20 Strange Moments in U.S. History That Sound Made Up
These 20 moments in American history are so strange, they sound like fiction, but every one of them really happened.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
American history is full of events that don’t sound real at first. From government experiments to strange elections, these moments are well-documented and often overlooked. They show how unpredictable the past can be, even in official records.
1. The Time the U.S. Government Poisoned Alcohol During Prohibition
Esquilo on Wikimedia Commons
To stop illegal drinking, the government actually added poison to industrial alcohol. The goal was to scare people into quitting booze. Instead, it led to thousands of deaths. Yes, the government accidentally went full supervillain.
2. A Town Elected a Goat as Mayor
Béria Lima de Rodríguez on Wikimedia Commons
In Lajitas, Texas, a goat named Clay Henry was elected mayor. He became famous for drinking beer straight from the bottle. Locals adored him, and tourists came just to meet the goat mayor. Democracy got weird, and everyone loved it.
3. The Day the White House Was Literally on Fire
Harris & Ewing on Wikimedia Commons
British troops set fire to the White House during the War of 1812. First Lady Dolley Madison saved a portrait of George Washington before fleeing. The building burned, but the spirit of the nation didn’t. Imagine your home catching fire while you’re hosting international guests.
4. A UFO Panic Caused a Full-On Battle in Los Angeles
George Stock on Wikimedia Commons
In 1942, L.A. thought it was under attack by aliens or the Japanese. Anti-aircraft guns fired wildly into the night sky. No enemies were ever found, but the city had a nervous breakdown. It’s now called the “Battle of Los Angeles,” and it was mostly against clouds.
5. The Time Richard Nixon Met Elvis Presley at the White House
Ollie Atkins on Wikimedia Commons
Elvis showed up in a purple suit and asked to be made a federal agent. Nixon agreed and gave him a badge. No one really knew what Elvis planned to do with it, but it made for one of the most famous and bizarre photos in U.S. history.
6. A President Got Stuck in a Bathtub
Adam Cuerden on Wikimedia Commons
William Howard Taft was over 300 pounds and once got stuck in a White House tub. The story says it took several men to lift him out. He later ordered an extra-large tub that could fit four people. Presidential problems can be strangely relatable.
7. The Exploding Whale Incident of 1970
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve on Wikimedia Commons
Oregon tried to remove a dead whale with dynamite. The plan backfired, sending chunks of whale blubber raining down on cars and people. It became a national joke and local legend. No one’s used dynamite on a whale since.
8. A Supreme Court Case About Tomatoes Being Fruits or Vegetables
Erich Salomon on Wikimedia Commons
In 1893, the Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes are vegetables for tax reasons. Botanically, they’re fruits, but taxonomists cared more about dinner plates than science. The decision was weird but official. Even the highest court in the land argues about salad.
9. The Great Emu War… But in America’s Spirit
Macesito on Wikimedia Commons
Australia had an Emu War, but the U.S. once trained bats to carry bombs. It was part of a real WWII project called “Bat Bombs.” The plan was scrapped, but not before some bats escaped and burned down a test base. Turns out bats aren’t great at following orders.
10. The Time Congress Almost Changed the English Language
Harris & Ewing on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1800s, Congress debated making German the official U.S. language. It missed passing by just one vote. The idea was to support German immigrants and simplify legal documents. Imagine a history class with umlauts.
11. The Accidental Canadian Invasion
SRA. Joanna Seltzer on Wikimedia Commons
In 2002, U.S. troops accidentally invaded Canada during a training exercise. They realized their mistake and quickly turned around. No harm was done, but the story still gets laughs. It was probably the politest “invasion” in history.
12. When a Man Ran for Congress and Won From Jail
State House portrait on Wikimedia Commons
In 1798, Matthew Lyon was jailed under the Alien and Sedition Acts. While behind bars, he ran for Congress — and won. He even got re-elected after his release. The guy literally campaigned from a cell and still beat the competition.
13. A Baseball Game Once Ended in a Riot Over Disco
Rdikeman on Wikimedia Commons
In 1979, “Disco Demolition Night” at a Chicago baseball game turned into chaos. Fans stormed the field, destroyed records, and lit bonfires. The game was forfeited. Disco didn’t survive, but neither did crowd control.
14. The “No Pants Subway Ride” That Wasn’t a Prank
Burkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons
In 1985, a glitch in Washington, D.C.’s Metro system left people stranded. It got so hot that many riders simply removed their pants. Newspapers reported it straight-faced. Comfort over fashion, folks.
15. The Trial That Put a Monkey in Court
Charles J. Sharp on Wikimedia Commons
The 1925 Scopes Trial wasn’t about a monkey on trial — but close. A teacher was accused of teaching evolution, which was illegal in Tennessee. It sparked national outrage and circus-like media coverage. Science vs. Bible, with monkeys in the headlines.
16. A President Gave a 2-Hour Speech Then Died of a Cold
James Lambdin on Wikimedia Commons
William Henry Harrison gave the longest inaugural speech ever — in freezing weather. He didn’t wear a coat or hat. He caught a cold and died a month later. Talk about dying for your words.
17. A Guy Tried to Sell the Brooklyn Bridge Many Times
The RedBurn on Wikimedia Commons
George C. Parker sold landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge to clueless tourists. He forged papers, looked official, and made a fortune. He even “sold” the Statue of Liberty once. If you’ve ever been scammed, take comfort — so were 1900s New Yorkers.
18. The CIA Tried to Spy Using Cats
Juan Emilio Prades Bel on Wikimedia Commons
Project Acoustic Kitty trained cats to eavesdrop on enemies. The first cat ran into traffic on its first mission, and the project ended immediately. It turns out cats are not natural spies.
19. A Town Banned Ice Cream Cones on Sundays
Mona Hassan Abo-Abda on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 1900s, some cities outlawed ice cream cones on Sundays. They thought it was too indulgent for the Lord’s day. People had to sneak sundaes like they were doing something illegal. Moral panic: now with sprinkles.
20. When the U.S. Planned to Nuke the Moon
Gregory H. Revera on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1950s, the U.S. considered blowing up the moon to show off military power. It was called “Project A119.” Scientists didn’t love the idea, shockingly. Thankfully, sanity won, and the moon is still up there.