7 U.S. History Facts Every American Should Know (But Many Don’t)

The United States has a history that goes beyond its founding fathers, battles and presidents we celebrate that make it famous. On July 4th, 1776, America declared its independence and thus began the rich history of this country. 

Since the establishment of the Constitution in 1788, there are some chapters in the United States’s history that some people may not be aware of. 

U.S. history is rich with tales and stories, which are not found in your text books, but can help you understand more about your nation, improve your history knowledge for upcoming SATs or make you a Trivia maniac. Read 7 interesting U.S. history facts that every American should know but many don’t. 

7 U.S. History Facts Every American Should Know (But Many Don’t)

Textbooks skip these pivotal moments; they show alliances, innovations, and struggles defining America. Each fact shifts views on heroes and turning points. Below are the 7 interesting U.S. history facts that every American should know but many don’t. 

Oneida Corn March Saved Continental Army

In 1777, Oneida Natives walked 400 miles from New York with corn on their backs to save George Washington's starving troops at Valley Forge. Polly Cooper taught them cooking methods. Later, the U.S. burned their villages, forgetting this vital aid.

Rural Free Delivery Connected Farms

In 1896, Rural Free Delivery started bringing mail directly to farm homes, saving rural families long trips to post offices. This sparked new roads, mail-order catalogs, and country schools despite a hefty $40 million price tag. Farmers suddenly tapped city markets overnight.

David Hosack's Garden Birthed Botany

Dr. David Hosack planted a 10-acre Manhattan garden in the 1800s to study medicinal plants, fueling early American botany research. The site later became Rockefeller Center. His work inspired botanical gardens in all 50 states today.

WACs Pioneered Women Soldiers

The 1942 Women's Army Corps recruited 150,000 women beyond nursing for WWII jobs like fixing planes and cracking codes. They shattered the military's "no women in combat roles" barrier forever.

Harriet Tubman Commanded Raid

During the 1863 Combahee River Raid, Harriet Tubman directed Union spies and soldiers, freeing 750 enslaved people in the first U.S. military action ever led by a woman.

State of Franklin's Short Revolt

Tennessee settlers declared the "State of Franklin" as America's 14th state in 1784, lasting two years amid Congress debt fights. North Carolina reclaimed the land before official U.S. recognition.

Matewan Massacre Ignited Coal War

A 1920 West Virginia coal town shootout killed 10 people, touching off the Blair Mountain Battle where 10,000 miners battled companies—the largest U.S. labor uprising since the Civil War until troops intervened.

Do You Know Who Named America?

Conclusion

7 U.S. history facts every American should know, from Oneida lifesaving to women's WACs, expose the full tapestry of triumphs, debts, and innovations since 1776. They remind us of history's messiness forged today's freedoms. You can memorize one for trivia nights; deeper knowledge strengthens democracy and pride.