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Can You Name All 50 State Capitals?

Think you can ace this 50 states and capitals quiz? Prove it now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut map of US with capital city markers quill and clock icons on teal background for 50 states capitals quiz

Ready to master the 50 states and their capitals test? Whether you're a geography buff, a student prepping for class, or looking for a fun road trip game, this free, timed challenge lets you show off your knowledge of every state capital. In our quiz 50 states and capitals format, you'll race the clock, matching capitals to their states in an interactive style. You'll not only discover where you excel but also identify which capitals need a quick review. Start with a warm-up quiz 50 states and capitals , then tackle the full states and capitals of the united states quiz . Track your score, challenge friends, and conquer the capital cities of american states quiz - start now!

What is the capital of California?
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Sacramento
San Diego
Sacramento became California's capital in 1854 due to its central location during the Gold Rush era. It replaced cities like San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia as state capital. Sacramento is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Texas?
San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
Houston
Austin was chosen as Texas's capital in 1839 after the Republic of Texas moved its government westward. The city was named after Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas." Today, Austin is known for its live-music scene and technology industry. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Florida?
Tallahassee
Miami
Orlando
Jacksonville
Tallahassee was selected as Florida's capital in 1824 because of its central location between St. Augustine and Pensacola. It has served as the state capital longer than any other city in Florida. The city's name is derived from a Muskogean language. Wikipedia
What is the capital of New York?
Albany
Buffalo
New York City
Rochester
Albany has been the capital of New York since 1797, making it one of the oldest continuously chartered cities in the U.S. Its location on the Hudson River made it a vital trading hub. Albany hosts the New York State Capitol building. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Illinois?
Chicago
Rockford
Peoria
Springfield
Springfield became Illinois's capital in 1839, moving from Vandalia partly for political reasons. It is famously associated with Abraham Lincoln, who lived there before becoming president. Springfield is also the site of the Illinois State Capitol building. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Allentown
Harrisburg was designated Pennsylvania's state capital in 1812 due to its central location and river access. It sits on the Susquehanna River and played a strategic role during the Civil War. Today it is the seat of Pennsylvania's government. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Ohio?
Columbus
Toledo
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Columbus has been the capital of Ohio since 1816, chosen for its central location. It is named after explorer Christopher Columbus and is Ohio's largest city. Columbus is a major cultural and economic center in the state. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Georgia?
Augusta
Savannah
Columbus
Atlanta
Atlanta replaced Milledgeville as Georgia's capital in 1868, partly due to its railroad connections. Today it is Georgia's largest city and a major economic hub. The city was pivotal during the civil rights movement. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Arizona?
Mesa
Phoenix
Tucson
Scottsdale
Phoenix has been Arizona's capital since it became a state in 1912. It was chosen for its mild winter climate and central location. Today Phoenix is also the state's largest city. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Colorado?
Colorado Springs
Aurora
Denver
Boulder
Denver became the territorial capital in 1867 and the state capital when Colorado joined the Union in 1876. It is nicknamed the "Mile High City" because it sits exactly one mile above sea level. Denver is the state's most populous city. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Washington?
Seattle
Spokane
Tacoma
Olympia
Olympia became Washington's capital in 1853 when it was still part of the Oregon Territory. It was retained when Washington became a separate territory in 1853 and then a state in 1889. The city is located at the southern end of Puget Sound. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Massachusetts?
Worcester
Boston
Cambridge
Springfield
Boston has been the capital of Massachusetts since colonial times, officially serving as capital in 1630. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States and played a key role in the American Revolution. Boston remains a major cultural and economic center. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Missouri?
Jefferson City
Springfield
Kansas City
St. Louis
Jefferson City was chosen as Missouri's capital in 1821 for its central location and river access. It is named after President Thomas Jefferson. The city sits on the Missouri River. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Tennessee?
Chattanooga
Memphis
Nashville
Knoxville
Nashville became the permanent capital of Tennessee in 1843. It earned the nickname "Music City" for its pivotal role in country music. Today it is also a major cultural and economic hub. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Wisconsin?
Milwaukee
Madison
Racine
Green Bay
Madison was selected as Wisconsin's capital in 1836 due to its central location and proximity to waterways. It is named after President James Madison. The city is known for its large student population at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Minnesota?
Minneapolis
Rochester
Duluth
St. Paul
St. Paul was officially named the capital of Minnesota in 1849 when the territory was formed. It is paired with Minneapolis across the Mississippi River as the "Twin Cities." St. Paul retains many historic government buildings. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Nebraska?
Lincoln
Grand Island
Omaha
Bellevue
Lincoln was chosen as Nebraska's capital in 1867 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. It replaced Omaha partly for geographic centrality. Today it is the second-largest city in Nebraska. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Oregon?
Bend
Portland
Salem
Eugene
Salem was designated Oregon's capital in 1851. Its name comes from the Hebrew word for peace. Salem is centrally located in the Willamette Valley and serves as the state's political hub. Wikipedia
What is the capital of New Mexico?
Albuquerque
Santa Fe
Roswell
Las Cruces
Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S., established in 1610. It served as the capital of the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territories. Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo-style architecture and cultural heritage. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Louisiana?
Shreveport
Lafayette
Baton Rouge
New Orleans
Baton Rouge became Louisiana's capital in 1849, replacing New Orleans briefly and then New Orleans after the Civil War. Its name is French for "Red Stick." The city sits on the Mississippi River and is a key cultural center. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Connecticut?
Stamford
New Haven
Hartford
Bridgeport
Hartford became Connecticut's capital in 1875 after the legislature alternated sessions between Hartford and New Haven. It is known as the "Insurance Capital of the World." Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Oklahoma?
Lawton
Tulsa
Norman
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City was chosen as the state capital in 1910 after statehood in 1907. Its development was driven by the Land Run of 1889. Today it is the largest city in Oklahoma. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Alabama?
Mobile
Montgomery
Huntsville
Birmingham
Montgomery became Alabama's capital in 1846, replacing Tuscaloosa. It was a focal point of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Today it houses Alabama's legislative and judicial branches. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Kentucky?
Frankfort
Lexington
Louisville
Bowling Green
Frankfort was founded in 1786 and became Kentucky's capital when it achieved statehood in 1792. It is one of the smallest state capitals by population. The city is located on the Kentucky River. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Maine?
Bangor
Portland
Lewiston
Augusta
Augusta became Maine's capital in 1832 when cities vied for the seat after statehood in 1820. Portland is the state's largest city but not the capital. Augusta is located on the Kennebec River and hosts the state government. Wikipedia
What is the capital of Michigan?
Grand Rapids
Detroit
Lansing
Ann Arbor
Lansing became Michigan's capital in 1847 as a compromise location between Detroit and other cities. It was chosen for its central location in the Lower Peninsula. Despite Detroit's prominence, Lansing hosts the state government. Wikipedia
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall U.S. State Capitals -

    Quickly and accurately name the capital city of each state to strengthen your mastery of American geography.

  2. Navigate the 50 States and Their Capitals Test -

    Become familiar with the quiz format to tackle the timed challenge confidently and efficiently.

  3. Enhance Recall Speed Under Time Pressure -

    Apply quick-thinking strategies to improve your response time during the timed quiz 50 states and capitals sessions.

  4. Identify Regional Capital Clusters -

    Recognize patterns and groupings of capital cities across different U.S. regions for deeper geographical insights.

  5. Assess and Target Knowledge Gaps -

    Analyze your quiz results to pinpoint states where you need extra practice in future capital cities of American states quiz attempts.

  6. Boost Trivia Night Confidence -

    Build assurance in your geography skills to impress friends and family with your state capital knowledge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Regional Chunking Strategy -

    Divide the 50 states into four U.S. Census regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and study each region's capitals as a group. Research from the National Geographic Society shows that chunking information into related categories boosts recall by up to 20%. For example, memorize New England capitals (Boston, Providence, Concord) together to reinforce regional patterns.

  2. Mnemonic Phrases and Rhymes -

    Create catchy sentences or rhymes that link a state to its capital (e.g., "Merry MONTGOMERY made ALABAMA merry" for Alabama - Montgomery). Studies at the University of Washington demonstrate that verbal mnemonics improve long-term memory retention. Try "Salty SAILS in Juneau's rain" to pair Alaska with Juneau in your mind.

  3. Spaced-Repetition Flashcards -

    Use digital tools like Anki or Quizlet, which incorporate spaced-repetition algorithms proven by research at the University of California to optimize review intervals. Create cards such as "State: Georgia - Capital?" on one side and "Atlanta" on the other, then schedule reviews based on recall performance. Over successive days, you'll lock in capitals more effectively than with massed practice.

  4. Interactive Map Quizzes -

    Practice with online map quizzes from the U.S. Census Bureau or National Geographic Education to engage visual and spatial memory systems. Clicking state outlines on a blank map and naming capitals taps into dual-coding theory, shown in journals like Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, enhancing recall. Aim for timed map sessions to simulate your 50 states and their capitals test environment.

  5. Timed Self-Testing Routine -

    Emulate a "quiz 50 states and capitals" challenge by setting a 10-minute timer to name as many state capitals as possible, then check against an official list from the Library of Congress's American Memory archive. Frequent timed drills build fluency and reduce test anxiety, according to studies in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology. Track your progress to see which capitals you recall instantly and which need extra review.

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