We all know how tedious yet heartwarming Thanksgivings are. While smartphones have given most people the reason to avoid awkward conversations with family members, the spirit of Thanksgiving is actually the opposite. This is one time in the year that you need to be with your family, catch up with their lives, and make sure that you connect with them.
In this article, we’ve collated some interesting USA facts that you can use to start a conversation:
The end of slavery in Louisiana was a result of the confederacy’s defeat
There was once a time when almost half of Louisiana’s population were slaves. The state was notorious for curbing the civil rights of colored people, choosing to give them liberties such as an extension of voting and citizenship, but still limiting fundamental human rights.
One of the most interesting Louisiana facts is that after the Confederacy’s defeat in the American Civil War, Louisiana’s terrible history with slaves came to a close. But it didn’t improve overnight.
In fact, what historians call the Great Migration happened after abolishing slavery, with colored folks choosing to flee the state between 1916 to 1970. That’s a lifetime if you think about it. Most of these enslaved people and people of ethnic origins went to California for better jobs. It was the height of WWII, and there was a boom in employment for its defense industries.
In Alaska, you can find produce bigger than humans
Alaska is not just the US’s biggest state; it’s also one of the most agricultural. It’s not always frigid weather and snow in the state.
Alaskan produce is some of the most revered in the world in terms of size. The long sunlight hours in the summer have something to do with these freakishly large agricultural products.
A 138-pound cabbage has been reported to top an annual festival of large produce! Plus, 35-pound broccoli!
Mardi Gras originated in a small town in Alabama
Mardi Gras is a festival that is celebrated in almost all states. While it’s primarily associated with New Orleans, it was actually in the small town of Mobile, Alabama, that the tradition started. Mardi Gras has been a tradition for the French settlements in the early years of the industrial revolution.
The festival means Fat Tuesday, which commemorates one of the last days to eat before the Lenten season fast. This is one of those USA facts that are very lesser known among people.
Must read: Things Switzerland is Famous For.
Arkansas is home to the only diamond mine in the US
Arkansas has some of the country’s largest gems, and this is because the state has the only diamond mine in all of 50 states.
The Crater Diamonds State Park in Arkansas has consistently produced some real wonders, including the largest diamond discovered in the United States. Called Uncle Sam, the diamond was rough by today’s standards, but it weighed a whopping 40.23 carats.
Only in the state of Florida can you both find alligators and crocodiles in the wild
Florida is hailed as the wildest state in pop culture, not just because of the wild things its people do but also because of the everglades and animals that live in it.
In no other place in the world will you find both alligators and crocodiles in the wild. You can precisely spot both of these majestic creatures in South Florida.
If you plan a trip to the state, make sure to bring sunscreen as well!
Hawaii is the most populated island in the world
Hawaii may be composed of several islands and islets, but the sheer population in the island state trumps any other population in the world. Isn’t this an amazing fact about the USA?
Oahu, the largest island, with Honolulu, the capital city, has less than 900,000 people. The principal port, as well as the main airport, may have something to do with it.
Indiana produces at least 20% of the world’s popcorn supply
Indiana is the country’s popcorn capital, but the state also produces 20% of the world’s popcorn supply. Most people don’t know that there is a place in Indiana that’s called Popcorn.
Although an unincorporated community, the place’s products have been imported and exported in the country and the rest of the world.
There’s an actual desert in the main
We all know Maine as a city with an incredible skyline, stunning forests, picturesque lakes, and at least 60 lighthouses, but there’s one actual tourist destination in the state that trumps all of these: a real desert.
The 40-acre land that turned into a wasteland of sand and silt is called the Desert of Maine.
Takeaway
Always remember to make conversations with the family light-hearted. With these facts, you can easily do so!
So make an effort to learn and research more of these random facts, so you have something to show up for when there’s a lull in the conversation come Thanksgiving!
