Do you know your state capitals?
Many state capitals are not the state's biggest or most famous city — which is exactly what makes them tricky. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- One step on the Colorado State Capitol in Denver is marked as being exactly one mile above sea level. Resurveys over the years led to a correction, and today several markers note different measurements.
- Honolulu's Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii's last monarchs and is the only royal palace in the United States. It later served as Hawaii's capitol building for decades.
- Several capitals, including Montpelier and Juneau, are smaller than many suburbs. Yet they host the state legislature, governor's office and state courts, giving them national attention far beyond their size.
Why state capitals are often surprising
In many states, the capital is not the biggest or best-known city. New York's capital is Albany, not New York City; Illinois's is Springfield, not Chicago; and Florida's is Tallahassee, not Miami. The reasons are rooted in history, geography and compromise, and they explain why state capitals are a favorite source of trick questions.
Chosen for the center
Many capitals were chosen because they were near the geographic center of a state, making them easier to reach when travel was slow. A central capital meant that lawmakers from every region could arrive within a reasonable number of days on horseback or by riverboat.
Compromise between cities
Sometimes large rival cities could not agree which one should host the government, so a smaller town was chosen as a neutral compromise. Keeping the capital away from the biggest commercial center was also seen as a way to limit the influence of powerful business interests over lawmakers.
Capitals that moved
Many states changed their capitals several times before settling down. California's government moved between several cities before Sacramento became permanent, and Ohio, Alabama and others also relocated their capitals as populations shifted and new railroads changed which places were easiest to reach.
Capitol buildings
Each state capital has a capitol building where the legislature meets. Many were inspired by the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., with a large dome, but there are exceptions. Nebraska's capitol has a tall tower, and New Mexico's round capitol building is nicknamed 'the Roundhouse'.
Learning the capitals
Memorizing all 50 capitals is a classic challenge for American students. Popular techniques include songs, flashcards and linking each capital to a story or landmark. Knowing why a capital was chosen often makes it much easier to remember than a list of names on its own.