10 Strange Facts About America You’re Probably Unaware of

Darth Washington

Since construction began on September 29, 1907, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, other wise known as Washington National Cathedral, has held state funerals for four of our previous leaders. Like with many cathedrals, its interior and exterior are adorned with many impressive carvings. Since the 1980s, one carving might seem like it came for a galaxy far, far away as on the northwest tower you can spot a gargoyle in the image of Darth Vader.

Unbearable

Many states have animals on their flags. Iowa has an eagle holding a ribbon, Louisiana has a pelican feeding her young with her own blood and Michigan has an elk, moose and a bald eagle emblazoned on its state flag. Arguably, the most famous of these animal adorning flags is the Californian state flag with its impressive grizzly bear. There is however one problem with that, the iconic California grizzly that graces that state’s flag is now extinct. Apart from in a zoo, the grizzly bear hasn’t been seen in California since the 1920s.