Welcome to the Evergreen State, where the coffee flows like water, the apples are crisp, and the mountains are breathtaking. Washington is a state of natural wonders, innovative spirit, and quirky charm. From the birthplace of grunge music to the land of Microsoft and Amazon, there is no shortage of fascinating facts about Washington that will make you go, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” So, grab your umbrella, and let’s explore 20 fascinating Washington facts that will blow your mind.
1-5 Fun Facts About Washington DC
1. With a population density of 11,295 people per square mile (4361 per square kilometer), Washington D.C. is the densest part of the United States. It’s 10 times more crowded than New Jersey, the most densely populated state.
2. If Washington D.C. were its own country, it would outrank six others in size alone – including Vatican City, Monaco, and Liechtenstein.
3. Washington was named after George Washington, the 1st president of the United States.
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4. D.C. is also one of the most educated cities in the U.S., with the highest rate of college degrees per capita.
5. However, it also has one of the highest rates of student debt, with the average student owing over $40,000.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Washington DC
6. Did you know that President James Buchanan had a secret side hustle? He would buy slaves in Washington, D.C. and then quietly set them free in Pennsylvania.
7. Back in 1974, a daring soldier stole a helicopter and flew it straight to the White House. The brave (or foolish) move earned him a year in prison and a hefty fine, but he certainly made a statement.
8. Shockingly, 3% of the population in the nation’s capital is HIV positive.
9. Standing tall and proud, the Washington Monument is not only an iconic symbol of the USA. It is also the tallest stone structure in the world.
10. When it comes to detecting gunfire, Washington, doesn’t mess around. They use a high-tech system called “ShotSpotter” that can pinpoint the location of a gunshot within a few yards and alert the police. It’s like something out of a spy movie!
11-15 Insane Facts About Washington DC
11. In a strange twist of fate, the patent for fire hydrants was lost when the patent office in D.C. went up in flames in 1836. Talk about irony!
12. Japanese gifted a bonsai tree that survived the nuclear blast of Hiroshima to the USA . It now thrives in the National Arboretum in D.C. Part of the tree was even hidden until 2001, adding to its mystique and allure.
13. Darth Vader’s iconic helmet is immortalized in stone on the facade of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., standing watch over the nation’s capital like a fearsome sentinel. Who needs stained glass windows when you have a Sith Lord carved into the facade?
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14. James Smithson, an English Duke’s illegitimate child, gifted his entire fortune to create the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. without ever setting foot on American soil.
15. His final resting place now lies within the walls of the institution he founded, thanks to Alexander Graham Bell’s request.
16-20 Awesome Facts About Washington DC
16. The Library of Congress is the preeminent research library of the United States, boasting an astounding 171 million items in its collection. Situated just east of the Capitol building, this vast repository of knowledge is a treasure trove of information for researchers and academics alike.
17. There is no tax on personal income in the state!
18. And with over 50% of the land covered in forests, D.C. is nicknamed the “Evergreen State.”
19. Washington State has a law that allows drivers to pump their gas, but only in counties with populations of less than 40,000 people. In larger counties, gas stations are required to have attendants pump gas for customers.
20. Washington State is the largest producer of apples in the country, and its apple industry is worth over $2.4 billion.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Awesome Washington Facts For Kids.
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