Soo Line: America Is 250! Time to See How Much Early American History You Remember

By Soo Greiman

Since it’s almost the Fourth of July, it’s a great time to look back on our nation’s incredible journey to freedom and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From Paul Revere’s midnight ride to the Underground Railroad and the Oregon Trail, our country has grown from 13 colonies clustered along the Atlantic coast into a nation of 50 states and more than 340 million people. As one of the world’s oldest continuous constitutional democracies, America continues its remarkable experiment in self-government.
So, maybe it’s a good time to look back at what you learned in American history class and see what you remember. Before you watch parades, wave the flag and enjoy fireworks, why not take this Patriot Pop Quiz? Then, after you’ve finished, check your answers and see how you scored.
Good luck!

Patriot Pop Quiz

1. America’s 250th anniversary marks what historic milestone?
    a) George Washington’s 250th birthday
    b) The official end of the American Revolution 250 years ago
    c) The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
    d) The official end of the Civil War 250 years ago

2. What term applies to the colonists who supported independence from British rule?
    a) Patriots
    b) Loyalists
    c) Redcoats
    d) Terrorists

3. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?
    a) Six
    b) Sixteen
    c) Fifty-six
    d) One hundred six

4. By coincidence, which two Founding Fathers died on the same day, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?
    a) George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
    b) Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock
    c) John Adams and James Wilson
    d) Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

5. Who was the primary writer of the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence?
    a) Thomas Jefferson
    b) John Adams
    c) Benjamin Franklin
    d) Napoleon

6. Who saved the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and Bill of Rights, from possible destruction by British forces in 1814?
    a) Dolley Madison
    b) Stephen Pleasonton
    c) Nicholas Cage
    d) John Quincy Adams

7. How long did the American Revolutionary War last?
    a) One year and eight months
    b) Two years
    c) Eight years
    d) Twelve years

8. How many amendments are there to the U.S. Constitution?
    a) 18
    b) 12
    c) 27
    d) 30

9. Which popular song is associated with the Revolutionary War?
    a) Yankee Doodle
    b) Battle Hymn of the Republic
    c) Amazing Grace
    d) The Star-Spangled Banner

10. Which state was not one of the original 13 colonies?
    a) Georgia
    b) South Carolina
    c) New York
    d) Iowa

11. What were the colonists who supported the British monarchy called?
    a) Tories
    b) Revolutionaries
    c) Whigs
    d) Sons of Great Britain

12. Which statement about the Liberty Bell is true?
    a) It is made primarily of copper.
    b) It features the famous crack made worse by repair work.
    c) It weighs about 2,080 pounds.
    d) All of the above.

13. Whose signature is considered the most recognizable on the Declaration of Independence?
    a) John Hancock
    b) Herbie Hancock
    c) James Hancock
    d) Old Hickory (Andrew Jackson)

14. How old was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence?
    a) 13
    b) 26
    c) 39
    d) 46

15. According to tradition, who asked upholsterer Betsy Ross to sew the first American flag?
    a) Abraham Lincoln, Uncle Sam and Paul Revere
    b) Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry and Francis Scott Key
    c) General George Custer, Squanto and Miles Standish
    d) General George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross