The 50 Biggest Lies About Every State That Most People Think Are True!

Alabama does have an unfortunate history of racial discrimination, but most residents will readily point out their pride in the advancement of civil rights. Alabama can claim Rosa Parks' historic decision to not give up her seat, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March from Selma to Montgomery, and it was also home to Martin Luther King, Jr. for many years. Alabama is also home to the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham.

When people think of Alaska, they might picture Todd Palin on the back of his snow-ski. That may be the case for some northern regions of the state, but the more populous areas are actually quite temperate. Anchorage's average temperatures are ten degrees warmer than parts of the Midwest, and states like Virginia actually see more average snowfall than the Alaskan lowlands!

Those who think Alaska is one giant glacier may think Arizona is the exact opposite, but as this beautiful photo of Havasu Falls shows us, Arizona has more environmental variety than just cacti and red sands. Arizona has canyons, coniferous forests, lakes and even a tundra!

Bill might be one of the most famous native sons of Arkansas. I asked a friend from Arkansas the annoying question he gets asked the most. He said that when he travels to other countries (or even other states) and tells people he's from Arkansas, everyone says, "So you've met Bill Clinton?" as if the former governor went house to house during the '90s. A decent amount of Little Rock residents most likely do have a Bill Clinton story or two, but there's more to this scenic state than the legacy of one man.

Scientists concur that California sinking into the ocean is just a Hollywood fantasy — or a fantasy for those who wish Hollywood would sink into the ocean. California does see a large amount of earthquakes, but it's more likely that Los Angeles and San Francisco will become neighbors than the state sinking into the ocean or becoming its own island anytime soon. Scientists, however, have not yet ensured California's safety from any impending Godzilla attacks.

Now that Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana, it must be a smoke-filled den full of Pringle-less stores, right? Not quite. The state still has strict regulations on marijuana usage. Drivers will be ticketed for impaired driving if their blood shows more than five nanograms of THC in their bloodstream. Residents are also prohibited from strolling into a local Pizza Hut and turning it into a Cheech and Chong movie set. Laws require that recreational marijuana be used only on private property with the owner's permission, and you can only purchase an ounce at a time, with dispensaries keeping records to look for irregularities. Opening a dispensary also requires a great deal of legal red tape.

Most people might think the official Connecticut uniform is khakis, boat shoes, a polo, and a tennis racquet because when CNN ranked the richest cities in America, four of them were in Connecticut. Even the most recent census said that Connecticut had the most money per capita, but that doesn't represent every resident. Connecticut has a rich farming community, large middle class, and many hard-working Americans who don't identify with the one percent.

Delaware is known for its zero sales tax, which attracts many consumers from nearby states, giving it a reputation as nothing more than a shopping mall for its neighbors. But the state has plenty to offer tourists and residents besides its discount potential: This tiny state features over 36 historic sites, several exemplary wineries and breweries, and attractions like the DuPont Mansion.

Technically, yes, Florida is the sunshine state. But ask some locals if that's an appropriate moniker and you'll get some eye-rolls. Most of Florida is either a humid subtropical or drenched due to a rain season lasting June to December. In summer you can pretty much assume that your afternoon will include a downpour. Florida has a reputation for its beautiful weather, but don't forget that this is a state with a hurricane season as well.

The South already has its share of stereotypes that residents have to battle on a daily basis, but two of Georgia's most recently famous icons aren't doing the state any favors. Paula Deen's butter-laden recipes and Honey Boo Boo's mother Mama June's love of mayonnaise have furthered the stereotype that Georgia is the land of the obese. Georgia is 25th in childhood obesity and 18th in adult obesity. These stats aren't the best, but the state has been campaigning to turn this number around. Thinking all Georgians are fat is nothing more than prejudice.

Do you need to get an international sim card when you go to Hawaii? Of course not! The biggest thing that people don't understand about Hawaii is that it is an American state. Americans visiting Hawaii often pack their passports and ask their hotel concierges about adaptors or exchanging currency because they think they are traveling internationally. Though it is a long flight, rest assured that Hawaii is in fact all-American.

The potato might be Idaho's biggest blessing and curse. It's a beneficial harvest that accounts for large amounts of the state's GDP, but it's also become the state's sole identity to the rest of the country. When you meet an Idaho native, you may assume that they come from a long line of potato farmers, but most of the state's population actually lives in cities. The landscape of Idaho features way more than crops too — the Rocky Mountains, several rivers, massive lakes, and beautiful forestry.

Most visitors to Illinois are visiting Chicago, but the state has way more to offer. Springfield gives history buffs a variety of Abraham Lincoln-based attractions, including his childhood home, tomb and museum. Illinois also has a national park, the Garden of the Gods, and contains part of the beautiful Mississippi river. Intrigued? Route 66 will take you right out of Chicago and into other parts of Illinois worth visiting.

Yes, there are cities in Indiana that feature a Drive-Your-Tractor-to-School-Day, but that doesn't apply to every Indianan, many of whom live in more metropolitan areas like Indianapolis. Agriculture, like soybeans and corn, certainly plays an important role in this state's economy, but even the farmers in this state aren't driving their tractors to the movies or church on Sundays.

People often confuse Iowa with Idaho (even though they're in completely different parts of the country). They're very different states geographically and environmentally, but they do share a common plight: While Idaho must carry the burden of its successful potato crop, Iowa has become synonymous with corn. Iowa's rich soil makes it the largest producer of corn in the United States, but it's also a leading producer of hogs, soybeans and cattle. It's also cultured. The Des Moines Arts Center features three wings by imminent architects Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier.

Kansas is in America's tornado valley, but "the Wizard of Oz" has made an indelible impression on American's mental image of what Kansas is actually like. Yes, there is a tornado season, but Kansas natives know how to prepare for such emergency situations. Also, they really don't think it's funny when you say, "You're not in Kansas anymore!"

Kentucky, another victim of Southern stereotypes, is synonymous with bluegrass music. Kentucky may invoke images of barefoot hillbillies drinking moonshine out of a jug, but notable Kentuckians such as George Clooney, Diane Sawyer, Hunter S. Thompson, Johnny Depp, several Nobel prize winners, presidents, vice presidents, and Supreme Court justices should be proof that this image is nothing more than a myth.

Too many Americans view Louisiana as a two-parter: New Orleans and the swamp. Most Louisiana residents aren't located in either. Sure, this is bayou country, and there are more swamplands here than in other states, but would hundreds of thousands of residents really choose to live in a swamp? The swamps are something residents just pass by (…or utilize for tourism).

Maine is synonymous with lobster, but when you live in a state where lobsters are as plentiful as hamburgers, is it really going to be your go-to meal? Maine residents love a great lobster, but they like variety as much as the next person. However, I must admit, if we can get Idaho, Iowa and Maine together, we're going to have an amazing clambake.

Maryland's a beautiful state with stunning landscapes, great history, culture, and renowned seafood. So why do so many people just think of "The Wire" when they think of Maryland? Mainly because the cult HBO hit featured a deconstruction of Baltimore's ("Bawlmer") war on drugs, with each season featuring a different element of the city's inner-workings: the police, pier workers, schools, newspapers, and government. The show developed a huge following, and now Baltimore residents can't escape the question: "So is it just like on the show?"

Massachusetts contends with two opposite stereotypes: You're either an elite, upper-crust yuppie who attends Ivy Leagues, or you're a Boston "Pahk ya cah in Hahvard Yahd," Red Sox-loving, blue-collar type. Most residents defy both categories or are somewhere in-between. Massachusetts features residents with diverse backgrounds, incomes, and interests. One stereotype holds true though: don't bring up the Yankees.

It's the "Land of 1,000 Lakes," so everyone must own a boat, right? Surely everyone spends their afternoons water-skiing, right? Not quite. The vast majority of Michigan's population still lives several hours from any major lakes.

Oh, yah. The movie "Fargo," which largely takes place in Minnesota, has cemented the state's accent in the heads of most Americans. Minnesotans may have an accent, but nothing as cartoonish as the movie portrays. Even those who did  have an accent can often turn it off when they need to. It's an accent as unique as the state, but most residents are fully aware of when they are or aren't using it.

Think that all Mississippi residents are toothless rednecks? Think again. This state has produced two Pulitzer-winning playwrights in Beth Henley and Tennessee Williams. It's also the birth state of John Grisham, Oprah Winfrey, William Faulkner, and dozens of successful recording artists.

Idaho and Iowa have to carry the burden of potatoes and corn on their shoulders, but at least they have something they can claim. Many think Missouri lacks an identity. Not true! That's the beauty of this incredible state. It has a diverse history of art, multiple crops, amazing sports teams, and is filled with people who are known for being nice. The great thing about Missouri is that it actually offers a little bit of everything!

Those who say Montana is boring have clearly never been. It's hard to be bored in a state that offers a Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Glacier National Park, The Museum of the Rockies, Yellowstone National Park, and dozens of art museums. It also has tons of places to horseback ride, hike, fish, and camp. I could name more, but you get the point. Montana is most definitely not boring.

Those who use dismissive terms like "drive-through state" or "fly-over state" are missing out on some of Nebraska's great attractions. It has dozens of great museums like the Durham and Joslyn Art Museum. If you think there's nothing do do, then Virtual Tourist has a list of a 480 things that prove you wrong.

There's more to Nevada than Las Vegas, Reno, and the infamous brothels. Nevada actually has a large Mormon community, as its residents know their state to be a great place to raise a family. Nevada has good schools, access to culture, state parks, and many supportive communities away from the wildness of the Las Vegas strip.

New Hampshire residents don't pay sales tax or any personal income tax from their W2s to the state, but they'll be quick to remind you that they make up for these taxes in other areas. New Hampshire has the third highest property-tax rate in the country.

Careful. New Jersey gave home to Chris Christie, Tony Soprano and Snooki. These are three people you don't want coming after you. Also, New Jersey is known as the Garden State for good reason. New Jersey offers lots of lush vegetation, many beaches, and even the iconic Atlantic City and its boardwalk.

New Mexico is way more than a "new Mexico," but many visitors from other states just assume that it's closer to being a Mexican state than an American one. It's true that many New Mexico residents are bilingual, but this is a state with racial diversity and a vast American Indian population as well. Don't ask a New Mexico native if she/he speaks English.

When you think of New York as only New York City, you are missing out on the gorgeous foliage and amazing orchards of the Hudson Valley. New York State also has views of the stunning Niagara Falls. A real New Yorker knows that there's much more to see in their state besides tall buildings.

There's a reason that North and South Carolina became different states, and there's a reason that they want to stay that way. These states share many similarities, but it's a matter of pride for the residents of both states. North Carolina is bigger and depends less on agriculture for the economy. It also includes part of the Smoky Mountains.

Absolutely, North Dakota is more rural than some of the other 49 states, but it doesn't mean it's barren and boring. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park attracts thousands of visitors, as do other state parks. It offers museums such as the Fargo Air Museum and the Plains Arts Museum.

Ohio is, in some ways, the quintessential American state. It's a simple place with good people. But don't write Ohioans off as inconsequential. Ohio is often a swing state in important elections, helping to determine their outcome. Ohio also gave us world-shapers such as Steven Spielberg, Toni Morrison, and President Grant.

Urban hubs like Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer museums, opera houses, regional theaters, and ballets. Oklahoma residents take great pride in their country roots, though, and can enjoy Puccini and Michelangelo just as much as Garth Brooks.

Portland is Oregon as much as New York City is New York State. Portland has a reputation of being a "crunch granola" urban center with far-left leaning tendencies, but one city doesn't represent a whole state. Much of Oregon is dedicated to farmland and rural communities, and a large portion of this state votes conservatively. (However, in many ways, the "dream of the '90s is alive in Portland" does ring true.)

Pennsylvania residents will be quick to clarify that there are major differences between each part of the state. You can tell exactly where a Pennsylvanian is from by the whether they say "pop" or "soda," "youse" or "yinz," and whether they have an allegiance to Wawa or Sheetz. It's a state of great urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which are nuzzled right next to tiny Amish communities.

Rhode Island has much to offer: fantastic seafood, beautiful beaches, and great parks, and places like Providence have thriving culinary and nightlife scenes. Just because it's small doesn't mean you won't have an amazing time in this state.

And don't ask a Rhode Island native if they've heard the joke that "Rhode Island is neither a road nor an Island" — they've heard it plenty.

South Carolina is predominately comprised of white Christians, but it's far from being the least diverse state. One-third of the population is African-American, Latino, or Asian. Most South Carolina residents will tell you that they gladly welcome diversity and anyone unlike themselves with good, old-fashioned Southern hospitality. And Charleston is the very OPPOSITE of country. On an annual basis, the state's second largest city is home to a 17-day art festival featuring over 100 performances by individual artists in a variety of disciplines!

Most South Dakota residents are rightfully proud to live near this iconic piece of America, but they've been there enough times that it's not really exciting anymore. They'll nod and smile while you ask questions about it, but the 10th school trip to the monument was really enough for them.

Thousands flock to Tennessee on a yearly basis in hopes of a launching a successful country music career, but Tennessee has more than Graceland to offer. The beautiful Smoky Mountains provide amazing scenery, and great universities like Belmont and Vanderbilt have helped many brilliant minds leap into careers outside country music.

Texans love their history of independence, and there are some secessionist fanatics in the state, but most Texans are loyal Americans and put their country first. Texans are proud to be from Texas, but even prouder to be from America.

There's no way you've lived in Utah and not had someone ask if you're Mormon. It's estimated that more than 60% of Utah's population is Mormon, but that still leaves a significant 40% that doesn't identify.

If you think of Vermonters as a bunch of older hippies eating Ben and Jerry's every night, you're really limiting yourself. Demographic diversity has been increasing every year, as Vermont is such a great place to live and raise a family. There might be some older hippies in the local Burlington coffee shop, but they're only a fraction of Vermont's great people.

If you think that Virginia is basically just people in D.C. suburbs and poor rural towns, you are being way too short-sighted. One of Virginia's greatest assets is how much it can change when traveling from one side to the other. There are more urban areas, beach towns, Appalachian communities, and tiny rural towns. It has many middle-class communities, not just extremes. It's a state full of lots of wonderful facets and things to offer.

Washington was one of the first states to legalize gay marriage and recreational marijuana, but you can't assume all residents vote the exact same way. These maps actually show that many Washington residents actually vote a little differently than one might expect.

President Lyndon B. Johnson fought a war on poverty during his time as President, and he used many families of the poverty-stricken Appalachians as his poster-children. People too often assume that West Virginia is a state of poor, uneducated, and even inbred hicks. West Virginia residents are fighting this stereotype and want the rest of America to know it's untrue.

Wisconsin offers way more than amazing cheese and a great NFL team. Wisconsin natives take great pride in their amazing food export and the only community-owned NFL team, but it's a gross overestimation to assume that all Wisconsin natives worship at the throne of these two things. The giant cheese hats are best worn at the tailgating party — not on a day-to-day basis.

Wyoming takes great pride in its cowboy heritage. It's a badge they wear with honor. But no, not everyone has a horse. No, not everyone lives on a ranch. No, not everyone wears a cowboy hat every day. Yes, there are cities. Yes, there are metropolitan areas with cars and buses. Yes, there is running water and plumbing.

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