Fifty States: Every Question Answered

by Lori Baird, Marcel Brousseau, Amber Rose

Take a tour of America with this outstanding reference—including photos, maps, and extensive facts about each state’s geography, history—and more. What was the last state to join the Union? What does the state quarter for Alabama look like? What is the state bird of Texas? How did Vermont get its name? All the answers are contained in Fifty Every Question Answered!   Whether you’re a student or just a history buff, this book is a great reference manual to each state’s geography, history, factual details, and ecology. Beautiful color photos and maps also provide a view of how the landscape has changed over the years. Young and old alike will enjoy this adventurous, wide-ranging walk through the United States of America.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Travel, History, Historical, Geography, American History

980 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like learning about America this book maybe perfect for you. It goes through all fifty states and gives you photos, history ETC. It's quite informative and you will learn much. I am a fifty state junkie and love learning about every state. Here's some fun facts, most of which did NOT come from this book.
Massachusetts-most well educated
Maine- lowest crime rate.
Tennessee-most caves.
Alaska, Pennsylvania-most creeks
California-most roses
Nebraska-most sand dunes
DC-Most renter occupied homes
Illinois-most pumpkins
New Jersey - most luxury cars, Wyoming-least
NH- most responsible drinkers in a study
NM-known for Flamenco dancing
CO wakes up earliest
WA State- most Canadians
AZ- most Cacti.
California-most health spas.
Alaska-most glaciers.
CA, AK, UT-most National Parks.
Hawaii - most coconut trees.
Minnesota- best run government.
Oregon- best infrastructure.
Rhode Island-worst infrastructure. Least farmland
Ohio -- most karaoke bars
Tennessee-most radio stations
California and Oklahoma- most Native Americans
New Hampshire- "freest"
New York-most Theaters
West Virginia - most redheads.
Wyoming -least vegetarians.
Kentucky-easiest to get driver's license
MT- most ATVs
Wisconsin-biggest producer of dairy
New Jersey - lowest divorce rate
New York-most public transit use
Wisconsin-best for snowmobiling
California-most surfing locations
New Mexico-most adobe homes
Florida-most beach style homes
Minnesota-highest voter turnout
Illinois-strictest Pet safety laws
Oregon -most waterfalls
Michigan- has most lighthouses
Colorado-highest average elevation
FL-biggest variety of seashells
Or-largest softwood lumber producer
Nebraska-most driver-friendly
Most lakes-Alaska or Michigan.
Florida-largest stock of second homes
Ca- highest housing shortages
Tx-strongest
Georgia showers most
MT- largest ever recorded temperature change
Nevada -most PERCEIVED isolation
Virginia and Ohio-most Presidents
Alaska-highest credit card balance
MN- best credit ratings
KY -biggest Fireworks display- (thunder over Louisville).
Alabama - lowest property taxes.
Maine -biggest snowman
NY - most lawyers.
Indiana - most round barns
Virginia connects to internet the fastest
Delaware-shortest average workweek
Idaho-most whitewater river miles
California, Connecticut, Washington-best grammar skills
Wa-most rainy
AK-most overnight cold
Michigan-most fresh water coastline.
AZ-most homes with swimming pools
PA-most monuments
WA-cleanest people
CA, PA-most chocolatiers
MD-highest concentration of Millionaires.
Connecticut residents go to dentist the most.
Florida- most palm trees AND most golfing
Texas - highest black population
New Jersey-loudest
Michigan-highest Dutch population
Louisiana most French
NH-most Irish
UT-drinks least coffee per capita
Ca-most Filipinos
Arkansas -only Diamond mine in U.S.
Kansas-most wheat fields
Oklahoma-most barbecue eateries per cap
Vermont-biggest producer of maple syrup.
Ohio- most Arby's AND most libraries.
In quizzes, Missouri is most forgot
Wisconsin- most Binge drinking
Rhode Island-first ever circus. Most hook-ups
Arizona- most NRA Members
Pennsylvania - largest Black Bears
NC-most beer on tap
Colorado- most active, fittest people
Maine-most soft spoken
CA- most diverse state.
PA - birthplace of Hershey's.
Delaware- worst bar scene
Idaho- most dog owners
WA- most fog
VT-most beautiful winters
WVA-watch most television.
DC-most on food stamps
Wyoming only has two escalators in the state!
Mississippi and Florida- most humidity
TX-most Lightning storms.
MO-most rivers in lower 48
New York-most poets
Wisconsin-most red barns
MS-takes the longest showers
New Mexico- most Hot Air Balloons AND most Chili Peppers.
Utah-most child friendly state
New Yorkers do the most walking
CT- most income disparity
AK - highest unemployment
Washington state- popular for berry picking
FL-most panthers
Indiana-most blue collar friendly
Arkansas-most folk music friendly
Florida-most sports cars
Montana-most vast sky
Nevada- most casinos.
Wisconsin -- most festivals
Georgia-most waffle houses.
Texas produces the most beef
Vermont-most hippies
NV-produces most gold
Mississippi -- most affordable for eating out
Georgia- tops in forestry
WA & MI-most cherry trees
MO-ST. Louis most charitable city.
Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana- top schools for agriculture
California- most campgrounds.
Colorado-most adventurous
Utah-most humble
Arkansas and Mississippi-biggest green thumbs
New York City - most art galleries & art shows.
Maine- rocky coastline
Hawaii- neighbors 20% more friendly than average
Iowa-most tornadoes
MD has a "flush tax."
Wy-fewest tech jobs
CT-least "anger and hatred."
NV- play most video games
VT-most homework, least racist
MS- worst work environments
TX-most pavement
NY-most book stores
North Dakota- call in sick to work least.
AL- most fast food restaurants.
TX-most airports.
Ca & Co-most sunshine.
Bangor Maine- cleanest air.
Kansas-most dirt roads
Mississippi-feels most southern
AK -lowest tax burden
DE-lowest elevation
Wisconsin-biggest extroverts
Minnesota AND Dakotas-most sleet
UT- most crowded schools.
Delaware-cheapest to buy iPhones
IN produces most popcorn
Nevada- highest teacher shortage, good for rock-climbing
NJ-longest traffic lights
Wisconsin-lowest grocery prices
New Hampshire- known as "the Switzerland of America."
Maryland - least amount of natural lakes.
Kansas and Illinois-tallest grass
Georgia-most NFL players per capita
Kentucky- best fried chicken!
Delaware - best small community feel
NV-most greedy
NC-worst for workers
Kansas-MAYBE most "secretive" government
AZ,CA,AK-most wilderness retreats
KY-least thrifty
AR-strictest parents
AZ,HI-don't do daylight savings time
South Carolina- most charming people
MD-most holiday spending
Indiana-least expensive used cars
Texas-most suspected narcissists
CT-most aloof
MA-most geniuses
RI-most unfriendly
HI-most nonjudgmental
WVA-most flirtatious
NJ-most expensive land
Virginia-most patriotic!
TX-most farm supply stores
ND- best at saving money
RI - best donuts!
CA & OR-most thrift stores
MI-most automotive jobs
FL-luxurious landscaping
South Carolina- best sweet tea
Mississippi-birthplace of blues
MA-most into jewelry
WY-lowest median HOA fees.
UT- worst workplace equality
SC-most conscientious
Massachusetts- highest SAT scores, least Bullying
MN- most Scandinavians
Hawaii- most Buddhists.
New York- highest Jewish population
SC- most Mobile homes.
CT- maritime history
Illinois- best for construction workers.
Michigan- highest Customer Service salaries.
CT,CA,WA-mentioned as having strict zoning laws.
Colorado - best Health Insurance
New Hampshire-least poverty.
DC-most formal work apparel
Id-least Landlines
AR-Had first toothbrush
Washington DC-highest pay for hairdressers.
Wisconsin-lowest cost for college meal plans
Illinois-most local governments
Pennsylvania-listens to most holiday music
West Virginia-most tattoos
Hawaii -most cultural diversity. Montana- least.
AZ-biggest var of venomous snakes
MT-most polite
MI-most garbage per person
VT- most Communes and co-ops
Illinois-known for deep dish pizza!
Al, Hi-most honest
VT--least fast food
WA-most tunnels
Illinois-best looking people
DC-lowest pet ownership
Kansas- first state to ratify 15th amendment to U.S. Constitution giving black men right to vote.
California- highest sales tax.
Wyoming-biggest western Cowboy culture.
Georgia- peaches!
Alabama- football.
CA,WI -- best for MILK deliveries
Delaware-more chickens than people.
NY-most world travelers
NH-most community activities for children
CA & TX-most warehouses
MS-most teens giving birth, NH- least.
OR- most outdoor fountains
New Mexico-most Hispanic
Ohio, Pennsylvania- most Amish
New York-most Polish
Colorado-most log cabins
MI-most cideries
GA-most junk food.
MT-least amount of people with drivers licenses
Minnesota-most scenic rest stops
TX-easiest to be landlord in
Iowa-freshest, most fertile soil
NJ -highest rate of home foreclosures.
NH-least amount of internet trolls
Mississippi - lowest rate of home computer ownership.
Connecticut- highest pay for Veterinarians
Nebraska - windiest
Maine - most tranquil
AZ- produces the most minerals
Al-people take most afternoon naps!
Wi- - biggest paper producer
Kansas-largest unplowed area of prairie
Texas- most power outages
Ohio-gets most spam calls
Vermont has a mud season.
Delaware - least interstate highways
WA-most apple trees
MD- most Government support for the arts.
NM- most household-type diversity
KS-number one in wheat production
TX-most Prairie Dogs
Montana-most outdoorsy
Connecticut- most outdoor stone walls
VT-most introverts
DC-most black millionaires
Rhode Island-best for social workers
Utah least income inequality
NJ-best broadband
Michigan-least likelihood of natural disasters.
Connecticut- first state to have Constitution.
Maine-most vacation homes, including summer cottages
NE- smallest legislature
HI,LA-most self-confidence
Maine - least densely populated state east of Miss. riv
California- most RV parks
MD,CA-most odors
Massachusetts-best for women. Arkansas and Louisiana- worst
Iowa-Most corn stands. Also top corn producer
Or - most logging businesses.
Colorado- most mountainous
Florida - most orange groves
CA-most Olympic athletes
Hawaii -longest summers
Georgia-red clay mountains
West Virginia- most pizza establishments.
Maine produces most wild blueberries
Alaska - best to see the Northern lights.
DC-Most marathon runners proport. to population
NV & MS-most likely to complain
UT-most nerds
Missouri- off-the-grid living.
Alaska- most bird species
Vermont-best greenery
SC-most mini golf
Cali & TX-best for printers
Massachusetts-worst drivers
South Dakota-most family-owned businesses
WY-most pickup trucks
Virginia-most expensive speeding tickets
North Carolina- most pottery
FL- most Tropical storms.
VT-most Organic farms.
Nevada-most people who don't speak English at home.
NC-most known for textile
WA-most ferries
HI-shortest people
NH-public meetings.
CA, VT -- greenest states
Connecticut -- least litter per person
Wyoming and Georgia- lowest minimum wage.
Arizona-highest levels of vitamin D.
Utah-most dark sky parks
New York-most fashionable
Maine-best skin
Fl-most Billboards.
Wy- most coal plants.
NM-least intrusive neighbors
WI-least impulsive couples
Most luxurious-Fla
Illinois-highest raccoon population
AL,AR - least trust in strangers
New Jersey-most hazardous waste sites
Connecticut - highest heating costs.
Maryland worst for traffic
Nevada -most Hot tubs!
MD- most historical landmarks
MN-most like Sweden
TX-uses most central air conditioning
CA pays police most.
Philly, PA-highest percentage of row houses
NV-most gambling related arrests
KY- most restored Victorian homes.
NJ- APPEARS to have smallest backyards.
MI-largest limestone quarry
Indiana-racing cap of world
Iowa-most unique license plate.
NC-most cookouts, barbecues
Oregon, Cali-most lilies
Florida- most fun
Utah-most mormons
Delaware - least airports.
DC-Best worker's rights
MA-historical Quaker meeting houses.
OK - biggest wildlife facility.
WVA-least arts & entertainment
TX-most call centers
South Dakota-most mellow
Alabama- most religious.
Oregon- top for certain work protections like paid family leave
Georgia - most speeding tickets per capita.
MI-biggest stadium
TX- most issues with mold.
CO-most reported cases of Altitude sickness.
HI - highest consumption of spam.
TX-most barndominiums
New Jersey-best to flip houses
KS, MS, TN-strictest alcohol laws
Maine-most ocean light houses
Ohio-"birthplace of aviation"
TX-most court houses
TN- best state for truck drivers.
NE-most bacon-obsessed
ME- biggest Moose population.
MN- lowest reported temps in contiguous United States.
OK- most women incarcerated-(from awhile ago)
MI- most robots.
Minnesota - kindest.
CA -- highest Asian population.
Worst cell speed coverage Anchorage AK
Rhode Island ,New York- most historical homes
AZ, AK,TX-most female farmers
Arkansas - most renter unfriendly
VT-- least business friendly
Connecticut - best work/life balance
ND- listens to most talk radio
Nevada-top for women representation
NE- sports obsessed
TX-most trains
UT - most married people.
West Virginia- most people living in rugged terrain
Hawaii-best for ocean conservation
NY-most expensive weddings
MT-best fly fishing
Ca-tallest trees
Massachusetts known for whale watching
WI - highest German population.
FL- highest Cuban population.
CA - worst air quality.
Rhode Island-Gilded Age Mansions
Oklahoma-most like a country song
Georgia - largest apartments .
NV- Physical Therapists make the most.
TX- most fracking.
NM -lowest graduation rates.
Of lower 48, North Dakota least visited
Michigan buys most cars made in America
Texas -most convenience stores
LA-most coastal erosion
Brooklyn New York- highest concentration of Brownstones
WVA-most smokers.
CA- most Food trucks.
Oh- strictest Home schooling laws.
Florida and Alaska- most Islands.
Tennessee - tallest underground waterfall, Ruby Falls, in the country.
Tennessee ALSO- largest underground lake, The Lost Sea.
New Mexico -largest average size backyard
TX-- most business friendly. Most Fox News watchers
CT-most suburban
Hawaii-most sleep deprived
Pa-best for antique fans
Arkansas-easiest to build a house in
Id-fastest growing
SD-least bugs
Delaware-One of top states to retire-also uses google least
MT-quietest
Idaho tips most at restaurants
Fl, HI- most Dolphins
CO-take most work vacation days
NY- best for real estate agents
WA-most bicycle friendly, most river floats
NJ airport, Newark often cited for plane delays
Alaska- most snow
OR-best for gemologists
NY-most talkative
MI-most urban blight
A "Nutmegger" is someone who lives in Connecticut
Illinois most "normal" state.
Vi-best for black families
Men in AK-most beards.
MN-most ice skating rinks
Louisiana-Mardi Gras!
Arizona- the Grand Canyon!
HI-most Air B&B's.
Maine --most prominent rocky coastline.
Ohio-swears the most
FL-takes most cruises
New Hampshire best overall for quality of life.
NC- most NASCAR fans
FL % GA-most fireflies
Vermont- best access to local produce.
Maine- most photographed Landscapes
Kansas-worst for hay fever
Pennsylvania-most horse & buggies
VT -- least car theft
Easiest to get Disability payments in Hawaii, also has the highest cost of living.
Alaska-most polar bears
NJ- highest Italian population.
NY - best tap water.
Idaho-least land restrictions
WY-most rodeos
AZ-most confrontational drivers
MA-best clams. Most funny people.
WA -most friendly to Vapers
De-fewest counties.
Al-angriest
PA -most Hunters.
NV-most transient
FL-most pickleball spots
CT -best state for Women's basketball
NM- One of worst for Uber-drivers
Ca and Mi- highest Butterfly population.
WVA- best for first time skiers
Ok-lowest voter turnout
NM-most Landlocked.
New Jersey- most Diners.
New Jersey- highest pay for butchers.
NC - best for road trips.
OH & PA-only states in study to choose brown as favorite color
Co-most telecommuters
NE- best for retirees.
But Virginia was voted best for MILITARY retirees.
FL- best for singles.
CT- first ever municipal public library
NY-most taxi services
Louisiana- highest incarceration rates.
Wisconsin -- best cheese (duh!) AND most super clubs.
South Carolina-highest eviction rate
Mississippi - lowest Gas prices. California-highest Gas tax
KY- most Bourbon distilleries.
TN-most country music love.
Tarpon Springs Florida- highest Greek population.
CA- most hotels.
ME-most pine trees
Ak-most Wetlands.
Ca-most tanning salons.
TX-most 4-H clubs
NY -- Most opera houses
OR, Fla-most starfish
AZ-most monogamous for men
NY-most government benefits.
UT- the least amount of restaurants per capita
Nosiest-MO,KS,VI
North Dakota- most people living alone. Hawaiians least people living alone.
Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts-the historical disembarkation site of the Mayflower pilgrims.
AZ- most charter schools.
Louisiana- best food.
Washington State- most volunteers
ID- most neutral accent.
Lexington Kentucky-Horse Capital of the world.
Delaware- best to shop!
NE-most farmland.
NC produces the most sweet potatoes.
Texas-most Business friendly
Alabama-most HBCU's
NC-most ziplines
New Mexico-cheapest farmland
Connecticut, "Submarine Capitol of the world."
Ohio-Most Astronauts
New Hampshire-best to find a job
Montana-best to be a rancher
ND- most bars per Capita
VT- best for apartment renters
WVA-most affordable apts
Virginia- most personalized license plates.
Florida - most luxury malls.
NC- most Beach Nightclubs
TX-most tigers
Portland OR-most vegan friendly city
West Virginia-least eco friendly buildings
Rhode Island-worst for small businesses
Idaho- most usable dipping springs.
Maine-most Timberland.
Tennessee-biggest treehouse in the country!
Montana-most sapphire production
Pennsylvania most bridges and bowling allies
Maryland-most Feminist state
Oregon-most craft breweries
Connecticut- most married female full time workers
Montana-best looking men
New York - highest paid teachers.
South Dakota- shortest work commutes.
Maryland-highest fast food consumption
Virginia- most history.
Florida-flattest state.
NJ- most densely populated
SD,ND-smells best
Maine's amount of lakes exceeds that of all other northeastern states combined!
Montana -- most dude ranches
Vermont-most cat owners
M,FL -most boats.
Most homes w/front porches-AL, Ky, MS, TN.
Maine- oldest population
Florida- number one vacation destination.
Washington State -highest minimum wage.
Hawaii- least sleep.
South Dakota-most sleep.
CA- most Facebook users.
Alaska and Florida - most Ocean Coastline.
Ohio largest greenhouse producers
TX-most Miss USA'S
OR - highest income tax.
IN- most Powerball winners!
IO & MO - biggest deer population.
DC-pays mailmen most
Georgia- most soda consumption and biggest Woodpeckers!
Utah most Christmas spirit
Tennessee spends the most on Amazon
Florida- most Tropical climate.
California and Connecticut have pink sand beaches
Wyoming-most republican state
Massachusetts - most Democrats
Montana and New Hampshire - most Libertarians.
NJ- most urban centers
CT-historical town greens
ID and KS-harshest cannabis laws
ND-least lawsuits
RI- smallest state
CA - largest economy
Texas -most state pride
South Carolina- most cost effective highways
CA-most water parks
ME-highest recycling
NH, MN - highest literacy rates
Florida-most expensive car insurance, Maine, cheapest
Minnesota - oldest rocks
Pennsylvania-most liberal arts colleges
AK-quietest highways
Utah and Hawaii- happiest.
Vermont is the most Eco friendly state.
Wisconsin-best dental care
Maine - Maine has the most beach rocks.
Wyoming is the least densely populated state.
Wyoming and Vermont are the most rural states.
If you have read this to the end....wow! Hope u enjoyed
So many more.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a larger format book that can be helpful in starting a study of the United States of America or planning a visit to a particular state. The book has interesting photos and drawings including historical art such as John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence (1817) which depicts the founding fathers’ 1776 presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence. General maps that include:

An overall Political Map;
a Topographical Map;
a Map showing Growth of a Nation;
one delineating American Indian Reservations;
another doing the same for National Parks;
and one of Washington, D.C. (*not a state but represented in the U.S. House of Representatives).

Each state gets a full treatment from things such as state flag and state bird to natural resources, historical events; significant cities and people.

There is plenty to like and I will keep my copy close to get a better perspective before travel or when a particular state makes the headlines.

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have actually been slowly reading this book for years now. I have it on my Kindle and when my husband and I travel, I'll read aloud about the states we're traveling through (plus a few others). We are getting close to the end but it has been great to so much about states. Did we miss this in school? We're we sleeping? The only annoying thing is the writing style for the last paragraph for each state. It's always a stirring, somewhat patriot summary that leaves you hopeful for that state's future. It's a little repetitive. And it's taken us so long to read, that I wonder how different some of the political landscapes are in relation to our current president? <---- Readers in the future, I'm referring to Trump.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift from several years ago and I finally read it. Having traveled to 49 of our great 50 states I learned some very interesting facts about each one. I am looking forward to finishing up our tour of the state's with a future trip to the 49th state, Alaska.

[Mark Kloha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Several errors in the book.
For Colorado - Pikes Peak Gold Rush is listed as 1959. Pikes Peak Gold Rush began in 1858 with the peak of the gold rush occurring in 1859 and these miners were known as 59ers.

For Kentucky - "The New Madrid Earthquake, as it was called, probably measure 8.0 on the Richter scale and reputedly was felt over a 50,000 mile radius....." The New Madrid Earthquakes was actually a series of severe earthquakes spanning several months. A 50,000 mile radius though....seriously....the circumference of the earth at the equator is only 25,000 miles. The earthquake was felt over 50,000 square miles. Huge difference between 50,000 square miles and a 50,000 mile radius.

For Virginia - The author screwed up the story about Wilmer Mclean. The author says that the Civil War began and ended on Wilmer Mclean's farm and has a picture of Wilmer Mclean's farmhouse. The Civil War did began at Wilmer Mclean's house as it was the beginning of the 1st Battle of Bull Run. Wilmer Mclean's farmhouse became General Beauregard's headquarters. Wilmer Mclean then moved to get away from all the fighting. He moved 150 miles away and into the old Appomattox Courthouse building. So, yes, the Civil War did begin in Wilmer Mclean's backyard and it ended in his parlor. But it began and ended with two very different buildings.

[Daylynn Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but it did not make me "love" the United States. I picked this up at a Cracker Barrel to educate myself a little more, pass the time, and entertain myself. The weather descriptions vary in detail, as well as other things, leaving me to believe the authors split up the task of writing it & some gave more details than others about the states they chose. I will donate this to the jail so inmates will have something to read. Lol.

[Luke Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich, informative overview that really pushes home how vast and varied the US is. What's interesting is there's little mention of guns aside from Samuel Colt which from a nation with such strong gun culture is surprising. A good coffee table read to revisit.

[Scott Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dated (written in 2008), still a fun overall look at all 50 states. I broke this up by starting in week 3 of January and reading one state per week. Finished early (Dec 18 instead of Dec 25) with Hawaii.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference book for state buff.

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed browsing through this book. A very high level 4-8 pages about every state. It reminded me of my childhood when my parents gave me a puzzle of the united states, in which I learned the capitals, etc. I loved it!

[Helen Meuser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alot of interesting facts about each state

[Fergus Carleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about states and geography. The book helps me learn about the 50 states in America.