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US State Capitals
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Question 1
What is the capital of Colorado?
Explanation
Denver is both the capital and the largest city of Colorado. Known as the "Mile High City" because it sits at an elevation of exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. The Colorado State Capitol building's steps are marked at exactly one mile high.
Question 2
What is the capital of Nebraska?
Explanation
Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska. Omaha is Nebraska's largest city and is famous for being home to Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Lincoln became the capital when Nebraska became a state in 1867, chosen partly because of its central location.
Question 3
The capital of Washington State is Seattle.
Explanation
The capital of Washington State is Olympia, not Seattle. Seattle is far more famous globally, but Olympia (located at the southern end of Puget Sound) has been the state capital since Washington achieved statehood in 1889. This is one of the most commonly missed state capital questions.
Question 4
What is the capital of Montana?
Explanation
Helena is the capital of Montana. Billings is Montana's largest city by population. Helena was established as the capital when Montana achieved statehood in 1889. During the gold rush, Helena was briefly known as "Last Chance Gulch" after the gulch where gold was discovered.
Question 5
Match each state to its capital.
Explanation
Texas=Austin, California=Sacramento, Florida=Tallahassee, New York=Albany, Arizona=Phoenix. Note that none of these match the most famous city in each state (Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Tucson), which is why they are commonly confused.
