santa Fe, and its state motto is “Land of Enchantment”.

santa fe, US States
Image from Getty

Furthermore, the trade volume grew between the United States and Mexico grew in the 1820s. As the years go by, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was created for New Mexico and the United States (the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits and Settlement between the United State and Mexico) which later led to the Gadsden Purchase, the United State’s purchase of New Mexico and Arizona.

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona.

Arizona became the 48th state of the United States on February 14, 1912. Known as the “Grand Canyon State” because of the unequal beauty of its Grand Canyon, many people consider it as part of the 7 wonders of the world. The total length of the Grand Canyon is 446 kilometers.

Arizona’s capital is Phoenix, and its state motto is “Ditat Deus” which means “God Enriches”. Moreover, the other nickname of Arizona is the “Copper State” due to rich deposits of copper.

Alaska’s capital, Juneau, has no roads that connect the city to the rest of Alaska.

Alaska became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959. Known as the “Last Frontier” because of its natural rugged beauty, resources, namely gold and oil, and the distance between Alaska and the United States. The state motto is “North to the future”.

The capital of Alaska is Juneau, and it has no roads that connect to the rest of Alaska, or even to the U.S. or Canada because of the rugged terrain. Juneau is also the only U.S. state capital that borders another country, Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia.

Hawaii is the last and 50th state of the United States.

Hawaii became the 50th state of the U.S. on August 21, 1959. Moreover, Waikiki Beach is Hawaii’s most popular beach and the state’s biggest tourist attraction along with Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Haleakala National Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, and its most famous Volcanoes National Park. The state capital of Hawaii is Honolulu. Its state motto is “Ua Mau Ke Ea o ka ʻĀina I ka Pono” or “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”.

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