This New England trivia quiz helps you see how much you know about the region's states, history, climate, and geography. Answer quick questions on capitals, coastlines, and colonial times - from Maine lighthouses to Vermont peaks and cities like Boston and Providence. Have fun and learn a fact or two as you play.
Which of these states is not part of New England?
Vermont
New York
Maine
Connecticut
New England comprises six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. New York lies just to the west of New England and is part of the Mid-Atlantic region rather than New England. This regional delineation dates back to colonial charters and geographic definitions. See more details on regional boundaries .
What is the capital of Massachusetts?
Cambridge
Worcester
Springfield
Boston
Boston has been the capital of Massachusetts since 1630 and is the state's largest city. It played a central role in colonial America and the American Revolution. Today it remains a major cultural and economic hub. Learn more about Boston's history .
Which ocean borders New England to the east?
Pacific Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Arctic Ocean
Indian Ocean
New England's eastern coastline faces the Atlantic Ocean, which has influenced the region's maritime economy, climate, and settlement patterns. Fishing, shipbuilding, and trade have historically been tied to this ocean. The Gulf of Maine is part of the Atlantic along New England. More on the Atlantic coastline .
Which New England state is known as the "Granite State"?
Maine
Rhode Island
Vermont
New Hampshire
New Hampshire earned the nickname "Granite State" because of its extensive granite formations and quarries, which were once major industries in the state. The granite industry supplied building stone nationwide in the 19th and early 20th centuries. That reputation endures on the state quarter and license plates. Find out more about New Hampshire's geology .
Which river forms much of the border between New Hampshire and Vermont?
Hudson River
Connecticut River
Merrimack River
Androscoggin River
The Connecticut River runs over 400 miles from the Canadian border through New Hampshire and Vermont, forming much of the boundary between the two states. It is New England's longest river and vital for ecology, recreation, and hydroelectric power. More on its course and significance .
Which New England state has the smallest land area?
Massachusetts
Vermont
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by land area, covering just over 1,000 square miles. Despite its size, it has a dense population and extensive coastline. The state's compact geography belies its rich colonial history and cultural offerings. Read more about Rhode Island's size and features .
Which New England state extends furthest north in latitude?
New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts
Vermont
Maine's northern tip reaches above latitude 47°N, making it the northernmost point in New England and the contiguous United States. Its boundary with Canada is defined by the St. John River in places. This extreme latitude contributes to Maine's colder climate relative to other New England states. Details on Maine's geography .
Which one of these states does NOT border the Atlantic Ocean?
Vermont
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Vermont is the only landlocked state among New England's six states. All others - Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut - have coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean. Vermont's landscape is known for mountains, forests, and inland lakes instead. More on Vermont's geography .
Which New England state was the last to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
Connecticut
Vermont
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790, after initially rejecting it due to concerns over federal power and lack of a Bill of Rights. Its ratification provided the necessary ninth state to put the document into effect. This late adoption reflected intense debates within the colony. Read more on its ratification .
The first Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with which New England colony?
Connecticut Colony
Plymouth Colony
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Rhode Island Colony
The 1621 harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag people took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts. It is considered the first Thanksgiving, celebrating cooperation and survival. Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded later and not involved in that 1621 event. Further history of Plymouth Colony .
Which mountain range runs through northern New England?
Adirondack Mountains
Catskill Mountains
White Mountains
Green Mountains
The White Mountains extend from New Hampshire into western Maine and are part of the northern Appalachian Mountains. They include peaks over 4,000 feet and attract hikers to the Appalachian Trail. The Green Mountains lie in Vermont, while the Adirondacks are in upstate New York. Learn more about the White Mountains .
Which body of water is located directly south of Cape Cod?
Long Island Sound
Buzzards Bay
Gulf of Maine
Nantucket Sound
Nantucket Sound lies just south of Cape Cod, separating the cape from Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Buzzards Bay lies to the west of the cape, and the Gulf of Maine is farther north. Long Island Sound is between Connecticut and Long Island. More on Nantucket Sound .
Which industry was historically central to New England's colonial economy?
Tobacco farming
Cotton plantation
Shipbuilding
Gold mining
Shipbuilding thrived in colonial New England due to plentiful timber and access to major ports. It became a cornerstone of the regional economy alongside fishing and trade. Tobacco and cotton were staple crops in southern colonies, not New England. Read about colonial shipbuilding .
The Green Mountains are located in which New England state?
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Vermont
Maine
The Green Mountains run north - south through Vermont, giving the state its nickname, the Green Mountain State. They are part of the Appalachian chain and are known for scenic hiking, skiing, and fall foliage. No other New England state carries that range name. More on the Green Mountains .
Which New England state is nicknamed the "Ocean State"?
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island's extensive shoreline and maritime heritage earned it the nickname "Ocean State." Despite being the smallest state, it has over 400 miles of coastline, bays, and islands. The moniker appears on license plates and tourism materials. Explore more about Rhode Island .
Brown University, an Ivy League institution, is located in which state?
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Maine
Brown University was founded in 1764 in Providence, Rhode Island, making it the seventh-oldest college in the United States. It is renowned for its flexible curriculum and research contributions. No other New England state hosts Brown. More history at .
In which year did Rhode Island become the last of the original colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
1790
1800
1776
1788
Rhode Island ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790, after initially rejecting it over fears of centralized power and lack of explicit rights. This ratification was the final step needed to bring all original 13 colonies into the Union. Earlier states ratified between 1787 - 1788. See full timeline .
What is the largest freshwater lake entirely within New England?
Lake Winnipesaukee
Moosehead Lake
Candlewood Lake
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain, located between Vermont and New York (and into Quebec), is the largest freshwater lake in New England by volume and surface area. Moosehead and Winnipesaukee are large but smaller in comparison. Candlewood Lake is in Connecticut but is smaller. More on its geography .
Which indigenous people were among the first to encounter English Pilgrims in New England?
Iroquois
Cherokee
Sioux
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag people inhabited southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and were the first to meet the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620. They helped the settlers learn local agriculture and fishing techniques. The Iroquois were located further west and Cherokee and Sioux in entirely different regions. Learn more .
What is the highest peak in New England's White Mountains?
Mount Adams
Mount Washington
Mount Monroe
Mount Jefferson
Mount Washington in New Hampshire rises to 6,288 feet, making it the highest peak in the White Mountains and all of New England. It is known for extreme weather conditions and historic observatory. Adams, Jefferson, and Monroe are nearby four-thousand footers but lower in elevation. Read about it .
The climate of coastal New England is classified under Köppen as which type?
Oceanic
Humid continental
Mediterranean
Subarctic
Coastal New England generally falls under the humid continental (Dfb/Dfa) climate zone, characterized by warm to hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The nearby ocean moderates temperatures somewhat, but the region is distinct from truly oceanic or Mediterranean climates. More on regional climate .
Which document established self-government among the Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony in 1620?
Fundamental Orders
Mayflower Compact
New England Confederation Treaty
Declaration of Rights
The Mayflower Compact was signed aboard ship in 1620 by Pilgrim leaders to establish a basic form of democracy and rule of law. It is considered a foundational document of American self-government. The Fundamental Orders applied to Connecticut in 1639. More details .
Which New England state leads the U.S. in lobster production?
Rhode Island
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Maine produces over 80% of the nation's lobster, thanks to its cold coastal waters and long fishing tradition. Lobster fishing is a major part of the state's economy and culture. No other New England state matches Maine's volume. More on Maine lobster .
What is the state tree of Vermont?
Red pine
Eastern hemlock
Sugar maple
White oak
The sugar maple is Vermont's state tree, chosen for its importance to the maple syrup industry and iconic fall foliage. Maple sugaring is a hallmark of Vermont culture and economy. No other tree holds this symbolic role in the state. Learn about it .
Which ancient mountain-building event gave rise to the modern Appalachians found in New England?
Grenville orogeny
Taconic orogeny
Acadian orogeny
Alleghanian orogeny
The Taconic orogeny occurred approximately 440 - 480 million years ago during the Ordovician period, forming the early Appalachian chain in New England. Later events like the Acadian and Alleghanian orogenies further shaped the range, but the Taconic was the first major uplift. More on this geologic history .
What is the estimated average annual snowfall at the summit of Mount Washington, known for its extreme weather?
200 inches
350 inches
100 inches
280 inches
Mount Washington receives about 280 inches of snow annually at its summit, thanks to its high elevation and exposed position in the White Mountains. The mountain also holds world records for wind speed, contributing to frequent snowstorms. This exceptional snowfall supports alpine ecosystems and ski operations. More climate details .
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Study Outcomes
Understand New England Trivia Categories -
Gain a clear overview of the quiz's topics - from state facts and regional climate to colonial history - so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Identify the Six New England States -
Recall and name each of the six New England states, along with key geographical and historical details that distinguish them.
Analyze Regional Geography -
Examine New England's major landforms and waterways to see how geography influenced historical events and settlement patterns.
Recall Colonial History Milestones -
List significant events and figures from New England's colonial past, enhancing your grasp of early American history.
Evaluate Climate Patterns -
Assess seasonal weather variations across the region and understand their impact on both historical developments and modern life.
Apply Historical and Geographic Knowledge -
Use your newfound understanding to connect colonial history with contemporary New England geography, demonstrating a holistic view of the region.
Cheat Sheet
Remember the Six New England States -
New England trivia often starts by naming Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Use the mnemonic "My New England Vacation Made Really Cool" to lock in ME - NH - VT - MA - RI - CT. Quizzing yourself on state abbreviations and capitals (e.g., Concord, Montpelier) is a quick win for your american geography quiz prep.
Master the Colonial Founding Timeline -
A solid colonial history quiz answer hinges on dates and founders: Plymouth (1620/W. Bradford), Massachusetts Bay (1630/J. Winthrop), Rhode Island & Connecticut (1636/R. Williams & T. Hooker), New Hampshire (1623), Vermont (1791). Try the phrase "Bradford's Wintry Pilgrimage Really Hooked New Visionaries" to recall sequence and names. Cross-check with National Park Service timelines to ensure accuracy.
Key Geographic Landmarks -
New england geography trivia often highlights the Appalachian Trail's start in Maine, the White Mountains (NH), Green Mountains (VT), and the 407-mile Connecticut River. Visualize a map overlay or sketch the CT River flowing south to the Long Island Sound to reinforce spatial memory. The USGS website offers detailed topo maps for deeper american geography quiz study.
Understand the Climate Patterns -
Most of New England falls under Koppen Dfb (humid continental): cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Coastal areas enjoy milder winters thanks to the Atlantic's thermal inertia. Reviewing NOAA climate normals by state will boost your confidence on any new england trivia question about weather zones.
Spotlight the Revolutionary Hotspots -
Major events like the 1770 Boston Massacre, 1773 Boston Tea Party, and April 1775 battles at Lexington & Concord define New England's revolutionary role. Use a simple timeline rhyme - "Massacre, Tea, Lexington Fray" - to sequence these moments. The National Archives provides primary documents for authentic colonial history quiz prep.
