7 False US History Facts You Always Thought Were True

By: Bhavesh B.

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The history you learned in school might not be as accurate as you think, especially when it comes to US history. For example, Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, never actually landed on North American shores. Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence didn't get signed on July 4th, as many widely believe.

Recent revelations from historians and experts have started to unravel the true stories behind some of America's pivotal historical moments. Dive into this article to discover the truth behind some of the myths you may have believed about US history.

1. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776

Contrary to popular belief, the signing of the Declaration of Independence did not take place on July 4th. There is confusion because July 4th was the date when the Continental Congress approved the final version of the document. This significant date was originally set as the deadline for completing the drafting process. However, the signing commenced on August 2nd, famously marked by John Hancock's distinctive signature, and continued until late November.

2. Betsy Ross didn’t make the stars and stripes

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It's a widely accepted belief among Americans that George Washington recruited seamstress Betsy Ross to help design the first American flag. However, historical evidence suggests otherwise. The tale of Betsy Ross and the flag emerged nearly a century after the purported event, when her grandson, William J. Canby, presented it in a paper for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1870. Despite its lack of historical verification, the narrative gained traction, particularly in the post-Civil War era, resonating with a nation eager for a unifying narrative.

Though the identity of the flag's maker in Philadelphia remains uncertain, the design featuring 13 stars in a circular arrangement has become synonymous with the "Betsy Ross flag."

Related: The Bizarre Origins of Some Very Familiar Flags

3. Slavery wasn’t just confined to the South

By the close of the 17th century, slavery had taken root in all 13 British colonies, which later evolved into U.S. states. Surprisingly, Massachusetts led the way in legalizing slavery, while New York saw its slave population grow to nearly 1,600 people by 1720.

The chains of slavery weren't lifted in New York until 1827, with historians noting that slaves comprised at least 50% of the labor force responsible for building and sustaining the city, and constituted 20% of its total inhabitants. Up until the eve of the Civil War, slavery continued to have an influence in New York, fueled by travelers from the slave-holding South.

4. George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth

George Washington, the first president of the United States, did not have wooden teeth, as is often rumored. In reality, he had a lot of dental problems and had dentures made of a combination of ivory, gold, and lead. Wood was never used in dentures, and certainly not in Washington's mouth. Historians speculate that the ivory may have worn down with time, resulting in a grainy, wooden look that may have confused early observers and led to the myth.

5. Washington, D.C., wasn’t always America’s capital

While it is common knowledge that Washington, D.C., is the United States' capital, many may be surprised to learn that it's actually the nation's ninth capital city. Philadelphia was the first capital, where the Continental Congress convened in 1774 and signed the Declaration of Independence two years later. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the capital moved several times—from Philadelphia to Baltimore and even Lancaster, Pennsylvania—as Congress strove to keep ahead of the British Army.

George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States in New York City in 1789, hence, Federal Hall in the Big Apple briefly served as the first capital of the United States (under the US Constitution) from 1789 to 1790. Philadelphia became the capital again until the District of Columbia could be completed.

6. The Liberty Bell didn’t crack on July 4, 1776

Misconceptions about the Liberty Bell have persisted over time. To begin with, during the American Revolution, it was known as the State House Bell, as it was located in Pennsylvania's State House. It wasn't until the 1800s, when abolitionists embraced its significance, that it received the nickname "Liberty Bell."

Secondly, the popular assumption that the bell cracked on July 4, 1776, is incorrect. In fact, it most likely remained silent on that historic occasion because of pre-existing cracks dating back to 1752. The bell's constant need for repair during its time in the State House resulted in the visible crack we see today, which likely occurred in the 1840s.

7. There were only 12 original colonies before the formation of the United States. Not 13

The American flag with its 13 stripes symbolizes the original colonies, but an examination of history reveals a fascinating fact: only 12 colonies revolted against British rule in 1775. Delaware, although integral to American independence, was administratively part of the Pennsylvania colony until it asserted its sovereignty on June 15th, 1776. Despite having its own assembly and being known as the lower counties, Delaware remained under Pennsylvania's control. Yet, Delaware's impact on American history is undeniable, as it proudly became the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, a momentous occasion worthy of celebration.