How Many U.S. State Capitals Can You Name?

HISTORY

By: Gavin Thagard

6 Min Quiz

Image: shutterstock

About This Quiz

From New York all the way to California, Oregon down to Georgia, these are the capitals of all 50 states in the U.S. Do you have what it takes to name them all in a five-minute pressure test? Here's your chance to find out! 

Since the conclusion of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, the state capitals have been important centers of culture and commerce across the country. These cities are influenced by rich histories, where legislation is passed and where local and national events are held. State capitals represent the direction of their respective states and the citizens who call those states home. 

That's why it's important to know the state capitals, even for the states that you don't live in. All fifty states are part of the country, after all, and the citizens are your neighbors and fellow countrymen. 

Are you an expert on everything when it comes to the United States, including the state capitals? Can you name the capitals of even the lesser known states? We're looking at you, Minnesota. 

If you believe you know all of the state capitals, prove it with this quiz. Get started and put your knowledge to the ultimate test!

What's the capital of Arizona?

Arizona is a beautiful outdoors state. Part of its natural environment includes the Grand Canyon.

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What's the capital of California?

Sacramento is not the largest city in California. That title goes to Los Angeles.

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What's the capital of Colorado?

Colorado is located in the southern part of the Rocky Mountains. It was the 38th state admitted to the Union.

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What's the capital of Connecticut?

Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was founded in 1635.

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What's the capital of Delaware?

Delaware was one of the original 13 colonies that fought in the American Revolution. After the war, it was the first state admitted into the Union.

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What's the capital of Arkansas?

Little Rock sits on the Arkansas River. It's been the capital of Arkansas since 1821.

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What's the capital of Florida?

Florida is known as the "Sunshine State." Every summer, thousands of tourists migrate to the beaches in Florida to catch some sun.

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What's the capital of Hawaii?

Hawaii was the last state admitted into the Union. It received statehood in 1959.

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What's the capital of Idaho?

Nearly 40% of the land in Idaho is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. That's more than any other state.

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What's the capital of Illinois?

Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield for a large part of his life. After his assassination, he was buried there.

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What's the capital of Indiana?

Indianapolis is a pretty big sports town. The city's home to both the Colts, an NFL team, and the Pacers, an NBA team.

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What's the capital of Iowa?

Iowa was part of French territory during colonial times. It was obtained by the United States during the Louisiana Purchase.

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What's the capital of Kansas?

Topeka sits on the Kansas River. The city was founded in 1854.

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What's the capital of Louisiana?

Baton Rouge may be the capital of Louisiana, but New Orleans is the largest city. It's also the biggest attraction for tourists.

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What's the capital of Maine?

Maine is the location of the easternmost city of the United States. That city is Eastport, a fitting name.

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What's the capital of Maryland?

The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis. It was founded there in 1845.

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What's the capital of Massachusetts?

Boston was a Puritan city founded in 1630. During the American Revolution, many key events, such as the Boston Tea Party, took place there.

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What's the capital of Michigan?

Michigan shares a name with Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes that border the United States and Canada. In total, there are five Great Lakes.

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What's the capital of Minnesota?

The Mall of America is located in Minnesota. The mall is 9.5 million square feet.

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What's the capital of Mississippi?

Rock icon Elvis Presley was born in Mississippi. He lived from 1935 until 1977.

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What's the capital of Missouri?

Missouri is bordered by eight states. This is tied for first with Tennessee.

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What's the capital of Montana?

Montana is a largely rural state. It's home to several animal species that flourish in the state such as elk and trumpeter swans.

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What's the capital of Nebraska?

Nebraska is landlocked on each side by at least three states. It's the only state in the U.S. that's triply landlocked.

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What's the capital of New Hampshire?

New Hampshire declared its independence from Britain before any other colony leading up to the American Revolution. In fact, New Hampshire sought its independence six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

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What's the capital of New Jersey?

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S. It's so populated that every county is part of a metropolitan area.

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What's the capital of New Mexico?

Santa Fe sits 7,000 feet above sea level. That's the highest elevation for a capital in the United States.

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What's the capital of New York?

The New York Post is the oldest continually running newspaper in the United States. It was founded in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton.

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What's the capital of North Dakota?

North Dakota has several nicknames including "The Peach Garden State." Milk is the official beverage of the state.

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What's the capital of Ohio?

Ohio is home to quite a few firsts. The state had the first ambulance and the first traffic light, just to name a few.

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What's the capital of Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. It only runs 48 miles from north to south.

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What's the capital of South Carolina?

South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies. It was the eighth state admitted into the Union.

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What's the capital of South Dakota?

South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore. This mountain has four presidents carved into it.

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What's the capital of Texas?

Texas became a state through a treaty with Mexico. It's the only state to receive statehood this way.

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What's the capital of Utah?

Utah is the 13th largest state in terms of area. It was the 45th state admitted into the Union.

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What's the capital of Vermont?

Montpelier is the smallest capital in the country. It was incorporated as a city in 1895.

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What's the capital of Virginia?

Virginia is the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson. He was a founding father and the third President of the United States.

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What's the capital of Washington?

Washington is named after George Washington. It's the only state named after a president.

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What's the capital of West Virginia?

West Virginia became a state during the Civil War. Its statehood was a result of many counties not wanting to secede from the Union.

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What's the capital of Alaska?

Juneau is the largest capital city in the United States. The city is spread out over 3,255 square miles.

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What's the capital of Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is known as the "Badger State." It was the 30th state admitted into the Union.

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What's the capital of Wyoming?

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming. It was the first national park in the United States.

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What's the capital of Pennsylvania?

The Hershey Company is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It's considered the chocolate capital of the United States.

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What's the capital of North Carolina?

The Wright brothers had their first flight in North Carolina. It occurred near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903.

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What's the capital of Georgia?

Atlanta is largest city in the state of Georgia. In fact, nearly half of the state's population lives there.

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What's the capital of Nevada?

Nevada is also home to Las Vegas. There's a saying about Las Vegas, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

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What's the capital of Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is a state in the Midwest. It's only natural that the National Cowboy Hall of Fame is located there.

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What's the capital of Alabama?

Alabama is the birth place of many famous stars. Two sports stars, Hank Aaron and Joe Louis, were both born there.

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What's the capital of Kentucky?

Kentucky was the 15th state admitted to the Union. It is one of four states that was founded as a commonwealth.

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What's the capital of Tennessee?

Tennessee is named the "Volunteer State." This name comes from volunteer soldiers who fought valiantly in the War of 1812.

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What's the capital of Oregon?

Oregon is home to Crater Lake. This is the deepest lake in the United States.

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