Over 90% Of Americans Will Fail This Simple American Geography Quiz
- by Dylan Brown
- – on
- in Mind Twisters
It is time to dust off those old geography textbooks we all had in high school and put our thinking caps on because this quiz is a throwback. Gathered here for you today is the ultimate test of your American geography knowledge where you will be tasked with assigning the correct capital to each state.
America has a long and storied history and it's almost hard to believe it all happened over the last couple hundred years. From the first settlers of the USA to today, America has always been a symbol of freedom, pride, and patriotism that is rivaled by none. Our country was founded on the beliefs of equality and basic human rights that must be protected to make sure this country prospers in the future.
Good luck on the quiz! I did my best to try and find some interesting facts and tidbits of information about each state but I would love to hear about where you hail from and what you think the most interesting thing about your state is! Is it a local food item no one else in the country has heard of? Or maybe some piece of history you think the world should know about? Regardless, leave a comment below!
As always be sure to share this quiz with your friends and family to put them to the test and see who is the best geography buff around! And be sure to come back to TheQuiz.com for all your quiz and entertainment needs!
What is the capital of California?
California has earned its title as the "Golden State." From its sun-drenched shores to bustling metropolitan areas and places like Hollywood and Los Angeles, California is home to some of the best creators the entertainment industry has to offer. The state is the birthplace of an incredible number of celebrities and politicians alike, from Jeff Bridges to Richard Nixon. The state was also the home to the first ever McDonald's, which opened in San Bernardino in 1940 by the Mcdonald brothers.
What is the capital of New Jersey?
New Jersey may be a small state, but it is packed to the brim with people, having a population of almost 9 million citizens. The state is just a hop skip and jump away from New York City. New Jersey was the birthplace of former US President Grover Cleveland and gave the world some legendary entertainers: Michael Douglas, Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, and Kevin Spacey to name a few. The state also introduced Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra to the world.
What is the capital of Connecticut?
Connecticut is one of the smaller states in the USA, but that doesn't mean it's any less important! Clocking in at a population of over three and a half million, the state was incredibly important in the formulation of the United States of America and earned its nickname as the Constitution State. The state is home of former US President, George W. Bush. In 1878, Connecticut was home to the first ever telephone book, which upon its release had only fifty entries.
What is the capital of Tennessee?
Because you're the only ten I see! Okay bad pun, moving on. Tennessee became a state in 1796 and has a population of 6.6 million people. The state is nicknamed the Volunteer State and is home to some awesome southern historical landmarks like Dollywood and Graceland. Bristol Motor Speedway is also located in the state as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame. The state is the birthplace of some famous artists like Morgan Freeman, Kathy Bates, and Miley Cyrus.
What is the capital of Florida?
Florida is the home of so many great things, from Disney World to the birthplace of Gatorade. Its beautiful coasts and Everglades are an adventurer's paradise. It is home to the oldest European settlement that was created in 1565. Its attractions include Key Largo which is called the diving capital of the world for a reason! Politically, Florida is an interesting state because it reviews and revises its state constitution every twenty years to make sure it is updated and current.
What is the capital of Hawaii?
Aloha! Hawaii is the southernmost state in the USA and consists of a series of islands populated by amazing people and amazing attractions. Hawaii is the widest American state at a width of 1,500 miles long. Hawaii is a very unique state for many reasons. It is the only state that grows coffee and it is also the only state that celebrates a king. That king is none other than Kamehameha the Great (and no he isn't from Dragon Ball Z!)
What is the capital of Illinois?
Illinois is home to many firsts in the USA, from the first skyscraper to the first all-color television station. Some fun food facts about Illinois include its state snack food is popcorn and that the state itself is the largest producer of pumpkins in the USA. The state has a population of almost thirteen million people and its highest point is Charles Mound, which sits at 1,235 feet tall. Hint: The capital of Illinois is a name that you might associate with "The Simpsons."
What is the capital of Indiana?
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Indiana is the Indy 500, a huge NASCAR racing event. The state of Indiana has a population of almost seven million people and was founded in the year 1816. The state is nicknamed the Crossroads of America and was the birthplace of famous pop singers Michael and Janet Jackson. There is a small town in Indiana called "Santa Claus" that receives a plethora of Christmas card each year. Citizens of the town all work together to make sure each individual card receives a response.
What is the capital of Louisiana?
Louisiana is a state of incredible historic significance. The city has strong French influences that can be seen all throughout the state. New Orleans features some of the most influence of the state's French heritage, especially during Mardi Gras season. The first ever Mardi Gras celebration was recorded as happening in 1837 and has been going strong ever since. The flashy masks and beads and assorted accessories are colorful and lively. The state of Louisiana itself was named after King Louis XIV of France.
What is the capital of New York?
New York is the home to so many incredible people, places, and things. New York became a state in 1788 and has a population of almost 20 million. New York City is the hub for all things business, entertainment, and tourism. Whether it be visiting the Statue of Liberty or seeing a Tony Award winning musical on Broadway, the city has something for everyone. Outside of NYC, the state has some amazing landscapes and towns. Did you know that New York used to be called New Amsterdam?
What is the capital of Ohio?
Ohio entered statehood in 1803 and has a population of over 11.5 million people. The state is the birthplace of a plethora of US Presidents: Ulysses S. Grant (18th President) Rutherford B. Hayes (19th President) James A. Garfield (20th President) Benjamin Harrison (23rd President) William McKinley (25th President) William H. Taft (27th President) Warren G. Harding (29th President) On top of all the presidents, the state is also the birthplace of some amazing entertainers, from Halle Berry to Paul Newman.
What is the capital of Alabama?
Alabama entered statehood in December of 1819. The state has 67 counties and a population of almost five million. The largest city in the state is Birmingham, which is known for its steel industry as well as its zoo. Did you know that Alabama is the only state to have an alcoholic state beverage? It's true! Conecuh Ridge Whiskey is the state's beverage which is quite unique considering so many other states have milk as their state beverage of choice.
What is the capital of Alaska?
Alaska is one of the most beautiful states that the United States of America has to offer. It's vast expanses of nature, oceans, and lakes make it a sight to behold. Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867 by President Andrew Jackson. At the time, the United States payed $7.2 million for the state's acquisition which when adjusted for inflation, comes in at over $120 million. Despite the incredible large size of the state, its population is just around 750,000 people.
What is the capital of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts entered statehood in 1788 and has a population of almost 7 million people. Its state drink is cranberry juice and the state actually has two nicknames: Bay State and Old Colony State. The film Jaws was filmed in Martha's Vineyard which is located in Massachusetts. The name of the state itself comes from a tribe by the same name and literally translates into "Near the great hill." The state was also the first one to ever have a subway system.
What is the capital of Michigan?
Michigan is a state that is surrounded on most sides by bodies of water known as the Great Lakes. With such an abundance of water, the state has to accommodate certain services for its citizens. For example: in Michigan there is a floating post office that delivers mail to ships on the lakes. In Michigan, the death penalty was abolished unless on grounds for treason and it is considered to be unlawful for someone to purchase or sell cars on a Sunday.
What is the capital of Oklahoma?
"Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain, and the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet, when the wind comes right behind the rain." -From the musical "Oklahoma" To me, and I assume many others, I always thought that the state of Oklahoma looked like a large pot. Oklahoma is the main iodine producing entity in the US. The world's first shopping cart was created in Oklahoma as well as the world's first parking meter, which was introduced in 1935.
What is the capital of Mississippi?
Mississippi became a state in 1817 and has a population of almost three million people. The state fish is the largemouth black bass and the state flower is a bloom of the magnolia. Its state insect is the honeybee and the state bird is a mockingbird. The state is the birthplace of some legendary singers, including Jimmy Buffett, Britney Spears, and even the King. himself, Elvis Presley. The Teddy Bear owes its creation to the state and former president Theodore Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a cornered bear, inspiring the creation of the children's toy.
What is the capital of Arizona?
Arizona is one of the larger states in the country and is right in the center of the American southwest. Sporting a population of almost seven million, Arizona is a state rooted in culture and state pride. The state neckwear is the Bola tie and its state colors are a beautiful blue and gold. The state has some incredible tourist attractions, from the awe inspiring Grand Canyon National Park to Hoover Dam, there is something for everyone in this great state.
What is the capital of Nevada?
Nevada has a population of almost three million people and entered statehood in 1864. The state is home to the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas, where what happens there, stays there. The state of Nevada is considered to be the driest state in the United States of America because on average, it has less than ten inches of rain per year! Did you know that Nevada is the largest producer of gold in the United States of America?
What is the capital of Arkansas?
When I think of Arkansas, I think of classic America. With a state that has square dancing as its official dance and milk as the official drink of the state, it isn't hard to imagine stepping back into a different time when one lives here. The state has many famous natural attractions and zoos and was the birthplace of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton. The state is also the birthplace of Johnny Cash and famous actress Emma Stone!
What is the capital of South Carolina?
South Carolina became a state in the year 1788 and has a population of almost five million people. The state features some awesome historical military sites, from Fort Sumter to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. The state is also home to some amazing beaches where I would spend long summer days playing in the ocean and evenings losing quarters at the local arcade. The state was the birthplace of the seventh US President Andrew Jackson and also the birthplace of the incredibly talented Aziz Ansari.
What is the capital of Colorado?
Colorado entered statehood in 1876 and has been an influential state ever since. The state has a population of almost five and a half million people.Colorado is a unique state because it is one of the very few states that intersect with three other states at a singular point. Did you know that the first ever rodeo was held in Colorado? On top of that, Colfax Avenue is a street in Colorado that is the longest continuous street in the USA.
What is the capital of Delaware?
Delaware is a state that is even smaller than Connecticut and is so small that it only has three major counties. The state still holds incredible historical significance because it was the first state to have a state constitution. Another interesting fact about the state is that they are one of a very few number of states that does not impose a sales tax. Did you know that drive in theaters in Delaware aren't allowed to show films that are rated R?
What is the capital of Texas?
Everything is bigger in Texas! Texas entered statehood in 1845 and has a population of about 27.5 million people. When I think of Texas I think of cowboy hats and boots along with large steaks and a strong southwestern influence. The name Texas is derived from the Caddo Indian word for "friends." Texas is the largest producer of crude oil and natural gas in the US and has the highest speed limit in the US. Some highways allow drivers to go up to 85 miles per hour!
What is the capital of Georgia?
Georgia is a state with rich history and is one of the most populous states in the country with a population of over ten million people! Some of the incredible state attractions include the amazing Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola Museum which draw in an incredible number of tourists. On top of that, the state is home to the College Football Hall of Fame which makes sense considering how popular sports as an entertainment medium are to the state.
What is the capital of Utah?
Utah became a state in 1896 and has a population of almost three million people. In the state of Utah, gambling is completely outlawed, which I guess means more business for Las Vegas, Nevada! Over half of the state of Utah belongs to the Mormon faith. Utah was the birthplace of the modern traffic stop light. The stoplight was created by policeman Lester Wire in the year 1912. Did you know that the Dutch oven is the official cooking pot of the state?
What is the capital of Idaho?
Whenever I think about Idaho, the first thing that comes to mind is the potato! I can't walk into a Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant without seeing Idaho being represented somewhere in the store. However, there's so much more to the state than this. Idaho earns its nickname as the Gem State because almost every kind of gemstone is located somewhere in the state. On top of this, there are even some buildings in the state that are heated geothermally by underground springs, and if that isn't the coolest thing, I don't know what is!
What is the capital of Iowa?
Iowa is a medium sized state that entered statehood in 1846. With a population of 3.2 million, Iowa is called the Hawkeye State. It didn't earn this name from the Marvel archer by the same title, but instead received its nickname from an Indian Chief named Black Hawk. The state is the largest producer of both corn and ethanol in the US. Iowa is the birthplace of famous artists like John Wayne and former US President Herbert Hoover hailed from Iowa.
What is the capital of Kansas?
Kansas entered statehood in 1861 and is the home of the Wizard of Oz's Dorothy and Toto. Kansas is home to the tallest waterslide on the planet in Kansas city. The state is also home to the first ever Pizza Hut, which opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. Kansas is also home to the first female mayor in the United States. Susan Madora was elected to that position in 1887. The state is the birthplace of famous actress Kirstie Alley.
What is the capital of Kentucky?
Kentucky has a population of almost 4.5 million people and entered statehood in 1792. The official genre of music for the state is Bluegrass and the official state mineral is coal. The state is the birthplace of many famous actors and actresses including George Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Johnny Depp, and Patricia Neal. One of the famous attractions for the state is the Kentucky Derby which is a horse race that occurs every year and draws in tourists and spectators from around the world
What is the capital of Maine?
Maine is the northernmost state in the continental United States and is known for many things. These include its collection of state parks and forts as well as the fact that the state is the only one in the country that has just one syllable in its name. Maine is home to the first ever sawmill and has some pretty strict laws too. For example: if you leave your Christmas decorations up past January 14th, you will be charged a fine.
What is the capital of Maryland?
Maryland is a very interestingly shaped state considering a majority of US states are nothing more than oddly shaped squares and rectangles. Maryland gave up some of its land to help form Washington D.C. which explains the reason for some of its strange looking borders. The state boasts a population of over six million and the state sport is jousting. Maine is the birthplace of famous Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff. Maryland has one of the longest elevators in the US.
What is the capital of Minnesota?
Minnesota officially became a state in 1858 and has a population of almost 5.5 million. The state is the birthplace of many famous entertainers, including Jessica Lange, Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, and Prince. The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota and is the largest mall in the United States, boasting a whopping 4.2 million in square footage. The world's first Target opened up in Minnesota in 1962 and did you know that it is illegal to loiter around buildings in Minnesota?
What is the capital of Missouri?
Missouri became a state in 1821 and has many theme parks, zoos, and state monuments that draw in tourists from around the globe. The state was the birthplace of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman and also gave the world some of the greatest entertainers and artists of all time. These include the legendary John Goodman and famous rapper Eminem. Did you know that the state of Missouri has over six thousand caves and cave systems?
What is the capital of Montana?
Montana became a state in 1889 and has a population just over the one million mark. The state is famous for its many national parks and zoos as well as its incredible ski resorts and lakes. The name of the state means "mountain" in Spanish and is fitting considering the terrain of the state. The state holds some incredible world records as well, from the world's largest snowflake (15 inches wide!) to the coldest temperature recorded in the continental US (a whopping negative seventy degrees Fahrenheit!)
What is the capital of Nebraska?
Nebraska became a state in 1867 and is home to many parks as well as the Strategic Air and Space Museum. The state was the birthplace of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford and brought some incredible athletes, from Wade Boggs to Guy Chamberlin. The state also introduced the world to some amazing artists, including Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda, and Hilary Swank. The city of Omaha, Nebraska has hosted the College World Series since the 1950's.
What is the capital of New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is another one of the small states that composes the north eastern seaboard of the United States and has a population of about 1.3 million people. In 1833, the first US free public library was opened in New Hampshire. The state still uses its original constitution which was ratified in the year 1784. The state also has the shortest coastline of all the states in the US with a coast. The length of their coast comes in at only 13 miles long.
What is the capital of New Mexico?
New Mexico became a state in 1912 and has a population of just over 2 million. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975 and spent its first four years of business in the state before moving to Washington as its new headquarters. The capital of New Mexico has been around as a capital city since 1610. Did you know that the first nuclear weapon detonation took place in 1945 in New Mexico?
What is the capital of North Carolina?
North Carolina is my home state and features some of the most diverse geography in the US. From the rolling foothills and mountain ranges to the sunny (sometimes muddy) beaches, North Carolina has it all. The state represents a majority of southern culture, from southern hospitality to sweet tea and beyond. The state is also famous for its many sports teams, including the Chapel Hill, Duke, and Wake Forest just to name a few. For a time, the state even had a thriving film industry.
What is the capital of North Dakota?
Originally, North and South Dakota were combined as one large Dakota territory (shout out to the Fairly Odd Parents) and was divided into two states in 1889. The state has an abundance of zoos, amusements parks, and national parks to draw in tourists. The state is the only one in the country to have its own state owned bank and also has the world's largest buffalo statue that stands 26 feet tall and 46 feet wide. It is also the coldest state in the continental US.
What is the capital of Oregon?
The origin of the name Oregon is a highly disputed topic. Some scholars argue that the name is of French origin while others argue that the name has a Native American heritage. There is a town in Oregon named Boring that was named after William H. Boring and has a clever association with a Scottish city named Dull. The two cities celebrate "Boring and Dull Day" every year on August 9th. Did you know that the state flag is the only one in the US to have different designs on each side?
What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania became a state in 1787 and has a population of almost 13 million people. Pennsylvania is the home of many historic landmarks, from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell. The state is the birthplace of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. The state is also the birthplace of many famous entertainers, like Will Smith, Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Jimmy Stewart, and Sharon Stone. Did you know, that Pennsylvania was the only colony of the original Thirteen Colonies that was not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean?
What is the capital of Rhode Island?
You might have to squint to see it on a map, but Rhode Island is one of my favorite states. Entering into statehood in 1790 and sporting a population of just over one million people, Rhode Island was the first state to declare independence from Great Britain. Talk about patriotic! The start of the Industrial Revolution is considered to have begun in Pawtucket Rhode Island by Samuel Slater in the 1790's where he ran a cotton mill that was powered by water.
What is the capital of South Dakota?
South Dakota entered statehood in 1889 and has a population of almost 900,000 people. The state sport is the rodeo and the state animal is the coyote. The state boasts two nicknames: the "Mount Rushmore State" and the "Coyote State." As the first nickname implies, South Dakota is the location of Mount Rushmore, the gigantic stone carving of former US Presidents. South Dakota is also the location of the largest, most well preserved T-Rex fossil on Earth and was found in 1990.
What is the capital of Vermont?
Vermont is a long, thin state in the northeastern part of the United States. Vermont entered statehood in 1791 and has a population of just over 600,000 individuals. The name of the state comes from a French background with vert meaning green and mont meaning mountain. Put the two together and you get the phrase green mountain which aptly describes the terrain of the state. Did you know that the state of Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup?
What is the capital of Virginia?
Virginia is the birthplace of many US Presidents: George Washington (1st President) Thomas Jefferson (3rd President) James Madison (4th President) James Monroe (5th President) William Henry Harrison (9th President) John Tyler (10th President) Zachary Taylor (12th President) Woodrow Wilson (28th President) Virginia is home to some incredible records. For example: The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia is the largest office building on Earth. In addition to the state of Maryland, Virginia agreed to give some of its land up to allow for the creation of Washington D.C.
What is the capital of Washington?
Washington entered statehood in 1889 and has a population of 7.1 million. Seattle is the home of many popular tourist attractions, from the Space Needle and Seattle Art Museum to Mount Rainier National Park. The state is the birthplace of a number of artists like Bing Crosby, Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Rainn Wilson, and Kenny Loggins. The state was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington and the state is the largest producer of apples in the US.
What is the capital of West Virginia?
West Virginia entered statehood in 1863 and has a population of 1.8 million. West Virginia is home to the first official Mother's Day celebration which took place in 1908 in the town of Grafton, West Virginia. Did you know that West Virginia has a literal swear jar law that can fine a person $1 for every case of swearing, cursing, or public intoxication? West Virginia was also the last state in the US to receive a Starbucks, which happened in 2003.
What is the capital of Wisconsin?
Wisconsin became a state in 1848 and has a population of about 5.8 million. The state is the birthplace of famous actor Mark Ruffalo and was named after the Wisconsin River. The motorcycle company Harley-Davidson was founded in Wisconsin in 1903. The state is also home to the Hamburger Hall of Fame which is located in Seymour, Wisconsin. A man by the name Stephen Poplawski invented the blender in 1919 in the city of Racine, Wisconsin. The state is home to many waterparks.
What is the capital of Wyoming?
Wyoming entered statehood in 1890 and has a population of 586,000 people. The state has some incredible national monuments and parks, from Old Faithful and Devils Tower to Yellowstone National Park (a majority of the park is in the state of Wyoming). The state earned its nickname "The Equality State" by being the first state in the US to give women the right to vote in 1869. Wyoming is home to ten of the largest coal mines in the United States.