1

Martha Washington

Let’s begin with the inaugural first lady of our country. In May 1789, Martha Washington inaugurated the role of First Lady of the United States when she arrived in New York City to meet her husband, George Washington. Interestingly, the name "First Lady" wouldn’t be used until some time later. Instead, Martha was simply referred to as "Lady Washington".

As you would expect, Martha Washington installed practices that went on to become traditions held by many future First Ladies, including receptions to the general public on New Year’s Eve. Furthermore, President Washington asked Martha to hold special drawing room events at their residence. These social gatherings became instrumental in forming what was known as the "Republican Court" , an influential group of American intellectuals and politicians.

2

Rosalynn Carter

According to Rosalynn Carter , she first became attracted to her husband, future president Jimmy Carter, when she saw him in a photograph dressed in his U.S. Navy uniform. What followed is a long and prosperous love story, which only ended in 2023 after Rosalynn passed away at the age of 96 years old.

During her tenure as First Lady, Rosalynn became an advocate for mental health and women’s rights, and she continued to support these causes through her work in the Carter Center. Both Rosalyn and President Carter were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.

3

Barbara Bush

Few First Ladies hold the honor of being both the wife and the mother of a U.S. President, and Barbara Bush is one of them. She served as the First Lady during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, who acted as the 41st U.S. President from 1989 to 1993.

Although she presented herself in an almost apolitical manner, Barbara often engaged in charity work, most notably in campaigns to fight illiteracy. After her husband’s presidency ended, she continued to work in campaigning for her sons, including our 43rd President, George W. Bush.

4

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt is remembered as the longest-serving First Lady in U.S. history. However, the legacy of this amazing figure is not limited to this fact. Roosevelt is considered to be one of the most groundbreaking First Ladies in history, completely revolutionizing the function.

Roosevelt took an active role during her husband’s terms, actively engaging in public events, travels, and cultural activities. Not only that, she was instrumental in President Roosevelt’s involvement with the then-newly formed United Nations. Eleanor served as a delegate to the U.N. General Assembly, acting as the leading figure behind the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

5

Nancy Reagan

Just like her husband, Nancy Reagan’s career before the White House was filled with the glamour and excitement of Hollywood. Between the 1940s and 1950s, she starred in several blockbusters such as "The Next Voice You Hear...", "Night into Morning", and "Donovan ’ s Brain", acting under her maiden name, Nancy Davis.

In 1952, she married then-fellow actor Ronald Reagan, the president of the Screen Actors Guild at the time. Nancy first served as First Lady of California when her husband was governor of the state, and later on as First Lady of the country in 1981.

6

Lady Bird Johnson

Some First Ladies (although not many) are better known by their nicknames, and that’s certainly the case with " Lady Bird" Johnson . Born Claudia Alta Taylor in Karnack, Texas, this First Lady’s nickname comes from the fact that her nursemaid apparently stated that young Claudia was "as pretty as a ladybird".

When she was in her early 20s, Lady Bird met a young congressional aide named Lyndon B. Johnson after a mutual friend introduced them. The First Lady would later declare that she felt "like a moth drawn to a flame" on that first meeting. A few weeks after their first dates, the couple married and went on to have two daughters, Lynda Bird and Luci Baines.

7

Jackie Kennedy

For many Americans, First Ladies are the pinnacle of glamour. Their impeccable manners and warm personalities perfectly match their classy outfits. In that sense, Jacqueline "Jackie" Kennedy is considered to this day an international icon, known for her daring yet elegant attire and her devotion to their family and her country.

Jackie met President Kennedy, then U.S. Representative for Massachusetts, at a dinner party held by journalist Charles L. Bartlett. A year later, in 1953, the couple married in an event that was listed as the social event of the season. Jackie took a rather active role in her duties as First Lady. She conducted a massive restoration process of the White House and often joined her husband on many trips abroad, becoming a beloved cultural ambassador for America.

8

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton is definitively the person on this list with the most political experience. She was Secretary of State, Senator for the State of New York, and presidential candidate. However, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that she dutifully served as First Lady of the United States while her husband was in the White House.

While the world knew her as Hillary Rodham, she entered Yale Law School in the early 70s, where she met a fellow law student by the name of William "Bill" Clinton. They married in 1975 and welcomed their only daughter, Chelsea, in 1980.

9

Michelle Obama

Following her graduation from Princeton University, a young lawyer by the name of Michelle LaVaughn Robinson started working in a Chicago law firm, focusing on marketing and intellectual property law. During her time in this office, she met another young lawyer named Barack Obama. Did any of them know that they were meeting their future spouse?

Let’s now jump to the year 2009: Barack Obama was the first African-American President of our country, and Michelle Obama became the First Lady of the United States. During her time in the White House, Michelle took a stand against many difficulties, like poverty, childhood obesity, and illiteracy.

10

Betty Ford

Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Ford assumed the role of Second Lady when her husband, Gerald Ford, served as Vice President to Richard Nixon (1973-1974), and she became the First Lady when Nixon resigned from the presidency in August 1974.

However unexpected her rise to the role was, Betty Ford is fondly remembered as one of the most courageous First Ladies of our country; she was not afraid to speak her mind and get involved in politics. During her time in the White House, she became known as a passionate defender of the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as a public spokesperson for breast cancer awareness.

1

New Hampshire: Seat belts are not mandatory

The invention of the seat belt revolutionized automobile safety, and it is not a surprise that it is a legal requirement for driving in the U.S. and many other countries . However, there is a state where it is not a requirement, provided that you are an adult.

Under New Hampshire state law, only minors are required to have a seatbelt —or a safety seat in the case of infants. Adults can do as they see fit in this matter , which follows the state’s stance on personal issues, reflected in its motto "Live Free or Die". However, while you will not be pulled over for driving without a seat belt, it can be used against you in the case of an accident or an injury lawsuit.

2

New Jersey: No pumping your own gas

A few decades ago, New Jersey was no exception in this matter, and it was just one of many states where self-service gas stations were banned due to safety concerns and pressure from full-service station owners.

Most states have repealed the ban since then —Oregon was the last state to do so in 2023; however, New Jersey still requires gas to be pumped by a trained attendant , imposing fines of up to $500 on any customer found pumping their own gas.

3

Nebraska: Unicameral legislature

49 of the 50 states have a government comprised of two chambers, a Senate and a House of Representatives, and the state of Nebraska originally followed the same structure. Still, a mere 50 years after gaining statehood in 1867, Nebraskans had grown tired of both chambers disagreeing on most laws and started pushing for the creation of a unified chamber.

This idea became a reality in 1937, when a referendum abolished the dual-chamber system and established a single-chamber system in its stead. But it was not just that: the newly instituted Nebraska Legislature reduced the number of representatives from 133 to 49 , elected without affiliation to a political party, to ensure that state affairs and interests would be at the forefront.

4

Texas: Right to create new states

Although the federal system gives states the authority to create their own laws and regulations, some major changes, such as a territorial division, require the explicit approval of both the state’s legislature and the U.S. Congress . That is, unless you are the State of Texas.

At the time of Texas annexation in 1845, a special clause regarding this matter was included in the annexation resolution, granting Texas the right to create up to four new states —while maintaining the State of Texas— out of its territory and population without interference from the U.S. Congress, though it would need approval from the state’s legislature. This clause has been invoked several times, citing administrative, political, or economic reasons to divide the territory, but it has never been put to use.

5

Alaska: Annual payment to residents

Out of all American states, Alaska has historically been considered one of the most difficult to live in due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, its limited daylight, and its isolation. These physical difficulties also result in economic hardships, which means that many Alaskans rely on federal assistance.

In 1976, the state government established the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to ensure that residents of Alaska would benefit from the territory’s natural resources. Through this fund, the government invests a percentage of the state oil and mineral royalties and pays permanent residents —children included— an annual benefit. Part of the investment is also used to fund essential public services such as education, infrastructure, and safety.

6

Louisiana: Napoleonic Code system

As a consequence of its past as a British colony, America operates under a common law system . This means that, despite the enactment of new laws, past court and judicial decisions are extremely relevant and create a precedent.

Many states were never part of the British Empire, having belonged to France or Spain in the past, but only one has inherited a different legal system because of it. In the state of Louisiana, civil law is codified following the system of the Napoleonic Code . This means that decisions are not based on judicial precedents, but must follow the systematic laws collected in the code.

7

North Dakota: No voting registration

Voting registration is a huge part of America’s electoral system, with campaigns focusing on registration deadlines and requirements. Although voting is not mandatory, the registration system is intended to ensure that those who desire and are eligible to vote can do so.

The state of North Dakota is the sole exception to this prerequisite, having abolished voting registration in 1951. Does this mean that anyone can vote in North Dakota? Of course not. North Dakotans are required to show proof of ID at the polls before voting . If you have been a resident of the state for more than 30 days and fulfill the general requirements, you can vote.

8

Hawaii: No independent or incorporated cities

Not all American cities work in the same way when it comes to their governments . Cities and towns can be consolidated —meaning the city and county government is the same—, incorporated —having their own government but operating under county law—, or independent —not belonging to a county. Most states have a mix of these, but Hawaii is an exception.

The state of Hawaii is divided into four counties: Honolulu, Maui, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi. While the city of Honolulu has a municipal government, it is a consolidated city, meaning that there are no cities, towns, or jurisdictions in Hawaii that have a government of their own, and all issues, public services, and regulations are handled by the respective county.

9

Washington, D.C.: Laws have to be approved by Congress

Washington, D.C., is unique in itself because it is neither a state nor a territory, despite sharing characteristics with both. As a federal district, Washington, D.C., is part of the U.S. like the states are, but unlike them, it does not have legislative autonomy.

According to the Constitution, the jurisdiction over the city belongs to Congress, making it the de facto legislature of Washington, D.C. After the passing of the 1973 Home Rule Act, the city can elect a mayor and a city council, but all laws and regulations are ultimately subject to approval by Congress.

10

Montana: No "at-will" firing of a permanent employee

Employment laws vary from state to state, except for issues already defined by federal law. Despite the differences, most states follow the "at-will" doctrine, meaning that employers and employees can terminate the employment relationship at any time , for any legal reason, without notice, unless otherwise specified in a contract. While prohibiting discriminatory or unlawful terminations, this mode of employment gives flexibility for everyone involved.

The state of Montana, however, has a different approach to employment. State laws require a probationary period (usually 12 months), during which "at will" principles apply. After this period, employers must provide a "good cause" for termination , such as performance failures, disruption of operations, or other reasonable job-related issues.

1

There are 52 states in the U.S.

Image: Chris Lawton

Remember that Friends episode where the characters were racing to write down as many state names as they could? When they asked Joey how many he’d gotten, he leaned back and proudly announced: "Fifty-six."

While not many Americans would share Joey’s confusion, believe it or not, some people are lost about the exact number . Many, when asked, reply that the country contains 52 states! Nope, it’s still just 50. People often mistakenly include Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. as states.

2

The Declaration of Independence was signed by everyone on July 4th, 1776

Image: Ryan Wallace

You’ve seen the paintings—quills raised, scroll unfurled, patriotic ambiance in full bloom. You probably pictured the famous document (scribbled on dramatically aged paper) being passed around the table and filled with names.

But reality was less cinematic . While July 4, 1776, is when the Declaration was adopted, only a few signatures made it on the page that day. Most of the 56 signers added their names over the course of weeks, and some not until August... or even later!

3

The Founding Fathers were all old men with powdered wigs

Image: The New York Public Library

You’d think the Founding Fathers were all 60-something aristocrats in wigs , sitting by candlelight. But many were in their twenties and thirties—Alexander Hamilton was just 21, and James Madison 25. Wigs weren’t as common as Hollywood would have you believe. Most preferred their natural hair, styled with a bit of 18th-century flair.

4

The U.S. Constitution was signed on July 4th, 1776

Image: Tara Winstead

It’s easy to jumble up America’s important dates , but this one’s a whopper. July 4th marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution. The Constitution came along in 1787, over a decade later, and was signed on September 17.

5

The Statue of Liberty belongs to New Jersey

Image: Avi Werde

You’d be right to observe that Lady Liberty is surrounded by Jersey’s waters. But there’s a caveat: Liberty Island itself is federal property administered by the National Park Service. And while the island is closer to the shores of New Jersey, it remains under the sovereignty of New York State .

6

Benjamin Franklin was a U.S. president

Image: Adam Nir

No! He may have earned his place on the $100 bill, but it wasn’t for being the POTUS. He will always remain, however, one of the most recognizable Founding Fathers . He flew kites in storms, and he founded institutions like it were a hobby. He was a diplomat, inventor, philosopher... basically everything but president.

7

The Liberty Bell cracked on the first ring

Image: Joe Richmond

Not exactly. But it sounds poetic, right? A symbol of freedom breaking as it sounded its first call. Except... not true. The Liberty Bell didn’t crack on its first ring. It cracked years after its arrival and was recast twice before the famous fracture, which likely developed in the early 1800s, during a routine toll.

8

The Grand Canyon is visible from the moon

Image: Tim Hart

The Grand Canyon is not visible from the moon. At least not to the naked human eye! Neither is the Great Wall of China, as great as it may be. In fact, no man-made structure or geological feature is visible from the moon with the naked eye.

9

Walt Disney is cryogenically frozen

Image: Steve DiMatteo

Disney was cremated in 1966, and his ashes rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. No secret cryo-labs under Disneyland. Just a very enduring urban legend. But the myth persists ; some even think he's buried under Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

10

Hawaii is the westernmost state

Image: Roberto Nickson

Alaska is officially considered the westernmost state, even when counting Hawaii. That’s because the Aleutian Islands stretch so far west that some cross the 180th meridian, which is the line that separates the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. And here’s the twist: since those islands wrap around the globe’s edge, they also make Alaska the easternmost state.

11

Hollywood is a city

Image: De'Andre Bush

It might feel like its own world (glamorous, chaotic, full of paparazzi), but Hollywood isn’t its own standalone city. Sure, it has its own sign and red carpet events, which led people around the globe to believe it was independent from L.A., but "Tinseltown" is technically a neighborhood within Los Angeles

12

Mount Rushmore is a natural formation

Image: VERONICA LIVESEY

Finally, the unbelievable one. Some tour guides from Mount Rushmore report that tourists have, indeed, looked them straight in the face and asked about the natural phenomenon that carved those profiles into the mountains. Nope —Gutzon Borglum and his team spent 14 years blasting the four former presidents into the rock.