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Quizzes > Geography

State Capital Trivia: Can You Name Every U.S. Capital?

Quick, free state capitals trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kimeang HeongUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art United States map with state capitals markers question marks quiz icons on golden yellow background

This state capital trivia quiz helps you practice and name all 50 U.S. capitals, with instant feedback on each guess. Play at your own pace and come back to improve. For more practice, try our state capitals quiz, explore state trivia questions, or broaden your knowledge with US geography trivia.

What is the capital of California?
Sacramento
San Diego
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Sacramento has been the capital of California since 1854, selected for its central location in the state. It replaced Benicia as the former capital. Today, Sacramento is known for its historic sites and government institutions.
What is the capital of Texas?
Austin
Dallas
Houston
San Antonio
Austin became the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839 and retained that status when Texas joined the United States. It is named after Stephen F. Austin, known as the 'Father of Texas.' The city is renowned for its live music scene and technology sector.
What is the capital of New York?
Buffalo
Albany
New York City
Rochester
Albany has been the capital of New York since 1797, chosen for its strategic location on the Hudson River. It is one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original thirteen colonies. Today, Albany serves as the center of state government.
What is the capital of Florida?
Tallahassee
Orlando
Jacksonville
Miami
Tallahassee was selected as Florida's territorial capital in 1824 because of its central position between East and West Florida. It remained capital when Florida joined the Union in 1845. The city is known for its historic architecture and government institutions.
What is the capital of Ohio?
Toledo
Cincinnati
Columbus
Cleveland
Columbus was chosen as Ohio's capital in 1816 for its central location, replacing Chillicothe. It is the most populous city in the state and an important cultural center. Columbus houses the Ohio Statehouse and major universities.
What is the capital of Colorado?
Denver
Colorado Springs
Boulder
Aurora
Denver became the capital of Colorado Territory in 1867 and remained the state capital when Colorado joined the Union in 1876. Its name means 'white' in French, a reference to the nearby snow-capped mountains. Denver is known as the 'Mile-High City.'
What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Scranton
Harrisburg was chosen as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812 due to its location on the Susquehanna River. It succeeded Lancaster, providing a more central seat of government. The city played key roles during the Civil War as a transportation hub.
What is the capital of Washington?
Spokane
Tacoma
Seattle
Olympia
Olympia was designated as the capital of Washington Territory in 1853 and retained the role when the territory became a state in 1889. The city's name derives from the nearby Olympic Mountains. Olympia is the cultural and administrative center of the state.
What is the capital of Maine?
Augusta
Portland
Bangor
Lewiston
Augusta was selected as Maine's state capital in 1832 for its central location along the Kennebec River. It replaced Portland, balancing the interests of eastern and western regions. Augusta is home to the Maine State House.
What is the capital of Wisconsin?
Milwaukee
Madison
Eau Claire
Green Bay
Madison was founded in 1836 and chosen as the capital of the Wisconsin Territory. It was named after President James Madison. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, Madison became its permanent capital.
What is the capital of South Dakota?
Bismarck
Rapid City
Pierre
Sioux Falls
Pierre was selected as the capital of Dakota Territory in 1889 and remained the state capital when South Dakota was admitted to the Union. It was chosen for its central location and river access. Pierre is one of the least populous state capitals.
What is the capital of Minnesota?
Saint Paul
Duluth
Rochester
Minneapolis
Saint Paul was chosen as Minnesota's capital in 1849 when the territory was established. It lies on the east bank of the Mississippi River opposite Minneapolis. The city is known as the 'Capital City' in local references.
What is the capital of Vermont?
Burlington
Montpelier
Stowe
Rutland
Montpelier has been Vermont's capital since 1805 and is the smallest state capital by population in the United States. It was chosen for its central location in an otherwise rural state. The city houses the Vermont State House.
What is the capital of Delaware?
Rehoboth Beach
Newark
Dover
Wilmington
Dover has been the capital of Delaware since 1777 and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited colonial towns in the United States. It was selected for its central position in the state and colonial courthouse. Today, Dover hosts the Delaware Legislative Hall.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall State Capitals -

    Memorize and accurately name all 50 US state capitals to master state capital trivia challenges.

  2. Identify States by Capitals -

    Match each capital city to its corresponding state, reinforcing geographic associations across the country.

  3. Apply Quiz Strategies -

    Utilize proven techniques to improve your score in the quiz us states and capitals and achieve 100% accuracy.

  4. Employ Memory Techniques -

    Use mnemonic devices and pattern recognition to retain capital information more effectively for any online state capital quiz.

  5. Track Progress and Review Answers -

    Analyze your results with state capitals quiz answers feedback to identify strengths and areas for further practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Regional Clustering Strategy -

    Study state capitals by grouping states into the Census regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) to create smaller, context-rich learning sets. According to the US Census Bureau, organizing information geographically enhances recall by linking capitals to regional characteristics. Focus on one region per session to build steady confidence in your state capital trivia mastery.

  2. Alphabetical Mnemonics -

    Create acronyms or short phrases using the first letters of capitals in alphabetical order to boost memory. For example, for "M-states" use "A Big Lion Stands Jolly High" to recall Augusta, Boston, Lansing, Saint Paul, Jackson, Jefferson City, Helena. Studies from the University of Waterloo show that personalized mnemonic devices can improve long-term retention by up to 50%.

  3. Map Drawing and Spatial Recall -

    Engage spatial memory by sketching blank US maps and plotting each capital's location, a technique endorsed by National Geographic Education. This active-learning approach links visual and motor skills, reinforcing where each capital sits within its state boundary. Review your map weekly to reinforce the mental connections.

  4. Spaced-Repetition Flashcards -

    Leverage flashcards with increasing review intervals, based on research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology, to solidify state capital knowledge. Digital tools like Anki or Quizlet automatically schedule reviews just before you're likely to forget, optimizing study efficiency. Include both the state and its capital on separate sides for bidirectional recall practice.

  5. Interactive Quizzes & Timed Challenges -

    Use free online state capital quizzes and quiz us states and capitals games offered by educational sites (e.g., US Geological Survey) to simulate real test conditions. Time yourself and track your state capitals quiz answers to identify weak areas and monitor progress. Gamifying the process boosts motivation and makes repetitive practice more enjoyable.

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