Tag Archives: states

Trivia’s Facts and More (9/21)

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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

I am nature’s event of early morning light, which sketches another greeting card.  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

As one of the 13 original English colonies in North America, Connecticut becomes the fifth state in the American Union when it is granted statehood on January 9, 1788.

Here are a few quick facts about Connecticut:

  • Capital city:  Hartford
  • Nickname:  Constitution State
  • Bird:  Robin
  • Flower:  Mountain laurel
  • Motto:  Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He Who Transplanted Still Sustains)

Connecticut offers a variety of places and historical events of interest.  One of the oldest universities in the United States is Yale University, which is located in New Haven.  Founded in 1701, Yale is several years younger than its fellow Ivy League school, Harvard University (founded in 1636).

Connecticut’s namesake is derived from the Native American “Quinnehtukqut,” which means “beside the long tidal river.”  This has long been a reference to the Connecticut River, which flows through the middle of the state from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound (at Old Saybrook).  

The oldest American newspaper in continuous circulation is the Hartford Courant, which is founded in 1764.  In 1878, the citizens of New Haven become the world’s first subscribers to a telephone exchange service.

Connecticut offers plenty of charming locations as epitomized by the seaside village of Mystic.  Along Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park occupies a sandy two-mile stretch near the town of Madison.

Two famous American writers reside as neighbors in the Nook Farm area of Hartford.  Connecticut native, Harriet Beecher Stowe, lives there from 1873-1896.  Missouri native, Samuel Clemons, who is better known as Mark Twain, lives next door from 1874-1891.  

top left and moving clockwise:  current state capitol building (built in 1878), home of harriet Beecher Stowe, hammonasset beach state park, former state capitol building (built in 1796), Home of mark Twain, state flower mountain laurel.  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A sunrise

Trivia’s Facts and More (8/17)

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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

You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle, and a fireplace.  What would you light first?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The Hawkeye state of Iowa becomes the 29th state admitted to the American union on December 28, 1846.

Here are a few quick facts about Iowa:

  • Capital City:  Des Moines (also most populated city)
  • State Bird:  Eastern goldfinch
  • State Flower:  Wild prairie rose
  • State Motto:  Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain 

One of Iowa’s most recognized citizens is Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947).  She is honored for her efforts as a women’s suffrage leader.  In 1920, passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants women the right to vote.  Catt also founded the League of Women Voters in 1920.

When one drives along any highway through the state, it is easy to understand that Iowa is America’s leading corn producer.  Iowa is the only American state bordered by two navigable rivers:  Missouri on the west and Mississippi on the east.

Sioux City is located along the northwestern border of the state.  While most of the city is located in Iowa, parts of the city are also found in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

The television show of M*A*S*H features one character with an Iowa address.  Walter “Radar” O’Reilly hails from Ottumwa.  Gary Burghoff, who portrays this unforgettable character, is a native of Bristol, Connecticut.

clockwise from top left: Carrie chapman catt, Albert the bull in audubon, world’s largest coffee pot in stanton, President herbert hoover’s birthplace in west branch, orange city tulip festival (since 1933).   (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

The match

Trivia’s Facts and More (6/15)

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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

A mother and father have four daughters, and each daughter has one brother.  How many people are in the family?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts became the sixth state to join the American Union on February 6, 1788.  Its roots have been traced back to the earliest of the English colonies in North America.

Here are a few quick facts about Massachusetts:

  • Capital City:  Boston (which is also the largest city)
  • Nickname:  Bay State (also known as the Old Colony State, the Codfish State, the Baked Bean State)
  • State Flower:  Mayflower
  • State Bird:  Chickadee, Wild Turkey
  • Motto:  Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty)

Being one of the original 13 English colonies, Massachusetts played a prominent role in the founding of the United States.  On December 21, 1620, the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock after crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Mayflower.  On March 4, 1628, English King Charles I granted a royal charter for the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

On September 7, 1630, the city of Boston was founded.  The Boston harbor would later be the site of the infamous Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773.  A couple of years later just up the road in April, 1775, the first battles of the Revolutionary War were fought at Lexington and Concord as Massachusetts minutemen militia fired the “Shot Heard Round the World.”

Athletics made an impression in the late 1800s in Massachusetts.  In 1891, James Naismith invented the game of basketball, and the first game was played at the YMCA in Springfield.  In 1895, William G. Morgan invented the game of volleyball.  The game was designed to be less strenuous than basketball, and the first matches were played in Holyoke.

Numerous firsts have been recorded during the course of history in the Commonwealth.  Here is a brief sample:

  • The Boston Common became America’s first public park in 1634.
  • Harvard University founded as the first college in North American in 1636 at Cambridge.
  • The Little Brewster Island Lighthouse became America’s first lighthouse when it began operations on September 14, 1716 in the Boston harbor.
  • The first American subway was opened in Boston on September 1, 1897.  It was known as the Tremont Street Line.
  • America’s first chocolate chip cookies were invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1939.  She began to experiment with adding semi-sweet chocolate pieces to her cookie recipe.  They became a huge hit at her Toll House restaurant in Whitman.

clockwise from top left:  James Naismith holding a basketball with a peach basket (used as a basketball hoop in the early years of the game), modern look of the Little brewster island lighthouse at boston harbor, ruth wakefield (inventor of the chocolate chip cookie), aerial view of the boston common, harvard university campus.  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Seven (The daughters share their “one” brother)

Trivia’s Facts and More (5/11)

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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

If you are running a race and pass the person in second place, then what place are you in?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The American state of Kentucky is filled with numerous attractions.  Its rich history as the 15th state of the United States began when it was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1792.

Here are a few quick facts about the Bluegrass State:

  • Capital City:  Frankfort
  • State Bird:  Cardinal
  • State Flower:  Goldenrod
  • State Motto:  United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Kentucky’s name has been traced to the Native American nation of Iroquois.  Their language uses the word “Ken-tah-ten” means “land of tomorrow.”

President Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace is located near the town of Hodgenville, Kentucky.  The site is marked, and can be found about three miles south of the community.

One of the most dramatic landscapes to visit is the Cumberland Gap, which is a pass through the Appalachian Mountains.  Located in the tri-state area of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the pass has served as a crossroads for the nation’s early migration westward from the original thirteen American states.

Kentucky’s largest city is Louisville.  The city is home to significant points of interest.  Being the birthplace of boxer Muhammad Ali, one is encouraged to visit the Muhammad Ali Center.  Major League Baseball’s famed Louisville Slugger bats are manufactured here as well.  A museum invites baseball fans to see the history behind any slugger’s baseball bat.

There are countless attractions throughout Kentucky.  Following Interstate 65 south from Louisville, one will travel in close proximity to most of these places.

Before leaving Louisville, a visit to Churchill Downs would offer a look at the home of the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continually-running horse race in America.  Founded in 1874, the track hosts thoroughbred horse racing’s opening Triple Crown race each season.

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green showcases the venerable Chevrolet Corvette, which has been manufactured since 1953.  For many years, Corvettes have been manufactured at a nearby assembly plant.

Mammoth Cave is recognized as the world’s largest cavern.  The area was established as a national park in 1941.

Fort Knox houses a U.S. military installation, which is located next to the United States Bullion Depository.  Nearly 150 million ounces of gold are kept there.  Visitors are not permitted inside the depository.

clockwise from top left:  national corvette museum, mammoth cave, louisville slugger museum, landscape near cumberland gap, muhammad ali center, churchill downs, fort knox, president lincoln’s birthplace, (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Second place

Trivia’s Facts and More (4/6)

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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

Take me out and scratch my head.  I am now black but once was red.  What at I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

As one of the original 13 American colonies under England’s rule, the American state of Pennsylvania has enjoyed a unique and dynamic history.

Here are a few quick facts about the Keystone State:

  • Capital City:  Harrisburg
  • Statehood:  December 12, 1787 (second state after Delaware to join the Union)
  • State Flower:  Mountain Laurel
  • State Bird:  Ruffed Grouse
  • State Motto:  Virtue, Liberty, and Independence

Pennsylvania was named after founder William Penn’s father, Admiral Sir William Penn.  The state’s name honored (Penn) and the Latin word (Sylvania) which means woodlands.

When the colony of Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 by William Penn, he desired a place that offered a fair form of government as well as religious freedom.  Known as the Keystone State, this nickname recognized the central location of Pennsylvania in relation to the rest of the 13 colonies.

Pennsylvania was the only original colony not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.  It has provided home for the largest concentration of Amish culture in the United States.  They have accepted a simple way of life which has included plain clothing and a reluctance to use modern technology.  Most of the Amish have lived in the region centered around the city of Lancaster.

In 1900 after selling his Lancaster Caramel Company, businessman Milton Hershey opened his Hershey Chocolate Company in the company town of Hershey, which was located about 30 miles northwest of Lancaster.  

German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.  They have been commonly called Pennsylvania Dutch.  Most settled before 1800 in order to escape religious persecution.

top left and moving clockwise:  Mountain laurel, ruffed grouse, original hershey chocolate factory, amish buggy,  pennsylvania state flag.  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A match

Trivia’s Facts and More (3/2)

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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

Built on a concrete slab, there is a one-story house where everything is yellow.  The walls are yellow.  The doors are yellow.  All of the furniture is yellow.  The house has yellow beds and a yellow sofa.  What color are the stairs?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Admitted to the American union on December 11, 1816, the “Hoosier State” of Indiana becomes the country’s 19th state.

Here are a few quick facts about Indiana:

  • Capital City:  Indianapolis
  • State Bird:  Cardinal
  • State Flower:  Peony
  • State Motto:  The Crossroads of America

The word “Indiana” in Latin means “Land of the Indians.”  Native Americans are the original inhabitants of this territory.  European culture arrives in 1673 when a French trading post is built on the Kankakee River.  In 1679, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claims the territory for King Louis XIV.

Indiana offers a treasure trove of places to visit.  They provide quite a variety of attractions for tourists coming to the “American Crossroads” state.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located along 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan.  Visitors are invited to walk in glacial sands that have been pulled up into nearly 250-foot tall dunes.  In addition to the dunes, hikers experience a thriving ecosystem featuring wetlands, prairies, and old-growth forests.

America’s greatest spectacle of auto racing offers drivers a chance to make history over Memorial Day weekend with the Indianapolis 500.  Since its inaugural race in 1911, racing fans have been coming to the speedway.  On race day, over 250,000 spectators make their way to the Brickyard.

Bedford is rightly called the “Limestone Capital of the World.”  The small city is surrounded by large limestone quarries.  Limestone from Bedford has found its way into prominent buildings around the United States, including the Empire State Building in New York City, and the Pentagon and National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Here are three more significant historical notes from Indiana:

  • The famous Raggedy Ann doll is created in 1915 by Indianapolis author and cartoonist, Johnny Gruelle.  Later on, he adds books, songs, and cartoons to the Raggedy Ann collection.
  • Wabash becomes the world’s first electrically lighted city on March 31, 1880.
  • Fort Wayne hosts America’s first professional baseball game on May 4, 1871.  By the way, Fort Wayne’s Kekiongas won 2-0.

from left to right:  from 1961, Indianapolis 500 speedway with its original bricks (the track is paved for 1962), portion of the limestone quarries near bedford. Indiana dunes national park along lake michigan, Original raggedy ann Stories (1918) written by Johnny Gruelle)  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

There are no stairs–it’s a one-story house.

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 (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 (8/26)

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

Brain Teaser Question

The peacock is an unusual bird with long, beautiful feathers.  It does not lay eggs.  So where do baby peacocks come from?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Granted statehood on March 4, 1791, Vermont became the first state admitted to the American Union following the original thirteen colonies.

Here are some interesting facts about Vermont, nicknamed the Green Mountain State:

  • Motto:  Freedom and Unity
  • Capital City:  Montpelier (smallest state capital in the U.S.)
  • State Bird:  Hermit Thrush
  • State Flower:  Red Clover

French explorer Samuel de Champlain inspired Vermont’s name with his words upon seeing the land that would later become Vermont.  He called it “les monts verts” which means the green mountains.  

Vermont was the birthplace of two American Presidents:  Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur.  Its constitution was the first in America to abolish slavery.

Vermont has been well-known for maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  Made famous in the film, “The Sound of Music,” the Von Trapp family would move from Austria to Vermont where they made a home in the town of Stowe. 

Left:  vermont’s capitol in montpelier.  right:  hermit thrush (state bird).  photographs courtesy of pinterest.

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

From eggs.  The peahen lays the eggs.  The peacock is the male.