I've heard this come up lately. Apparently people remember there being 52 states, not 50. Tons of people (both outside of the U.S. and in it) say that they remember 52 – one being Puerto Rico and another D.C. I'm not exactly sure where I stand on this.

So, I think the question really is: In an alternate timeline, did Puerto Rico and D.C. already become a state? Or is this simply confusion over districts, territories, and states?

(Please don't comment that there are only 50 states. I know. That's why we're discussing the 52 states thing.)