Alabama – Montgomery

Famous for College football

The only state whose official drink is an alcoholic beverage (Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine
Whiskey, originally distilled by legendary moonshiner Clyde May)

No stink bombs - the purpose of which is to create disagreeable

odors” are strictly illegal there. Also illegal: “spray string,” confetti, and bathing in public
fountains.

Alaska – Juneau

The Northern Lights

The state is known for fishing, mining, and oil, but its latest industry is peonies. Peony farms
blossomed from zero in 2000 to more than 200 in 2014 and currently, they grow around 1.5 million
stems a year.
Not only is Alaska the largest state in the country (more than twice as large as Texas),
Wrangell–St Elias National Park & Preserve covers a larger area than nine US states.

In Alaska it is illegal to be drunk… in a bar. Per state laws, a person who is already drunk
may not “knowingly” enter a bar to drink more, or remain in the bar that got them drunk in
the first place.

Arizona – Phoenix

The Grand Canyon

The state that produces enough cotton each year to make two T-shirts for every American (that’s
599 million tees).
Don’t get too close (ouch!) or scratch initials in saguaro cactus; fines for cactus graffiti run up to
$5,000.
In the town of Goodyear, Arizona, it is unlawful to spit “in or on” any public building, park,
sidewalk, or road. Offenders may be charged a fine of up to $2,500 and six months in
prison.
Arkansas – Little Rock

Former President Bill Clinton

Famous for its diamond trade, Arkansas is the only state where tourists can search for diamonds in
their original volcanic source. At Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, tourists can dig through
fields maintained by the park and are allowed to keep any diamonds they discover. The park also
offers a complimentary identification and registration of the gems.
Visitors beware: it is strictly prohibited to pronounce “Arkansas ” incorrectly. Per the state
Code, the only acceptable pronunciation is “in three (3) syllables, with the final ‘s’ silent, the
‘a’ in each syllable with the Italian sound, and the accent on the first and last syllables. ”
So keep your Arkan-sass to yourself

California – Sacramento

Hollywood

If it were a country, it would have the eighth-largest economy in the world, beating out Italy, Russia,
and India.
California's Sequoia National Park is home to the world's biggest tree by volume, a
sequoia named General Sherman.

It is illegal to build, maintain, or use a nuclear weapon within Chico, California city limits. A
law that began in the ‘80s as a serious anti-nuke statement has taken on a second life as
an Internet joke, mainly due to the purported consequences: In addition to self-
annihilation, the infraction also carries a $500 fine.

Colorado – Denver

Skiing

Although Congress intended the state to be a perfect rectangle, its surveyors wandered a bit off
course. A tiny kink in the western border disqualified it from rectangle purity.
Sure, you may be allowed to own a catapult in Aspen—but you better not try discharging it,
buddy. Flaming arrows, alas, are also off limits. - 5000 fine.

Connecticut – Hartford

Casinos

The first phone book was published in New Haven in February 1878, containing just 50 names.
A pickle cannot be sold unless it bounces. According to a 1948 article, this law became a
necessity after two scheming pickle packers tried to sell pickles “unfit for human
consumption” on the sly. Connecticut’s Food and Drug Commissioner at the time
proclaimed that a real pickle “should bounce” when dropped from the height of one foot,
leading to a new state regulation.

Delaware – Dover

The second-smallest state in the country, Delaware is home to Dover International

Speedway, also known as the "Monster Mile," which hosts two NASCAR races each year.

The state with the most generous laws regarding company ownership has been the model for
Cayman Islands and other offshore tax havens.
To prevent “mischief of any sort,” children in the City of Rehoboth Beach may only go
trick-or-treating between the hours of 6pm and 8pm on Halloween—UNLESS Halloween falls
on a Sunday; in that case, “such going door to door and house to house for treats shall
take place on the evening of October 30” instead.

Florida – Tallahassee,

Theme parks

The remains of an 8,000-year-old human civilization were found buried in a peat bog here. The
bodies were so well preserved that human brain tissue was found in a woman’s skull with her DNA
still intact.
South Florida is the only place in the world where both crocodiles and alligators can be found in the
wild.
We know that kids can be annoying but please remember that in Florida it is a felony to sell
your children. You’ve been warned.

Georgia – Savannah,
Also known as the setting of "Gone With the Wind," Georgia is known around the world for
its peaches.

Just outside Atlanta, the picturesque community of Serenbe requires each of its 200-plus
homes to include a porch.

For chicken chompers in Gainesville, Georgia, “finger-lickin ’” is not a suggestion —it is

mandatory. Thanks to a 1961 law added to the city code as a publicity stunt, it is illegal to
eat fried chicken in “the poultry capital of the world ” with anything other than your fingers.
A tourist was “arrested” for such a chicken-forking violation in 2009.
Hawaii – Honolulu

Surfing

The only state covered entirely by its own time zone. Hawaii has the most isolated large population
center on Earth, almost 2,400 miles from California and about 4,000 miles from Japan. 
Hawaii’s natural beauty is an advertisement unto itself. To keep it that way, the state has officially
outlawed billboards

Idaho – Boise

Potatoes

Boise celebrates the New Year by dropping a 16-foot-tall steel-and-foam potato in the state capital.
Every year, thousands of “spec-taters” gather to watch.
Yes, there is an Idaho Potato Museum. Yes, Idaho potatoes are an exceptionally delicious and
abundant crop. You’ve probably had one; 13 billion pounds are harvested yearly. 
Idaho is the only state to have an active ban on cannibalism. Technically not a crime in the
rest of the nation, cannibalism is defined as the “nonconsensual consumption” of another
human—meaning, we guess, if you can get your buddy ’s permission to eat his tenderloin,
the feds can’t stop you.

Illinois – Springfield

Deep-dish pizza

In 1887, engineers began to reverse the flow of the Chicago River to stop pollution from
contaminating the city’s water supply. The reversal was complete in 1900.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) was the tallest building in the Americas until One World Trade
Center in New York City eclipsed it, but the Willis Tower roof stands 100ft higher than that of One
WTC, which took the title based on its lofty spire. 
Listen here, city slicker: Galesburg city law strictly prohibits “fancy riding” of any bicycle on
city streets, particularly riding with both hands removed from the handlebars, both feet
removed from the pedals, or “any acrobatic” shenanigans on your fancy velocipede.

Indiana – Indianapolis

Indianapolis 500

Indiana, the “Crossroads of America,” has more miles of interstate per sq mile than any other US
state.
At 8 p.m. on March 31, 1880, Wabash became the first city in the world to be lit by electricity—via
four “Brush lights,” invented by Clevelander Charles F. Brush.
In the municipality of French Lick Springs, all black cats must wear bells around their necks
on Friday the 13th. The rule was introduced on October 13, 1939, “as a war measure to
alleviate mental strain on the populace,” and has technically been in effect since.

Iowa – Des Moines

Cornfields

Iowa is known across the country for its robust farming community. Iowa is the top
producer in the country of corn, soybeans, hogs, and eggs, and the state has about 87,500
farms.

The Iowa State Fair began in 1854 and has been held every year on the Iowa State Fairground since
1856. One of the largest and most well-known state fairs in America takes place over 11 days in
August, encompassing more than 450 acres filled with campsites, live music stages and over 200
vendors selling food.
Any person who attempts to pass off margarine, oleo, or oleomargarine as real butter is guilty
of a simple misdemeanor in the stat of Iowa, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a
$625 fine.

Kansas – Topeka

"The Wizard of Oz"

It’s the state that was proved to be—quite literally—flatter than a pancake. Scientists tested the
flatness of the state against the topography of a pancake. But it’s worth noting that Kansas isn’t the
flattest U.S. state. That title goes to…Florida.
It may still be illegal to throw snowballs in Topeka, Kansas. Thanks to a weirdly-worded law
in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to “throw any stones, snowballs, or any other
missiles” at any person or property in Topeka,

Kentucky – Frankfort

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is known for its exciting horse racing, distinctly preppy fashions, and,
of course, mint juleps. The race is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the longest-
running sporting event in US history.

Underground vaults at Fort Knox hold one of the largest stockpiles of gold in the country. Not many
people have seen the stash, though—and some even question whether the 27.5-pound bars, worth
$6 billion, truly exist.
Although Kentucky is the home of bourbon, about a fifth of the state ’s 120 counties are
completely dry, meaning no liquor sales allowed.

All public officials and attorneys in Kentucky must swear an oath that they “have not fought
a duel with deadly weapons” nor acted as a second in another person’s duel.

Louisiana – Baton Rouge

Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, the French celebration of "Fat Tuesday" before Ash Wednesday, is an annual
celebration and parade lasting about two weeks. While the biggest event unfolds in New
Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout Louisiana and is marked by drinking,
delicious food, bright colors, beads, and dancing. 

A last-second home-team touchdown at Louisiana State University in 1988 sent the fans into such a
frenzy that the victory registered as an earthquake on a local seismograph.
Thanks to its French heritage, Louisiana is the only state in the country to adhere to a civil
law system, as opposed to the common law used in the other 49 states.

In Louisiana it is illegal to steal someone else ’s crawfish —like, really illegal.

Maine – Augusta

Lobster

Called the "sweetest, most flavorful lobster on Earth," Maine lobster is known around the
world.

Maine is the loneliest number: the single state whose name is just one syllable, the lone state that
borders precisely one other state, and the only state whose official flower, the pinecone, is not a
flower.
Maine has almost 60 active lighthouses along its coast.
It is forbidden to post advertisements on another person’s tombstone in the city of Wells.

Maryland – Annapolis

Crab
Maryland sits on the Chesapeake Bay and is known across the country for its delicious
blue crabs and crab cakes. Visitors flock to Maryland every year to get their fill of the
delicacy and to attend the annual crab feast in Baltimore. 

It’s the wealthiest state in the country, as measured by median household income.
Making road rage even rage-ier, it is illegal to swear or curse upon any street or highway in
Rockville, Maryland. Anyone caught swearing faces a misdemeanor charge, effectively
having to add $100 to the city swear jar.

Massachusetts – Boston

Dunkin'
A New England staple, Dunkin' — originally Dunkin' Donuts — was founded in Quincy,
Massachusetts, and has been a state-favorite coffee brand ever since. In 1950, Bill
Rosenberg opened the very first Dunkin' Donuts restaurant with the goal to "make and serve
the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-
merchandised stores." 

Sixteen of the top 25 windiest U.S. cities are located here. It’s a good thing Boston has the T to
protect people from cold and windy weather. In fact, Boston established the country’s first subway
system in 1897, per Mental Floss.

No dancing to the national anthem

It is prohibited to dance to the “Star Spangled Banner” in Massachusetts, thanks to an excessively

patriotic 1917 law.

Michigan – Lansing

The auto industry

The Great Lake State offers the highest recycling refund in the country—10 cents per bottle or can.
Unfortunately, a Seinfeld episode alerted out-of-staters to Michigan’s generosity, sparking a scheme
that costs the state millions every year.
Mackinac Bridge crosses 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac; its exposed span means
that the bridge sometimes closes due to extreme weather.

Until 2006, every citizen of Michigan was encouraged to be a bounty hunter. A 1941 act
titled “An act to provide for the payment of bounties for the killing of starlings and crows, ”
offered any citizen a bounty of three cents per each starling killed and ten cents per crow—
so long as they were presented in “a state of good preservation. ” The law was repealed in
2006.
Minnesota – St Paul

The Mall of America

The Mall of America officially opened in 1922 in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of the
Twin Cities. It is the largest shopping mall in the United States, with more than 500 stores and
10 attractions, including an indoor theme park. It is visited by more than 40 million people
every year.

This Land of 10,000 Lakes technically has more than 11,000. Oddly enough, you’d be wrong if you
said that state had the most lakes. It’s neighbor Wisconsin has over 15,000, but both of those pale in
comparison to Alaska, with more than 3 million lakes.

Mississippi – Jackson

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world and is the second longest in
the United States. According to the National Park Service, early European explorers used
the Mississippi to explore what would one day become the United States. The river was
also instrumental in the fur trade and the business of merchants in the early days of
American history. 

The name of the state comes from the Ojibwe words Misi zipi, or “Great River.”
Mississippi believes in a person’s inalienable right to consume Big Gulps. Following
former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s contentious attempt to restrict the size of
soft drinks sold throughout the city, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a law
preventing his state’s lawmakers from enacting rules that limit portion sizes.

Missouri – Jefferson City

Budweiser

Thanks to St. Louis and snacks popularized at the 1904 World’s Fair, Americans can now throw
back giant quantities of Dr. Pepper, cotton candy, iced tea, waffle cones, and frankfurters.

Prankish Tarzans, be warned: In University City, Missouri, it is illegal to “swing upon” another
person’s motor vehicle and honk their horn for them.
Montana - Helena

Cowboys
Montana is known for its wide, grassy plains and flourishing cattle and ranch business.
Cowboy culture is very much alive and well in the state.

The state also has a rich history of Native American culture and is home to the site of the last major
Native American battle in United States history

The only state in the US with a Triple Divide, which allows waters to flow to Hudson Bay,
the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

The temperature in Loma once climbed from -54 degrees F to 49 degrees within 24 hours—the
largest one-day hike ever recorded.
Anyone who’s driven through Montana has inevitably wondered, “how far could I throw a
Frisbee over the plains?” Those who seek answers, avoid Helena; it is illegal to play “folf”
(that’s “Frisbee golf”) anywhere not deemed a sanctioned “folf course. ” Curiosity could
cost you $500 or six months jail time.

Nebraska - Lincoln

About 80 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population alights on Nebraska’s Platte River during
the cranes’ annual spring migration, bringing with them thousands of bird-watchers.
In Nebraska, one in four jobs is related to agriculture, and the state consistently ranks as
one of the top cattle-producing states in the country. The Nebraska Department of
Agriculture also reports that Nebraska's farms and ranches utilize 45 million acres, which
is 91% of the state's total land area, and exported $1,318,500,000 in beef and veal in 2018
alone.

Nevada – Carson City

From 1951 to 1992, a swath of land about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas was used for hundreds
of nuclear weapons tests.
Averaging about 10 inches of rain a year, Nevada is the driest state in the US.

Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada by population and receives roughly 40 million
visitors every year. The city is known across the country for its exciting nightlife,
attractions, and dining, as well as for the famous Las Vegas Strip.

New Hampshire - Concord

The first free public library was founded in Peterborough, New Hampshire in 1833.
New Hampshire is known for its beautiful fall foliage, and many leaf-peepers travel from
across the country just to watch the fall leaves change color along New Hampshire's
creeks and in the state's quaint, quintessentially New England villages.

This state’s license plates—bearing the slogan “Live Free or Die”—are made by prison inmates
In New Hampshire it is forbidden to collect seaweed from the beach at night.

New Jersey - Trenton

When it comes to the Garden State, remember two things: horses and divorces. New Jersey has
more horses per square mile than any other state, including Kentucky, and the lowest divorce rate in
the country.
New Jersey has the most diners in the country.

It’s against the law to murder someone, but in Jersey it’s double against the law to murder
someone while you’re wearing a bulletproof vest. See if you can follow along: wearing a
bulletproof vest while committing or attempting to commit a crime of the first degree, is a
crime of the second degree.

New Mexico – Santa Fe

According to New Mexico state law, “idiots” are not allowed to vote. The statute doesn’t give a
clear definition of who fits that description.
New Mexico is perhaps most well known for the town of Los Alamos, where the Manhattan
Project and development of the atomic bomb during World War II occurred. On July 16,
1945, the world's very first atomic bomb was detonated on the Alamogordo Bombing
Range, 200 miles south of Los Alamos.

New Mexico has an official state question: “Red or green? ” This refers to which variety of
chile sauce you’d like on your food. Answer “Christmas,” and you’ll get both.

New York - Albany

George Washington was declared Commander in Chief at NYC ’s Federal Hall at the first
United States Congress in 1789.

Twice a year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the Manhattan street grid, illuminating the
borough’s east-west streets with an orange glow.
New York City has countless attractions that draw millions of visitors every year. However, one of
the most notable things to do while visiting New York is to attend a Broadway show. According to
Loving New York, 13 million spectators annually attend one of New York City's Broadway shows,
63% of whom are tourists.
If you order a sliced bagel in New York City, fuhgeddabout a square deal: “altered” bagels
(sliced, toasted, or served with cream cheese, etc.) carry an eight cent sales tax.

North Carolina - Raleigh

North Carolina's state motto is "First in Flight," after the Wright brothers' famous flight at
Kitty Hawk on North Carolina's Outer Banks on December 17, 1903. It was the first
"controlled, powered aircraft flight" in history.

The Biltmore Estate, in Asheville, is the largest privately-owned home in the country, with more
than four acres of floor space and 250 rooms (including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms).
The waters off the Outer Banks became known as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic ” after
causing over 1,000 shipwrecks .

Be careful what you put in your doggy bag: In North Carolina it is a felony to steal more
than $1,000 worth of grease, and a misdemeanor to steal under $1,000-worth. Grease
theft, it turns out, was a huge problem in NC before this 2012 law passed, with midnight
grease-bandits persistently preventing Biodiesel companies from purchasing restaurants ’
excess oil to convert into fuel.

North Dakota - Bismarck

North Dakota is the No. 1 producer of honey in the country.

Farms and ranches occupy more than 39 million acres, almost 90% of North Dakota's land
area. The state ranks first in the country for producing many common agriculture products,
including spring wheat, flaxseed, and canola.

In 2007, North Dakota nabbed the Guinness World Record for Most People Making Snow Angels
Simultaneously. The State Historical Society of North Dakota organized the event and rounded up
8,962 people on the Capitol’s lawn to participate.
Happy almost New Year! Despite a 1999 amendment allowing the sale of fireworks
temporarily from December 26, 1999 through January 1st, 2000,  it is illegal to set off
fireworks after 11p.m. in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota.

Ohio - Columbus

Ohio’s state flag is the only burgee-shaped one in the country (it’s like a pennant with a triangle
missing at the end).
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1983, after being chosen
as the location over New York, San Francisco, Memphis, and Chicago. It attracts
thousands of visitors each year. Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is
considered a highly prestigious honor for the world's most famous musicians.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma City

While Oklahoma might be known for "Oklahoma!" the musical, it's also a well-known spot
for tornadoes. America's very first tornado warning was issued in Oklahoma on March 25,
1948, and the state consistently ranks as one of the states with the most tornadoes.

In Oklahoma it is illegal to promote, engage in, or be employed by a “horse tripping”

event. Also, it is unlawful to wrestle a bear…

Oregon - Salem

Oregon is home to the world’s largest living organism, a fungal colony in the state’s Blue
Mountains.
Portland, Oregon, as well as the entire state, is arguably known for its "earthy-crunchy" culture,
beautiful hiking trails, cozy coffee shops, and craft beer breweries. 
It is considered a speed racing offense in Oregon if you participate in any “test of physical
endurance” while on the highway. Sorry, y’all: No more seeing how long you can work the
steering wheel with your teeth.

Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
Pennsylvania is rich in American history and is home to one of America's most
recognizable historical objects, the Liberty Bell. Visitors travel from far and wide to visit
Philadelphia and marvel at this symbol of American freedom, crack and all.

This state’s name is spelled Pensylvania on the Liberty Bell. The Constitution uses one n in one
section and two n’s in another.
Pennsylvania’s small town of Indiana is known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World,
a testament to its status as one of the top suppliers of Christmas trees in the country.

Rhode Island - Providence

The smallest state in the country shares a state water border with New York.
Rhode Island played host to the first open golf tournament in 1865.

Only true Rhode Island natives are aware of the delicious drink that is coffee milk. Made
with cold milk and coffee syrup, the fan-favorite beverage is also the state's official drink.

Rhode Island “false personification” laws deem it unlawful to impersonate an auctioneer.

South Carolina - Columbia

The Angel Oak Tree, located near Charleston, is estimated to be one of the oldest living things in
the country. It produces a shadow that covers about 17,000 square feet.
South Carolina's beautiful weather makes it easy to enjoy the state's beaches and stretches of
coastline. Home to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has been a destination for
people from across the country.
Good news: In South Carolina it is still illegal to work on Sundays! Bad news: it is also
illegal to dance on Sundays.

South Dakota - Pierre

South Dakota has more lines of shoreline than Florida. 

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic American tourist attractions in the country.
Depicted on the side of the mountain's face are former US presidents George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore was
originally conceived as an idea to drive tourism to South Dakota and its famous Black Hills
mountain region.

The history of Mount Rushmore is controversial, however, and some see the monument as a painful
reminder of how the land was taken from Native Americans. In addition, Washington and Jefferson
were slave owners. Some activists have called for the monument to be removed entirely. 
Farmers in South Dakota have the green-light to set off fireworks or explosives to protect
their sunflower crops… so long as they are six hundred sixty feet away from the nearest
church, home, or schoolhouse.

Tennessee - Nashville,

On a clear day, seven states are visible from Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga. But you don’t
have to look further than Chattanooga for the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry hosts the longest continuously running live radio program in the world,
broadcast every weekend since 1925.
The state's capital, Nashville, is known as "Music City" and is the home of the Country Music Hall
of Fame and the Country Music Awards. It is also the stomping ground of many country music
legends. The state has also produced some of the most iconic names in country music, from Dolly
Parton to Johnny Cash.
Panhandlers in Memphis must apply for a permit before panhandling. Formerly, this
formality cost the destitute $10. Today, it’s free.
Texas - Austin

The phrase “Don’t mess with Texas” originated in 1985 as the slogan for a campaign meant to
combat littering. It has gone on to be a very famous line within the state and even appears on the
crest of the USS Texas submarine.
The official state dessert is pecan pie, surely because the state is so rich in pecan trees
(it’s third in the nation for its pecan harvest). Ooey, gooey  and delicious, Lady Bird
Johnson brought a recipe for this favorite Texas treat along to the White House when she
became first lady.

Texas is known across America for its delicious barbecue. Barbecue is not only part of the
cuisine of Texas, but the culture. Though each part of the large state has its own way of
cooking meat, Texas as a whole would probably argue that Memphis, Carolina, or Kansas
City-style simply can't compare to the dry-rub smokiness of Texas barbecue.

It is illegal in Galveston, Texas to throw litter out of an aircraft. Besides, using the blue bins
is so much easier.

Utah – Salt Lake City

Utah is home to five gorgeous national parks, most notably Arches National Park in Grand
County, Utah. The state also has 13 national park service units and multiple national
monuments.

The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry holds the highest concentration of Jurassic-era remains ever
found. More than 12,000 dinosaur bones (and one egg!) have been excavated since the 1920s.
Pando, a grove of quaking aspens in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest, is one of the world ’s
largest and oldest living organisms, linked through a shared root system.

Hurling a missile into a bus terminal is a felony—unless you are an appointed officer of the
peace or commercial security personnel

Vermont - Montpelier

Don’t visit the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line unless you’re prepped for
travel. The stage is in Canada, while the fans watch from Vermont; the entrance is in the U.S., while
the stacks are in lumberjack country.
Vermont is the only state in the US to have its very own state flavor. That ’s right: it ’s
maple.

Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. In 2017, the state produced
nearly 2 million gallons of syrup. Roughly 47% of the country's maple syrup comes from
Vermont, and each year, maple syrup lovers travel to St. Albans to celebrate everything
maple syrup at the Vermont Maple Syrup festival.
Vermont passed a law just to say there would never be a law prohibiting the use of
clotheslines

Virginia - Richmond

Virginia ranks number one in patriotism among the 50 states, according to one WalletHub survey,
which based its list on factors like military and civic engagement.
Virginia is rich in American history and is regarded as "the birthplace of the nation." The first
settlers to set up a permanent residence in America arrived in what would become Jamestown,
Virginia, in 1607. In 1612, Jamestown settler John Rolfe began planting tobacco, and before long
the plant had become a thriving industry in the state — an industry that has continued to this day.
Before colonists planted tobacco in Jamestown after a mulberry blight, silk was meant to
be this colony’s cash crop.

In Prince William County, it is illegal to keep a skunk as a pet.

Washington - Olympia

The world’s largest building by volume—Boeing’s final assembly factory in Everett—spans 98.3
acres and 472 million cubic feet. Seventy-five football fields could fit inside.
Starbucks is known across the world as a global leader in coffee sales. However, the very first
Starbucks coffee shop opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1971. Coffee fans can still visit the
first Starbucks location, which has retained much of its original charm from the signage to the
vintage chairs inside. 
It is illegal to poach a Sasquatch in at least two Washington counties. In 1991, Whatcom
Country declared its roughly one million acres of land an official Sasquatch Protection and
Refuge Area, giving our nation its first Bigfoot Sanctuary. If Bigfoot exists, lawmakers
reasoned, it would be an endangered species, and therefore in need of protection. For this
reason, Skamania County has considered Bigfoot-poaching a felony since 1969 —still
punishable by a $1000 fine.

West Virginia - Charleston

In 1776, a group of residents asked the Continental Congress to create a 14th colony called
Westylvania, including parts of West Virginia and surrounding areas; the plea was ignored.
West Virginia is known for its scenic roads and highways, and the state markets its beautiful drives
as a reason to visit the state. From mountain views to sweeping farmlands and tree-lined roads,
West Virginia is arguably one of the most beautiful states to take a slow Sunday drive through.
On the third Saturday in October, hundreds of BASE jumpers parachute from the 876 foot-
high New River Gorge Bridge, which is closed to vehicles for the event. Pedestrians can
stroll the bridge, watch the action and shop at the many vendors.
In West Virginia it is illegal to use a drone “or other unmanned aircraft ” to hunt birds. While
you’re out in the woods, you’d better not use a ferret instead of a hunting dog; that ’s a
$100 fine right

Wisconsin - Madison
The Green Bay Packers are owned by the people of Green Bay (pop. just over 100,000).
The football team is a nonprofit whose fans support it, and the team supports them with a
bolstered economy, plenty of charitable giving and even a Lombardi Trophy from time to
time.

Wisconsin's famous cheese comes as a result of a thriving dairy industry. According to

Wisconsin Cheese Mart, Wisconsin's cheese-making industry produces "2 billion pounds
of cheese every year, [or] 30% of the nation's total cheese production," which is more than
any other state.

When the state dance is the polka, it’s awfully convenient that A World of Accordions, a museum
with more than 1,000 types of squeeze-boxes, is also found in the state.

Wyoming - Cheyenne
Wyoming, one of the most mountainous states in the country, is home to the Rocky
Mountains as well as the first national park in the country, Yellowstone National Park,
which features mountains, large canyons, rivers, hot springs, and geysers. The most
notable geyser in Yellowstone National Park is Old Faithful.

Devil's Tower was the first national monument in the US in 1906. 

There are only two sets of escalators in the entire state.