1

New York City population

Image: Scott Evans

More than eight million people call New York City home. That means roughly one out of every 38 Americans lives within its five boroughs. It helps explain why the city feels endlessly busy and why every neighborhood seems to have its own rhythm, personality, and pace. The City that Never Sleeps feels like the right nickname, right?

2

Languages spoken

Image: James Ting

New York City is the most linguistically diverse city on Earth. More than 800 languages are spoken here, and about four in ten households use a language other than English at home. Wanna feel like you’ve travelled across every continent? Walk down a city block and you will!

3

Statue of Liberty

Image: Avi Werde

The Statue of Liberty arrived from France as a gift celebrating American independence. She did not come in one piece. Instead, the statue arrived in 214 crates, each containing 350 separate parts, and took four months to assembl e. Even symbols of freedom sometimes require instructions, you know?

4

Federal Reserve Bank gold vault

Image: Diane Picchiottino

Deep beneath the streets of Manhattan sits the largest gold storage vault in the world. Located 80 feet below street level, it holds about $90 billion worth of gold . Most visitors walk right over it without realizing they are passing above one of the most secure rooms on the planet.

5

New York Public Library

Image: Alejandro Barba

The New York Public Library system holds more than 50 million books and items. It is second in the United States, only to the Library of Congress, and ranks third worldwide . Those iconic lion statues guard far more than a quiet reading room. They watch over an astonishing archive of human knowledge. Have you ever visited it?

6

United Nations headquarters

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

The United Nations established its headquarters in New York City in 1952 following World War II. Since then, diplomats from nearly every country have gathered here to debate, negotiate, and occasionally argue. Few city blocks anywhere else host quite so many global decisions.

7

Brooklyn borough size

Image: Miltiadis Fragkidis

Brooklyn alone would rank as the fourth-largest city in the United States if it stood on its own. Queens would claim the same spot as well. Together, they show just how massive New York City really is, even when broken into boroughs.

8

Times Square naming

Image: James Ting

Times Square did not always have its famous name. It was once called Longacre Square until The New York Times moved its headquarters there in 1904. The name stuck, the lights followed, and the area became one of the most recognizable intersections in the world.

9

Chinatown population

Image: Juan Di Nella

More Chinese people live in New York City than in any other city outside Asia. This influence shapes neighborhoods, food scenes, businesses, and traditions across the city. It is one more reason New York feels like many worlds packed into one place .

10

Pinball ban history

Image: Louie Castro-Garcia

Believe it or not, pinball machines were once against the law in New York City. Back in 1942, city leaders viewed the game as a form of gambling , and Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered it banned. For more than 30 years, pinball disappeared from public view until the rule was finally lifted in 1976.

11

Secret train platform beneath the Waldorf Astoria

Image: Frugal Flyer

Hidden beneath the elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel is a little-known train platform called Track 61. According to long-standing stories, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it to arrive and leave discreetly, away from crowds and cameras. The platform is no longer active today , but knowing it exists adds a layer of mystery to an already legendary building.

1

Ohio: Birthplace of aviation

Image: History in HD

Ohio proudly claims the title "Birthplace of Aviation," being the home state of the Wright brothers. While the first successful flight actually took place in North Carolina, above the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, most of the brothers' ideas were first developed back in their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio.

Their achievement made headlines worldwide, and soon the brothers secured their first military contract for the aircraft that would become the first practical airplane sold commercially. As symbols of American ingenuity, these two Ohioans are remembered for their innovative spirit and determination to succeed—qualities central to the Midwest spirit.

2

Michigan: Freshwater coast

Image: Jeff DeWitt

Michigan is home to the largest freshwater coastline in the United States, thanks to its proximity to four of the five Great Lakes. This vast "unsalted" coast is a crucial part of America’s natural heritage. In fact, Michigan has the highest percentage of water area among all states, with a whopping 41.5% of its surface covered by water!

Its 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline offer stunning scenery and numerous recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for tourists. As part of the nation's natural legacy, the Great Lakes also serve as a vital resource, providing freshwater and transportation for neighboring states and industries.

3

Wisconsin: Dairyland legacy

Image: Josh Turner

As the nation’s leading producer of cheese and other dairy products, Wisconsin is rightly known as "America’s Dairyland." Furthermore, the Badger State's dairy industry dating back to the 19th century, is deeply intertwined with its cultural and economic identity.

The commitment of Wisconsin's farmers to quality and innovation has made the state a cornerstone of American agriculture. Wisconsin cheese, renowned for its variety and excellence, is a staple of the American diet, enjoyed by millions across the nation.

4

Illinois: Land of Lincoln

Image: Naomi August

Illinois is often referred to as the "Land of Lincoln," honoring its deep connection to Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents. Though Lincoln was actually born in Kentucky, he spent his formative years in Illinois.

It was here that he began his political career and developed the ideals that would guide the nation through its most challenging period. Illinois honors Lincoln’s legacy through numerous monuments and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which houses the largest collection of Lincoln-related documents and artifacts in the world.

5

Indiana: Racing capital

Image: Andrew Roberts

Indiana is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world-famous venue for the Indy 500, a race that epitomizes America’s love for speed, engineering, and sportsmanship. Since its inaugural race in 1911, the Indy 500 has been a symbol of innovation and endurance.

These racing events are a key part of the region's identity, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators annually, both nationally and internationally. Interestingly, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also one of the largest sports venues in the world, with a seating capacity of over 250,000.

6

Minnesota: The land of 10,000 lakes

Image: Laura Kessler

Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," actually boasts over 11,000 lakes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a cornerstone of America’s biodiversity. The state's unwavering commitment to preserving these natural wonders has made these lakes a vital resource for both native wildlife and tourism.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a wilderness area with over 1,000 pristine lakes, is one of the most visited natural attractions in the United States, drawing nearly 150,000 visitors annually. These lakes also play a crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for over 200 species of birds and countless other wildlife.

7

Missouri: The gateway to the West

Image: Intricate Explorer

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a monumental symbol of America’s westward expansion and the pioneering spirit that built the nation. Located at the site of St. Louis's founding in 1764, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the towering monument was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965.

The 630-foot-tall arch represents the "gateway to the West," honoring the daring pioneers who ventured into the unknown to expand the nation’s borders. The Gateway Arch is also the tallest man-made monument in the United States and is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which commemorates not only the pioneers but also the Louisiana Purchase—a key moment in America's territorial expansion.

8

Kansas: America’s breadbasket

Image: Josh Redd

Often called the "Breadbasket of America" due to its vast wheat production, Kansas's wheat fields are a cornerstone of American agriculture, feeding millions both in the United States and around the world. With its rich, fertile plains, the state has been a major agricultural hub since the 19th century.

Kansas consistently ranks among the top wheat-producing states in the country, contributing approximately 15% of the total U.S. wheat supply. Other leading crops include alfalfa, hay, oats, barley, and corn. This significant output supports not only domestic food production but also exports to international markets, making Kansas a key player in global food security.

9

Iowa: First-in-the-Nation Caucuses

Image: Clay Banks

The Iowa caucuses have been the starting point for presidential campaigns since 1972, often setting the tone for the national race. This unique role gives Iowa outsized influence in American politics, as candidates focus their early efforts on winning over the state’s voters.

Although caucus-goers may not fully represent the nation’s overall demographics, the Iowa caucuses are still seen as a strong indicator of a candidate’s potential performance in subsequent contests. Candidates who perform poorly in the Iowa caucuses frequently drop out in the following days.

10

South Dakota: Mount Rushmore

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Mount Rushmore, located in South Dakota, is one of the most iconic symbols of American history, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore celebrates the leadership and vision of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

This monumental sculpture represents the nation’s ideals and the enduring legacy of its leaders. Carved into the Black Hills, the granite faces on Mount Rushmore each measure about 60 feet tall. No wonder the entire project took 14 years to complete! Nowadays, the site attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it a central landmark in American cultural heritage.

1

Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil

The story seems almost too perfect: an obscure bluesman meets the Devil at a Mississippi crossroads, trades his soul for extraordinary musical ability, and returns as a guitar genius. Robert Johnson’s short, mysterious life made him an ideal subject for such a legend.

There is no historical evidence that Johnson ever claimed to have made such a bargain . The supernatural interpretation grew partly from songs such as "Me and the Devil Blues" and "Hell Hound on My Trail," as well as older traditions involving crossroads and Faustian bargains.

2

The FBI found dirty lyrics in "Louie Louie"

This myth has some truth to it: the FBI really did investigate a rock song because people thought its lyrics were obscene. The Kingsmen released their famously garbled version of Richard Berry’s "Louie Louie" in 1963. Soon, teenagers began passing around supposedly filthy versions of what singer Jack Ely was mumbling. A complaint eventually reached Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and federal investigators got involved.

Agents listened to the record and examined claims that its secret lyrics became clearer when the 45-rpm single was played at 33⅓ rpm. After all that effort, the FBI concluded that it could not determine that the alleged obscene words were actually being sung .

3

Gene Simmons had a cow’s tongue grafted to his own

KISS bassist Gene Simmons has one of rock’s most recognizable tongues. It became such a trademark that generations of fans wondered whether nature could really have produced it. One rumor supplied an appropriately outrageous explanation: Simmons supposedly underwent surgery and had part of a cow’s tongue grafted onto his own.

As KISS’s "Demon," he performed in makeup and armor-like costumes, breathed fire, spat theatrical blood, and repeatedly displayed that unusually long tongue. Against that background, the idea of bizarre tongue surgery somehow sounded plausible. The real explanation is considerably simpler: Simmons just has a remarkably long tongue .

4

Mamma Cass choked on a ham sandwich

Few rock myths have been as persistent, or as unfair, as the story surrounding Cass Elliot’s demise. The Mamas & the Papas singer died in London on July 29, 1974, at just 32. A ham sandwich found in her room soon became part of the story , and before long, people were saying she had choked on it.

She hadn’t. The inquest determined that Elliot died from a heart attack, and there was no evidence of food blocking her airway . Her daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell, later said manager Allan Carr helped spread the sandwich explanation because he feared people would assume Elliot had died from a drug overdose. Instead, the story became an enduring and often cruel joke about the singer.

5

Alice Cooper bit the head off a live chicken

Alice Cooper’s stage shows eventually featured guillotines, fake blood, electric chairs, and plenty of other theatrical horrors. But one notorious act was never part of the show: Cooper did not bite the head off a live chicken.

The real incident happened at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival in September 1969. A live chicken somehow made its way onto the stage , with Cooper throwing it back to the crowd. By the next day, the story had mutated into Cooper slaughtering the bird himself and even drinking its blood. Frank Zappa called to ask whether the reports were true. When Cooper denied them, Zappa reportedly advised him not to correct the press.

6

KISS means "Knights In Satan’s Service"

The makeup, the fire, Gene Simmons’ Demon persona, and the lightning-bolt logo provided fertile ground for rumors about KISS. One of the longest-lasting claims was that the band’s name secretly stood for "Knights in Satan’s Service."

But that’s not true. KISS isn’t an acronym. The name emerged in 1973 while the newly formed group was searching for something to replace Wicked Lester, the name of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s previous band. Drummer Peter Criss mentioned that he had once played in a group called Lips. Stanley suggested going one step further: KISS . Ace Frehley later designed the famous logo, with its distinctive final two letters resembling lightning bolts.

7

Frank Zappa ate feces onstage

Frank Zappa cultivated an eccentric image. That made audiences willing to believe almost anything about him, including one especially revolting story involving an onstage gross-out competition. Different versions named different opponents, but they generally ended with Zappa supposedly eating feces.

Zappa vehemently denied the story . He once recalled encountering a musician at London’s Speakeasy club who congratulated him on the infamous stunt. When Zappa explained that it had never happened, the man was actually disappointed.

8

Marilyn Manson was Paul from The Wonder Years

According to countless schoolyard conversations, emails, and message-board posts, the nerdy Paul Pfeiffer from the ABC series The Wonder Years grew up to become shock rocker Marilyn Manson. There’s one major problem: Paul was played by Josh Saviano. Marilyn Manson was born Brian Warner. They are entirely different people.

Saviano has said he began hearing the rumor while attending college in the 1990s, just as the Internet was giving old-fashioned gossip a powerful new delivery system. His actual post- Wonder Years career was decidedly less shocking: he studied political science at Yale and later became a lawyer .

9

Jimi Hendrix gave London its wild parakeets

Anyone walking through parts of London today can encounter something unexpected overhead: flocks of brilliant green ring-necked parakeets. An explanation for this phenomenon involves Jimi Hendrix. According to the legend, Hendrix released a pair of parakeets in London in the late 1960s, and today’s population descended from them.

Scientists have investigated the story and found no evidence supporting it . Research published in the Journal of Zoology concluded that Britain’s parakeet population was more consistent with multiple escapes and deliberate releases over time rather than one rock star’s birds.

10

The Grateful Dead got their name from the Egyptian Book of the Dead

"Grateful Dead" sounds ancient, mystical, and exactly like something Jerry Garcia might have discovered in an obscure volume of esoteric wisdom. That helped produce the persistent story that the band took its name from the Egyptian Book of the Dead .

The actual source was much more familiar: a dictionary . In 1965, the group was still called the Warlocks but needed a new name. During a gathering in Palo Alto, Garcia opened a Funk & Wagnalls dictionary and encountered "grateful dead," an old folklore term involving the spirit of a deceased person rewarding someone who had performed a charitable act for the dead. The band went with it, and the rest is history.