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Quizzes > History

New York State quiz: history, landmarks, and facts

Quick, free way to test your NY state trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Xgc TriptripUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage of New York icons Statue of Liberty Empire State Building bridges and state map on coral background

This New York State quiz helps you test what you know about state history, landmarks, and quirky facts. Want extra practice before class or trivia night? Try some New York State trivia, browse New York trivia questions, or focus on city knowledge with a New York City quiz.

What is the capital city of New York State?
Albany
Rochester
New York City
Buffalo
Albany has been the capital of New York State since 1797, chosen in part for its central location and historical significance. The city was originally settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century and grew rapidly as a center of trade. Today, Albany is known for its government buildings, universities, and cultural heritage. .
What nickname is commonly used to refer to New York State?
The Empire State
The Sunshine State
The Keystone State
The Land of 10,000 Lakes
New York State is widely known as "The Empire State," a nickname that reflects its wealth and resources. The term dates back to at least the early 19th century and was popularized in part to promote the state's economic prowess. It appears on the state's famous license plates and is featured in the name of the Empire State Building. .
Which famous landmark is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor?
The Statue of Liberty
The Washington Monument
The Gateway Arch
Mount Rushmore
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and was dedicated in 1886. Gifted by France, it has become an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can tour the island, museum, and statue pedestal for panoramic views. .
What is the most populous city in New York State?
New York City
Rochester
Yonkers
Buffalo
New York City is the most populous city in the state, home to over 8 million residents. It comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The city is a global hub for finance, culture, and media. .
What is the official state motto of New York?
In God We Trust
Excelsior
Liberty and Prosperity
E pluribus unum
New York's official state motto, "Excelsior," is a Latin word meaning "Ever Upward." It was adopted in 1778 and appears on the state seal and flag. The motto reflects New York's aspiration for progress and excellence. .
In what year did the Erie Canal officially open?
1900
1825
1855
1800
The Erie Canal officially opened in 1825, linking the Hudson River at Albany to Lake Erie at Buffalo. Its completion revolutionized transportation, slashing shipping costs and spurring economic growth. It played a key role in New York's rise as a commercial powerhouse. .
Which of these is the largest lake located entirely within New York State?
Conesus Lake
Lake George
Cayuga Lake
Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the largest lake entirely within New York State, covering about 79 square miles. While Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are larger, they are shared with Canada. Oneida Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and recreation. .
What was the original Dutch name for New York City?
Fort Orange
New Amsterdam
Nieuw Utrecht
Nieuw Haarlem
New York City was originally founded by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. The name was changed to New York in 1664 after the English seized control. Many street names and neighborhoods still reflect the Dutch heritage. .
Niagara Falls sits on the border of New York and which Canadian province?
Manitoba
Quebec
Ontario
British Columbia
Niagara Falls is situated between New York State and Ontario, Canada. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie on the U.S. side, while the Horseshoe Falls straddles the international boundary. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in North America. .
The Erie Canal connected the Hudson River with which Great Lake?
Lake Superior
Lake Erie
Lake Ontario
Lake Michigan
The Erie Canal was dug to connect the Hudson River at Albany with Lake Erie at Buffalo. This waterway enabled goods and people to travel between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes region more efficiently. It helped New York City become a leading port and commercial center. .
In what year did New York become the 11th state to ratify the United States Constitution?
1776
1801
1790
1788
New York ratified the U.S. Constitution on July 26, 1788, becoming the 11th state to join the Union. Ratification was hotly debated in New York due to concerns about centralized power. The vote was narrow, reflecting the divided opinions of the period. .
What is the official state animal of New York?
Beaver
Bald Eagle
Eastern Coyote
White-Tailed Deer
The North American beaver was designated the official state animal of New York in 1975. It was chosen for its historical significance in the fur trade, which played a major role in the early economy of the state. The beaver also symbolizes industriousness. .
Fort Ticonderoga is located on the shores of which lake?
Lake Ontario
Lake Champlain
Lake George
Lake Placid
Fort Ticonderoga sits at the southern end of Lake Champlain in northeastern New York. It was a strategic fortification during the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Today it's a historic site open to the public. .
Which U.S. President was born in Hyde Park, New York?
Theodore Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Chester A. Arthur
Martin Van Buren
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in 1882 at his family's home in Hyde Park, New York. He served as the 32nd President of the United States and led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. The Roosevelt home and library are now part of the national historic site. .
For which World's Fair was the New York State Pavilion at Flushing Meadows built?
1974 Expo
1939 - 1940 World's Fair
1982 World's Fair
1964 - 1965 World's Fair
The New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park was designed by Philip Johnson and built for the 1964 - 1965 New York World's Fair. It featured observation towers and the iconic Tent of Tomorrow. The pavilion remains a distinctive landmark of mid-century modern architecture. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand New York's Historical Timeline -

    Grasp major events in NY history from settlement to statehood and recall their significance.

  2. Identify Iconic Landmarks -

    Recognize famous sites like the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls and explain their importance.

  3. Recall Key State Symbols -

    Know symbols such as the state bird, animal, and motto, and describe their meanings.

  4. Analyze Cultural Fun Facts -

    Explore interesting trivia about New York's people, cities, and traditions to spark curiosity.

  5. Apply Knowledge in Quiz Questions -

    Use learned facts to confidently tackle each New York State quiz question and assess understanding.

  6. Develop Social Studies Skills -

    Reinforce elementary history concepts and boost critical thinking through engaging NY state trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Geographic Regions of New York -

    New York State is divided into five distinct regions - Coastal Lowlands, Adirondack Mountains, Hudson Valley, Central Lowlands, and the Appalachian Plateau - each described in detail by the New York State Museum. For your New York State quiz, try the mnemonic "ACHCA" (Adirondacks, Central, Hudson, Coastal, Appalachian) to recall all five regions when tackling NY state trivia.

  2. State Symbols and Emblems -

    The Eastern Bluebird (state bird), the rose (state flower), and the nine-pointed star (state symbol) are officially recognized by the New York State Education Department. In a 2nd grade NY quiz, linking each emblem to a fun fact - like "roses love the sun" - can make remembering them both educational and engaging.

  3. Historic Landmarks and Sites -

    Key sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Erie Canal are featured by the National Park Service and highlight New York's role in American history. When studying for your elementary history quiz, picture immigrants arriving at Ellis Island or boats navigating the Erie Canal - and imagine how these shaped the Empire State.

  4. Capital City and Major Urban Centers -

    Albany became New York's capital in 1797, while New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester rank among its largest cities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For a kid-friendly NY quiz, remember "A-B-R-N" (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, NYC) as a simple way to recall the four key cities.

  5. Fun Facts and Mnemonic Tricks -

    New York's nickname, the "Empire State," hints at its historic wealth and influence, as noted by the New York State Archives. Try the phrase "EAT PIE" (Empire, Albany, The Falls, Pirates, Immigrants, Empire) to spark memory of state facts during your New York history quiz.

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