Capital Quiz
If it's true that fewer than 50% of all Americans can name all 50 states, then we're thinking it's probably even fewer who can name all the capitals. Find out how many you can name with this fun state capital quiz...
Get 40-50 correct: You're A Capital Captain
25-39: A Capital Commander
10-24: A Capital Corporal
0-9: A Capital Catastrophe
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Alabama?
Been The Capital Since: 1846
City Population (2020 Census): 200,603
Area: 159.8 sq mi (414 km2)
DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Montgomery
It was in Montgomery, on December 1, 1955, that Rosa Parks was arrested when she refused to give up her seat on the bus to a White man—thus sparking the Montgomery bus boycott.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Alaska?
Been The Capital Since: 1906
Population (2020 Census): 32,255
Area: 2,716.7 sq mi (7,036 km2)
James Brooks, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Juneau
Alaska's capital is actually named after a Canadian—a gold prospector from Quebec named Joe Juneau.
Mark Hogan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Arizona?
Been The Capital Since: 1889
Population (2020 Census): 1,608,139
Area: 517.6 sq mi (1,341 km2)
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Phoenix
With its over 1.6 million residents, Phoenix is the most populous state capital in the country.
DPPed, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Arkansas?
Been The Capital Since: 1821
Population (2020 Census): 202,591
Area: 116.2 sq mi (301 km2)
HAL333, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Little Rock
The state capital that came to many people's attention back in the 80s and 90s when former Arkansas governor Bill Clinton ran for, and won, the presidency.
Felix Mizioznikov, Shutterstock
Q: What Is The State Capital Of California?
Been The Capital Since: 1854
Population (2020 Census): 524,943
Area: 97.9 sq mi (254 km2)
Andre m, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Sacramento
Sacramento was the original starting point of the Pony Express.
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Colorado?
Been The Capital Since: 1867
Population (2020 Census): 153.3 sq mi (397 km2)
Area: 715,522
Onetwo1, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Denver
The 13th step on the west side of Denver's State Capitol Building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (1 mile). Hence the "Mile High City".
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Connecticut?
Been The Capital Since: 1875
Population (2020 Census): 121,054
Area: 17.3 sq mi (45 km2)
Ragesoss, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Hartford
Founded on October 29, 1764, The Hartford Courant is the country's oldest newspaper in continuous publication.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Delaware?
Been The Capital Since: 1777
Population (2020 Census): 39,403
Area: 22.4 sq mi (58 km2)
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Dover
Delaware's first NPR station (WDDE) launched in August of 2012. With that, Delaware became the last state in the country to have an NPR station located within its borders.
Tim Kiser, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Florida?
Been The Capital Since: 1824
Population (2020 Census): 196,169
Area: 95.7 sq mi (248 km2)
DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Tallahassee
The city's name, "Tallahassee", comes from a Native American Muskogean word meaning "old fields" or "old town".
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Georgia?
Been The Capital Since: 1868
Population (2020 Census): 498,715
Area: 133.5 sq mi (346 km2)
DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Atlanta
Martin Luther King Jr was born in Atlanta and Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Hawaii?
Been The Capital Since: 1845
Population (2020 Census): 350,964
Area: 68.4 sq mi (177 km2)
A: Honolulu
The Ala Moana Center in Honolulu is the biggest open-air shopping center in the world. The world’s largest wind generator is also in Honolulu.
ArdentArbitration, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Idaho?
Been The Capital Since: 1865
Population (2020 Census): 235,684
Area: 63.8 sq mi (165 km2)
JSquish, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Boise
The second-largest Basque population outside of Spain is located in Boise, Idaho.
Christopher Boswell, Adobe Stock
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Illinois?
Been The Capital Since: 1837
Population (2020 Census): 114,394
Area: 54.0 sq mi (140 km2)
Asher Heimermann, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Springfield
Do you think this is where The Simpson's live?
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Indiana?
Been The Capital Since: 1825
Population (2020 Census): 887,642
Area: 361.5 sq mi (936 km2)
Daniel Schwen, Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
A: Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the largest city in the United States not situated on a navigable body of water.
tpsdave, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Iowa?
Been The Capital Since: 1857
Population (2020 Census): 214,133
Area: 75.8 sq mi (196 km2)
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
A: Des Moines
The Lauridsen Skatepark in Downtown Des Moines is the largest skatepark in the country. It has 88,000 square feet of skateable surface.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Kansas?
Been The Capital Since: 1856
Population (2020 Census): 126,587
Area: 56.0 sq mi (145 km2)
Christopher Boswell, Adobe Stock
A: Topeka
Topeka was the location of the landmark Supreme Court Brown v Board of Education case.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Kentucky?
Been The Capital Since: 1792
Population (2020 Census): 28,602
Area: 14.7 sq mi (38 km2)
Christopher Boswell, Adobe Stock
A: Frankfort
The phrase "dog is man’s best friend" was coined by Frankfort native George Graham Vest.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Louisiana?
Been The Capital Since: 1880
Population (2020 Census): 227,470
Area: 76.8 sq mi (199 km2)
Felix Mizioznikov, Adobe Stock
A: Baton Rouge
Do you know where the second-largest indoor carousel in the world is located? At the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
Stuart Adams, stuadams.com, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Maine?
Been The Capital Since: 1832
Population (2020 Census): 18,899
Area: 55.4 sq mi (143 km2)
Albany NY, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Augusta
What is the easternmost state capital in the United States? Yup, it's Augusta, Maine.
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Maryland?
Been The Capital Since: 1694
Population (2020 Census): 40,812
Area: 6.73 sq mi (17 km2)
Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Annapolis
Maryland's capital city was actually the capital of the United States from November 26, 1783 until June 3,1784.
high limitzz, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Massachusetts?
Been The Capital Since: 1630
Population (2020 Census): 675,647
Area: 89.6 sq mi (232 km2)
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Boston
The first subway in America was built in Boston.
Harald Johnsen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Michigan?
Been The Capital Since: 1847
Population (2020 Census): 112,644
Area: 35.0 sq mi (91 km2)
Catherine Ottarson, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Lansing
The state capital building in Lansing, Michigan is the only state capitol building designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Minnesota?
Been The Capital Since: 1849
Population (2020 Census): 311,527
Area: 52.8 sq mi (137 km2)
Myotus, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Saint Paul
The city of Saint Paul, Minnesota has more shoreline on the Mississippi river than any other city.
Jeremy Noble, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Mississippi?
Been The Capital Since: 1821
Population (2020 Census): 153,701
Area: 104.9 sq mi (272 km2)
Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Jackson
The city population of 153,701 might not sound like that much—but Jackson is the only city in the state of Mississippi with a population of more than 100,000 people.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Missouri?
Been The Capital Since: 1826
Population (2020 Census): 43,228
Area: 27.3 sq mi (71 km2)
KTrimble, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Jefferson City
Yup, Jefferson City, Missouri was actually named after the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Montana?
Been The Capital Since: 1875
Population (2020 Census): 32,091
Area: 14.0 sq mi (36 km2)
Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Helena
Thanks to the Gold Rush, Helena had upwards of 50 millionaires within its borders by 1888.
RTC, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Nebraska?
Been The Capital Since: 1867
Population (2020 Census): 291,082
Area: 74.6 sq mi (193 km2)
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
A: Lincoln
It might seem like the obvious answer—but yes, Lincoln, Nebraska was named after president Abraham Lincoln.
Collinulness, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Nevada?
Been The Capital Since: 1861
Population (2020 Census): 58,639
Area: 143.4 sq mi (371 km2)
Amadscientist, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Carson City
There are two US Capitals To Border Another State. Carson City is one of them.
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of New Hampshire?
Been The Capital Since: 1808
Population (2020 Census): 43,976
Area: 64.3 sq mi (167 km2)
AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Concord
The New Hampshire State House in Concord was built between 1816-1819 and is the oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the entire country.
Evanisepic, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of New Jersey?
Been The Capital Since: 1784
Population (2020 Census): 90,871
Area: 7.66 sq mi (20 km2)
Lowlova, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Trenton
Following the Revolutionary War, Trenton was, very briefly, the national capital of the United States in November and December of 1784.
FotosForTheFuture, Shutterstock
Q: What Is The State Capital Of New Mexico?
Been The Capital Since: 1610
Population (2020 Census): 87,505
Area: 37.3 sq mi (97 km2)
A: Santa Fe
If 1610 feels like a long time ago, it is. Especially when it comes to state capitals. Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States.
MARELBU, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of New York?
Been The Capital Since: 1797
Population (2020 Census): 99,224
Area: 21.4 sq mi (55 km2)
Matt H. Wade, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Albany
Albany was discovered in 1609 and is the oldest continuously chartered city in the country.
UpstateNYer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of North Carolina?
Been The Capital Since: 1792
Population (2020 Census): 467,665
Area: 114.6 sq mi (297 km2)
Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Raleigh
Raleigh has so many oak trees that it is known as "The City of Oaks".
Abhiram Juvvadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of North Dakota?
Been The Capital Since: 1883
Population (2020 Census): 73,622
Area: 26.9 sq mi (70 km2)
Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Bismarck
Founded in 1872, Bismarck was originally named "Edwinton" in honour of Edwin L Johnson. In 1873, it became Bismarck in honour of the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck (the renaming was done with the hopes of enticing German investment in the railway).
Jonathan Schilling, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Ohio?
Been The Capital Since: 1816
Population (2020 Census): 905,748
Area: 210.3 sq mi (545 km2)
Ɱ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Columbus
Almost half (48%) of the entire population of the United States lives within a 600-mile radius of Columbus.
Paul Wasneski, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Oklahoma?
Been The Capital Since: 1910
Population (2020 Census): 681,054
Area: 620.3 sq mi (1,607 km2)
Oklahoma Legislative Services Bureau, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Oklahoma City
Established as the capital in 1910, Oklahoma City is the youngest state capital in the country.
Urbanative, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Oregon?
Been The Capital Since: 1855
Population (2020 Census): 175,535
Area: 45.7 sq mi (118 km2)
M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons
A: Salem
The 45th Parallel (the exact middle point between the Equator and the North Pole) passes right through Salem, Oregon.
M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Pennsylvania?
Been The Capital Since: 1812
Population (2020 Census): 50,099
Area: 8.11 sq mi (21 km2)
Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Harrisburg
The largest indoor agriculture exposition in the country (The Pennsylvania Farm Show) has been held annually in Harrisburg since 1917.
Chen Wu, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Rhode Island?
Been The Capital Since: 1900
Population (2020 Census): 190,934
Area: 18.5 sq mi (48 km2)
Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Providence
Along with Oklahoma City and Juneau, Providence is one of only three State capitals established as such in the 1900s.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of South Carolina?
Been The Capital Since: 1786
Population (2020 Census): 136,632
Area: 125.2 sq mi (324 km2)
Florencebballer, Wikimedia Commons
A: Columbia
While there are multiple cities in the country named after Christopher Columbus—Columbia, South Carolina was the first one to do so.
Akhenaton06, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of South Dakota?
Been The Capital Since: 1889
Population (2020 Census): 14,091
Area: 13.0 sq mi (34 km2)
WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Pierre
Pierre, South Dakota is the second-least populous US state capital. The least populous we will get to soon...
WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Tennessee?
Been The Capital Since: 1826
Population (2020 Census): 689,447
Area: 525.9 sq mi (1,362 km2)
Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Nashville
Known as the “Athens of the South”, Nashville built a full-size replica of the Parthenon for the 1897 World Exposition (and it's still there).
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Texas?
Been The Capital Since: 1839
Population (2020 Census): 961,855
Area: 305.1 sq mi (790 km2)
LoneStarMike, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Austin
Well, it's true—everything is bigger in Texas. At least when it comes to State capitol buildings, as the one in Austin is the largest in the country.
Vuemobi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Utah?
Been The Capital Since: 1858
Population (2020 Census): 199,723
Area: 109.1 sq mi (283 km2)
Jkinsocal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Salt Lake City
In 2001, green Jell-O was named the official state snack of Utah.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Vermont?
Been The Capital Since: 1805
Population (2020 Census): 8,074
Area: 10.2 sq mi (26 km2)
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Montpelier
And there we have it: the least populous state capital in the entire United States of America.
Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Virginia?
Been The Capital Since: 1780
Population (2020 Census): 226,610
Area: 60.1 sq mi (156 km2)
Ron Cogswell, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Richmond
William Byrd II (the founder of modern-day Richmond) named the city after his hometown of Richmond, in England.
Bruce Emmerling, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Washington?
Been The Capital Since: 1853
Population (2020 Census): 55,605
Area: 16.7 sq mi (43 km2)
Nils Huenerfuerst, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Olympia
Guinness World Records recognized Olympia, Washington as home to Julio—the world’s oldest llama living in captivity. He was 25 years old.
Q: What Is The State Capital Of West Virginia?
Been The Capital Since: 1885
Population (2020 Census): 48,864
Area: 31.6 sq mi (82 km2)
Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Charleston
Charleston is the capital and the most populous city in all of West Virginia.
Josh Stapler, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Wisconsin?
Been The Capital Since: 1838
Population (2020 Census): 269,840
Area: 68.7 sq mi (178 km2)
Wikideas1, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Madison
The official city bird of Madison, Wisconsin is the plastic pink flamingo.
college.library, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Q: What Is The State Capital Of Wyoming?
Been The Capital Since: 1869
Population (2020 Census): 65,132
Area: 21.1 sq mi (55 km2)
Babymestizo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A: Cheyenne
The entire state of Wyoming has just over 549,000 people—so, with just over 65,000, Cheyenne ranks as the most populous city in the state.
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Did you do better, or worse than you thought you would? If you want—drop your score in the comments and see how it compares.
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