Tag Archives: american history

Trivia’s Facts and More (1/20)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

No matter how little or how much you use me, you always change my page every month.  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Admitted to the American Union on March 15, 1820, as the 23rd state of the United States, Maine offers nearly endless natural treasures.

Here are a few quick facts about the “Pine Tree State” of Maine:

  • Capital City:  Augusta (population 18,899)
  • Largest City:  Portland (population 66,645)
  • State Bird:  Chickadee
  • State Flower:  White pine cone with tassel
  • Motto:  Dirigo (I Direct)

Forested land covers more than 80 percent of Maine’s landscape.  The 12th smallest state in terms of land area (35,385 square miles) is one of the most rural of American states.  

Known for its lobster, the lengthy Atlantic coastline offers seemingly endless miles of ocean views.  The annual lobster harvest fills nearly 90 percent of the nation’s supply.

Maine is unique in a couple of ways compared to the other American states.  Being the only one in the country, its name is one syllable.  It also borders only one other state, New Hampshire.

Founded in 1916, Acadia National Park offers a look at the natural beauty of the region.  Maine is home to numerous lakes and rivers, and its many coastal islands house several lighthouses.  Besides Alaska, Maine provides a home to more moose than any other state.

Wild blueberries reign supreme in Maine.  There are more berries here than in other place on the planet.  Countless blueberry-inspired creations fill restaurant menus.

top left and moving clockwise:  acadia national park, field of wild blueberries, state capitol in augusta, state flower (white pine cone with tassel), cape elizabeth lighthouse.  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A calendar

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/9)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

All five sisters are busy.  Ann is reading a book.  Rose is cooking, Katy is playing chess, and Mary is doing the laundry.  What is the fifth sister doing?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

America’s 50th state of Hawaii was admitted to the union on August 21, 1959.  The Aloha State has many distinctive features that sets it apart from the continental United States.

Here are some interesting facts about Hawaii:

  • State capital:  Honolulu
  • State bird:  Nene (Hawaiian goose)
  • State flower:  Hibiscus
  • Motto:  Va Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono (The Lie of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness)

Hawaii is made up of eight major islands:  Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii.  It is the only American state composed entirely of islands.  Each island has a nickname:

  • Niihau:  The Forbidden Isle (population of only about 200 people)
  • Kauai:  The Garden Isle (consists of lush foliage, valleys, and jungles)
  • Oahu:  The Gathering Place (most populated island, home to Honolulu)
  • Maui:  The Valley Isle (second largest island, divided by two mountain ranges)
  • Molokai:  The Enlightening Isle (largest percentage of native Hawaiians)
  • Lanai:  The Pineapple Isle (once produced nearly 75 percent of the world’s pineapples)
  • Kahoolawe:  The Target Isle (smallest island, used by U.S. military during World War II)
  • Hawaii:  The Big Island (largest island, contains five volcanoes)

Hawaii features a very diverse population.  There is no majority racial group.  The Hawaiian alphabet consists of 13 letters:  A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and ‘ (the okina).

Here’s a quick island hop around to other destinations of the Hawaiian Islands:

Oahu:  Home to the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor

Hawaii:  Features the tallest mountain on the islands, Mauna Kea.  This inactive volcano is considered the most sacred in Hawaiian culture.  It also provides a home for the world’s largest astronomical observatory.

Kauai:  One of the wettest locations in the world.  Mount Waialeale receives annual rainfall of 460 inches (nearly 11,700 millimeters).

starting left and clockwise: uss arizona memorial at pearl harbor, rainforest on kauai, royal palace on oahu, snow-capped summit of mauna kea.  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

She’s playing chess with Katy, of course!

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/2)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What bird do you associate with lifting weight?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Hailing from the state of New Hampshire, America’s 14th President, Franklin Pierce, served his nation from 1853-1857.  

Here are some interesting facts about Franklin Pierce:

  • Party:  Democratic
  • Lifespan:  November 23, 1804 to October 8, 1869
  • College:  Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine

Pierce’s nickname was “Young Hickory of Granite Hills.”  This recognized that he was a devoted supporter of President Andrew Jackson (nicknamed “Old Hickory”).

He served the federal government in a number of ways.  During his military service in the Mexican War (1846-1848), he rose to the rank of General.  He also served his state as a member of Congress in the House of Representatives and Senate.

At age 48, Pierce was elected to his nation’s highest office, and he was the youngest ever elected up to that time in American history.  The youngest person ever elected to the Presidency was John F. Kennedy who was 43.

His Presidency was dominated by issues related to the issue of slavery in the United States.  There were extreme sectional tensions over its expansion into new territories and states as America continued to expand westward.

Pierce supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.  This bill allowed popular sovereignty (not Congress) to decide the fate of slavery as new territories were recognized by Congress.  The upheaval and civil unrest turned Kansas into “Bloody Kansas.”

Due to his support for this divisive legislation, Pierce’s desire to serve another term as President was squashed when James Buchanan was nominated as the Democratic candidate in the election of 1856.

left:  america’s 14th president (1853-1857)  right:  home of franklin pierce in CONCORD, new hampshire.   (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A crane

Trivia’s Facts and More (11/11)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

In the United States, November 11 is set aside to observe Veterans Day.  This time encourages Americans to pause and reflect in honoring all men and women who have served in the armed forces, past and present..

This day was originally designated as Armistice Day, which recognized the end of World War I in 1918.  On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, war ended between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.  Sometimes labeled as the Great War, this conflict was the first world-wide war with battlegrounds in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific and Asian regions.

The catalyst for the war was seeded in the balance of power in Europe as witnessed by various alliances and nationalistic feelings.  When Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, the spark for war was ignited.  The Archduke was heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary Empire, and the assassin was Serbian.

Immediately, military alliances began mobilizing.  Serbia was aligned with Russia, and Russia was backed by the Allied Powers of France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and later the United States.  As the Central Powers, Austria-Hungary was closely tied to Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and later Bulgaria.  Other nations throughout Europe and around the world united with one side or the other.

After more than four years of total warfare and its unprecedented destruction of property and loss of life, peace finally arrived with ratification of the Treaty of Versailles.  The so-called “war to end all wars” would fail in its expectations in about twenty years.

In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed as Veterans Day.  The reason for this change was founded in that the United States had fought in other major wars since the conclusion of World War I–World War II and Korea. 

It should be noted that there is a difference between the purposes behind Veterans Day and Memorial Day.  While Veterans Day honors the sacrifice and service of all veterans, Memorial Day commemorates those who served and gave their lives for a grateful nation.

top left:  world war declared in 1914 (the u.s. would not enter until 1917.  top right: the great war ends in 1918. remaining photos:  various COMMEMORATIONs of veterans for their service.   (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A stamp

Douglas MacArthur Quotes

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The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.

Duty, honor, country.  Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.

Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) served in the United States Army in a variety of roles and assignments.  As commanding general, he oversaw the operations in the Pacific theater during World War II.  Later, he served as leader of the United Nations Command during the Korean War.

Democracy’s Daylight

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America’s observation of Veterans Day lies ahead on November 11.  As a nation gathers to honor anyone, past or present, who has served in uniform, may we remember and embrace our nation’s past.

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Gathering for common good

Willing to make each sacrifice

Citizens answer country’s needs

Giving of themselves, any price

 

Putting aside differences

Deflating emotion’s sandbag

Spirit of Founding Fathers calls

Rallying around nation’s flag

 

Responding with efforts as one

Replenishing each empty soul

Tattered Old Glory proudly waves

Serving abroad, endless patrols

 

Overcoming every challenge

Witnessing each morning sunrise

Fears replaced with collective faith

Rising freedom fills daily skies

 

Bridging Lexington to Yorktown

Stepping up at Gettysburg’s fight

Battles from Marne to Normandy

Leading democracy’s daylight

 

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Trivia’s Facts and More (10/28)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

When typed in ALL CAPS, what 5-letter word can be read the same upside down?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Nicknamed “Old Dominion,” the state of Virginia offers a rich history and fascinating attractions.  

Here are a few quick facts about Virginia:

  • Capital:  Richmond
  • State Bird:  Cardinal
  • State Flower:  American dogwood
  • State Motto:  Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)

As one of the original thirteen English colonies settled by England, Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was called the Virgin Queen.  In 1607, Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in America.  As a royal colony under English governance, the colonial governor was chosen by the crown.

Virginia is the birthplace of eight American Presidents:  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.  The state is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Presidents.”

One of Virginia’s most historic areas to visit includes the College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693.  It is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.  Only Harvard University is older.

The home of America’s first President is found in northern Virginia along the Potomac River.  George Washington’s estate of Mount Vernon is found in Fairfax County. 

Many people plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, which is a military cemetery maintained by the U.S. Army.  It was founded in 1864, and approximately 400,000 people are interned on its 639 acres.

top left:  mount vernon.  right: college of william and mary and american dogwood flower.  bottom left:  arlington national CEMETERY.  bottom right:  antarctica explorer Richard e. byrd (born in westchester, virginia).  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

SWIMS

Trivia’s Facts and More (9/30)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What is the name of the world’s largest island?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Admitted to the American Union on June 21, 1778, New Hampshire became its 9th state.

Here are a few quick facts about New Hampshire:

  • Capital City:  Concord
  • State Bird:  Purple finch
  • State Motto:  Live Free or Die

New Hampshire traces its history back to the original 13 English colonies.  Its namesake comes from the English county of Hampshire.

The state’s nickname is “Granite State.”  This relates to the numerous granite quarries in the state.  In 1776 at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the New Hampshire delegates were the first to sign below the signature of the Congress’ President John Hancock.

New Hampshire is home to over 1,400 acres of apple orchards.  It is no wonder that apple cider is the official beverage of the state.

The state’s geography features a most distinctive landscape.  Frequently called the White Mountain State, nearly one quarter of the state contains forested mountain ranges.  Because of its mountainous scenery, New Hampshire is often referred to as the Switzerland of America.

left:  purple finch.  right:  fall foliage from the white mountains.  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Greenland (if you answered Australia, remember that it is considered a continent)

Trivia’s Facts and More (7/8)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

A cowboy rides into town on Friday.  He stays five days, then rides out of town on Friday.  How can this be?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Minnesota offers a interesting diversity in its natural landscape of prairies, forests, and lakes.

Here are some interesting facts about America’s 32nd state:

  • Statehood:  May 11, 1958
  • State Bird:  Common Loon (also called Great Northern Diver)
  • Motto:  L”Etoile du Nord (The Star of the North)

Minnesota is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  The river divides the largest urban area in the state.  Often referred to as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is the most populated city, and St. Paul is the state capital.

Bloomington is a neighboring community just south of the Twin Cities.  The former site of Metropolitan Stadium (home of baseball’s Twins and football’s Vikings) now is the address of the Mall of America, which opened in 1992.  It remains the largest mall in the United States.

Often promoted as the  “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota’s nickname celebrates the over 90,000 miles of shoreline found in the state.  This is more miles than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.  Anyone who is a NBA basketball fan has heard of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is one of its more successful franchises.  Interestingly, few lakes are found around Los Angeles, but it makes sense because the Lakers’ original home was in Minneapolis.

left:  common loon, state bird.  right:  state capitol building in st. paul.  (courtesy of pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

His horse named Friday.

Trivia’s Facts and More (6/3)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

You see a boat filled with people.  You look away and then look back, and the boat is still afloat.  However, you don’t see a single person on the boat?  Why?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Totally located within the Appalachian Mountains, the American state of West Virginia is famous for its rolling hills and mountains.  

Here are some quick facts about West Virginia: 

  • Capital City:  Charleston (most populated city with 51,400)
  • State Flower:  Rhododendron
  • Nickname:  Mountain State
  • Motto:  Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

During the American Civil War, the state of West Virginia was carved out of the Confederate state of Virginia.  It was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863 (just days before the famous battle at Gettysburg).  

In 1905, the Golden Delicious Apple originated in Clay County.  The oldest five and dime store in the United States is Berdine’s Five and Dime in Harrisville.  It opened its doors in 1908.

Visitors to the community of Moundsville have enjoyed the Grave Creek Mound.  It has remained the largest conical-type of prehistoric burial mound in the country.

top left:  grave creek mound site.  bottom left:  Berdine’s five and dime.  right:  Traditional rhododendron flowers.  (courtesy of pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

All the people on board are married.