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Quizzes > Geography

NYC trivia questions: test your New York history know-how

Quick, free New York State trivia quiz on history and facts. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jordan RushUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for NY trivia quiz on state history and key facts on sky blue background

This quiz helps you check your knowledge with New York trivia questions on state history, landmarks, and notable New Yorkers. Work at your own pace and see instant feedback after each answer. Want more? Try our New York State trivia, explore New York City landmarks trivia, or keep going with even more New York trivia questions.

What is the capital of New York State?
Buffalo
Syracuse
New York City
Albany
Albany has been the official capital of New York State since 1797. It was chosen for its central location along the Hudson River and distance from the coast. The city's colonial roots date back to the early 17th century under Dutch settlement.
In what year did New York ratify the U.S. Constitution to become the 11th state?
1788
1792
1776
1801
New York ratified the U.S. Constitution on July 26, 1788, becoming the 11th state in the union. The ratification vote was closely contested and passed by a margin of just three votes. This approval followed a series of promising letters from George Washington and other leaders addressing concerns of Anti-Federalists.
Which of these nicknames is New York State commonly known by?
The Sunshine State
The Empire State
The Garden State
The Golden State
New York State is famously nicknamed "The Empire State," a term that reflects its wealth and resources. The moniker has been in popular use since the early 19th century, though its exact origin is unclear. It appears on license plates and is emblazoned on the Empire State Building, a landmark in New York City.
Niagara Falls sits on the border between New York and which Canadian province?
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Manitoba
Quebec
Niagara Falls is situated on the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada. The falls are divided into three sections: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side. Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural landmarks and a major tourist destination.
Which river forms the western boundary of Manhattan Island?
Long Island Sound
East River
Harlem River
Hudson River
The Hudson River runs along the western edge of Manhattan Island, separating it from New Jersey. This tidal river has been a vital commercial waterway since colonial times. Ferries and the iconic George Washington Bridge span the river, connecting Manhattan to other regions.
What is the largest city by population in New York State?
Buffalo
Yonkers
New York City
Rochester
New York City is the largest city in New York State by a wide margin, with over 8 million residents. It is also the most populous city in the United States. The city comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
What is the official state flower of New York?
Rose
Tulip
Sunflower
Lily
The rose was designated the official state flower of New York in 1955. It was chosen for its widespread popularity and symbolic representation of beauty and love. Roses thrive in many parts of the state's diverse climate.
In which city is the official New York Governor's Mansion located?
Rochester
Buffalo
Albany
New York City
The New York Governor's Mansion is located in the state capital, Albany. The mansion has been the residence of New York governors since its purchase in 1904. It stands near the state Capitol and the Empire State Plaza.
What is the official state bird of New York?
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird
Blue Jay
Bald Eagle
The Eastern bluebird was designated the official state bird of New York in 1970. It is prized for its bright blue plumage and cheerful song. The species thrives in open, lightly wooded areas and is a favorite among bird watchers.
In what year did the Erie Canal officially open?
1817
1832
1825
1845
The Erie Canal officially opened on October 26, 1825, linking the Hudson River at Albany with Lake Erie at Buffalo. Its completion drastically reduced transportation costs and spurred economic growth across the Midwest. The canal played a pivotal role in westward expansion.
What is the highest point in New York State?
Algonquin Peak
Mount Marcy
Slide Mountain
Whiteface Mountain
Mount Marcy, at 5,344 feet above sea level, is the highest point in New York State. It is located in the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. The mountain is a popular hiking destination with challenging trails and scenic views.
Who was the first president of the United States born in New York State?
George Washington
John Adams
Martin Van Buren
Millard Fillmore
Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States (1837 - 1841), was the first to be born as a U.S. citizen in Kinderhook, New York. Prior presidents were born before the American Revolution. Van Buren's upbringing in the Dutch-influenced Hudson Valley shaped his political career.
Which county is the most populous in New York State?
Suffolk County
Nassau County
Kings County
Queens County
Kings County, coterminous with the borough of Brooklyn, is the most populous county in New York State. With over 2.5 million residents, it surpasses Queens, Manhattan, and other counties. Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods and economies contribute to its large population.
The Champlain Canal connects the Hudson River to which body of water?
Atlantic Ocean
Lake Erie
Hudson Bay
Lake Champlain
The Champlain Canal, completed in 1823, links the Hudson River at Troy to Lake Champlain at Whitehall. It provided a crucial inland waterway for trade and transport between New York and Canada. This canal is part of the larger New York State Canal System.
In which year did Grand Central Terminal officially open to the public?
1899
1913
1901
1920
Grand Central Terminal in New York City officially opened on February 2, 1913. It replaced an earlier station and became an iconic transportation hub. The Beaux-Arts building is renowned for its celestial ceiling and ornate design.
What is the official state tree of New York?
Sugar Maple
Pine
Oak
Elm
The sugar maple was designated the official state tree of New York in 1956. It is valued for its brilliant fall foliage and as the source of maple syrup. The tree thrives in the state's temperate forests.
When was the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City?
1944
1924
1914
1934
The inaugural Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place on November 27, 1924. It was originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo. The event has since become a national holiday tradition.
What is the official state fruit of New York?
Apple
Peach
Strawberry
Cherry
The apple was designated the official state fruit of New York in 2006. New York is one of the top apple-producing states in the U.S., especially in the Hudson and Champlain Valleys. The fruit has been grown in the region since colonial times.
Which fort was famously captured by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold in 1775?
Fort Niagara
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Stanwix
Fort Crown Point
Fort Ticonderoga was seized on May 10, 1775, by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold in a daring surprise attack. The fort's artillery was later transported to Boston to aid in lifting the British siege. This event boosted American morale early in the Revolutionary War.
The Iroquois Confederacy, influential in New York history, is also known by what name?
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Wiyot Confederacy
Powhatan Confederacy
Algonquin League
The Iroquois Confederacy is traditionally called the Haudenosaunee, meaning 'People of the Longhouse.' It originally united five nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. The Confederacy played a significant role in colonial and early U.S. diplomacy.
Which New York state park, covering over 6 million acres, is larger than Yellowstone National Park?
Allegany State Park
Catskill Park
Niagara Falls State Park
Adirondack Park
Adirondack Park spans over 6.1 million acres, making it the largest state park in the U.S. and larger than several national parks, including Yellowstone. Established in 1892, it includes both public and private lands. The park's diverse ecosystems and protected wilderness attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
In what year did New York adopt its current state flag design?
1925
1880
1901
1894
The current design of the New York state flag, featuring the state coat of arms on a dark blue field, was officially adopted in 1901. The coat of arms includes symbols of liberty, justice, and the Hudson River. It has remained unchanged since its adoption.
The Erie Maritime Museum, showcasing naval history, is located in which city?
Syracuse
Buffalo
Rochester
Albany
The Erie Maritime Museum is located in Buffalo, New York, near the city's waterfront. It highlights the launch of the U.S. Brig Niagara and naval events from the War of 1812. Buffalo's role in Great Lakes maritime history is celebrated year-round.
Which New York City borough has the smallest population by census count?
Manhattan
Staten Island
The Bronx
Brooklyn
Staten Island is the least populous of New York City's five boroughs, with just over 470,000 residents. It is connected to Manhattan by the Staten Island Ferry and several bridges. Despite its smaller population, it covers a larger land area than Manhattan.
Who was one of the principal organizers of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention held in New York?
Lucretia Mott
Sojourner Truth
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Harriet Tubman
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a primary organizer and host of the Seneca Falls Convention, which took place in July 1848. This gathering is widely regarded as the first women's rights convention in the United States. Stanton authored the Declaration of Sentiments, outlining demands for gender equality.
In what year did the Bronx officially become a borough of New York City?
1914
1898
1888
1902
The Bronx was officially incorporated as one of New York City's five boroughs on January 1, 1898. Prior to that, parts of what is now the borough were annexed in 1874 and 1895. Its inclusion in the 'City of Greater New York' helped spur its urban development.
The Albany Plan of Union, an early proposal to unite the American colonies, was introduced in which year?
1765
1776
1740
1754
The Albany Plan of Union was proposed by Benjamin Franklin and others at the Albany Congress in 1754. It called for a unified colonial government to manage defense, Indian affairs, and taxation. Although never adopted, it influenced later efforts toward colonial unity.
Under Dutch colonial rule, what was the larger territory which included present-day New York State originally called?
New Netherland
Nova Belgica
New Holland
Nieuw Amsterdam
The Dutch colony established in the early 17th century was known as New Netherland and encompassed parts of modern New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut. Its capital was New Amsterdam, located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. England seized the territory in 1664, renaming it New York.
In which year did the Erie Canal receive designation as a National Historic Landmark?
1980
1960
1950
1975
The Erie Canal was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 due to its pivotal role in 19th-century American commerce and engineering. This status recognizes the canal's impact on the economic expansion of the United States. The system remains an important cultural and recreational resource.
Which treaty signed in 1842 settled the boundary dispute between New York State and the British colony of Canada?
Jay Treaty
Treaty of Ghent
Webster-Ashburton Treaty
Treaty of Paris
The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 resolved several border issues between the United States and British North America, including the boundary between New York and what is now Ontario. Negotiated by Secretary of State Daniel Webster and British diplomat Lord Ashburton, it clarified the northeastern border. This treaty helped maintain peaceful relations for decades.
In what year did New York ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote?
1919
1920
1921
1930
New York's legislature ratified the 19th Amendment on June 16, 1919, and the amendment became law nationally on August 18, 1920. This ratification reflected New York's prominent role in the women's suffrage movement, including the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. New York women voted in the November 1917 state election under a state suffrage law, two years before national ratification.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Historical Events -

    After completing the quiz, you will recall major milestones in New York's history, from its colonial founding to pivotal moments in state development.

  2. Identify Iconic New York Landmarks -

    Test your knowledge by identifying famous sites like the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, and other landmarks that define the Empire State.

  3. Describe Cultural and Social Milestones -

    Learn to describe significant cultural movements and social changes that have shaped New York's unique identity over time.

  4. Explain the Significance of State Symbols -

    Understand the origins and meanings behind New York's symbols, including its state flag, seal, and official flower.

  5. Demonstrate Proficiency with NY Trivia -

    Challenge yourself to answer diverse NY trivia questions and verify your grasp of key facts about New York State's people, places, and politics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Colonial Origins: From New Amsterdam to New York -

    Established by the Dutch West India Company in 1624, New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island became New York in 1664 after the English takeover (New York State Archives). Remember "DAN" = Dutch Arrival → New Amsterdam to recall this pivotal shift. This foundational change often appears in new york trivia questions about the state's earliest settlements.

  2. Revolutionary Milestones & First State Constitution -

    New York played a central role in the American Revolution, hosting key battles like Saratoga (1777) that turned the war in favor of the Colonies (National Park Service). The state adopted its own constitution on April 20, 1777, becoming one of the first to codify citizens' rights. Try the mnemonic "First in Freedom" to link New York's early constitution to its revolutionary legacy.

  3. Engineering Marvel: The Erie Canal -

    Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and slashed transport costs by 90% (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation). This "Big Ditch" propelled New York City into a commercial powerhouse - an often-cited fact in ny trivia questions. Think "Canal = Commercial Catalyst" to lock in its economic impact.

  4. Iconic Landmarks & Cultural Symbols -

    From the Statue of Liberty's 1886 dedication (National Park Service) to the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building, New York's skyline embodies American ambition. Broadway, Times Square and Ellis Island round out its cultural trifecta - favorites in new york state trivia questions and answers. Use "SET" = Statue, Empire, Theater to anchor these must-know symbols.

  5. Diverse Geography & Natural Wonders -

    New York spans five regions - from the Adirondack Park (6 million acres) to the Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation). Each region shapes local industry and tourism; this breadth shows up in many new york state trivia quizzes. Remember "AFH" = Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley for a quick regional rundown.

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