Michigan History Quiz: Trivia!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which one and only former US president is from Michigan?
- A.
Gerald Ford
- B.
John F Kennedy
- C.
Woodrow Wilson
- D.
William McKinley
Correct Answer
A. Gerald FordExplanation
Gerald Ford is the correct answer because he is the only former US president who is from Michigan. John F Kennedy was from Massachusetts, Woodrow Wilson was from Virginia, and William McKinley was from Ohio.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
The Republican Party was founded in the state of Michigan. Which city was it founded in?
- A.
Detroit
- B.
Lansing
- C.
Jackson
- D.
Ann Arbor
Correct Answer
C. JacksonExplanation
The Republican Party was founded in Jackson, Michigan. Jackson was the birthplace of the party, where a group of anti-slavery activists met in 1854 to form the Republican Party. This meeting was held in Jackson's historic Phoenix House, making it the founding city of the party.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
What Michigan city was formerly known as Frenchtown?
- A.
Monroe
- B.
Detroit
- C.
Traverse City
- D.
Port Huron
Correct Answer
A. MonroeExplanation
Monroe was formerly known as Frenchtown.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
We know Michigan State University's mascot today is the Spartans. What was their former mascot?
- A.
Wildcats
- B.
Warriors
- C.
Wolverines
- D.
Aggies
Correct Answer
A. WildcatsExplanation
MSU was formerly known as the Michigan Agricultural College - hence the nickname Aggies.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Today we recognize Cadillac as both a Michigan city and a car. Where did this Michigan name originate?
- A.
David Dunbar Cadillac - Scottish born inventor, founder of the Cadillac company
- B.
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac - French explorer and army officer
- C.
Louis Phélypeaux Cadillac - French Canadian fur trader
- D.
Henry Leland Cadillac - Inventor and nephew of GM Co-Founder Charles Stewart Mott
Correct Answer
A. David Dunbar Cadillac - Scottish born inventor, founder of the Cadillac companyExplanation
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac was an adventurer in New France, an area of North America that stretched from present-day Eastern Canada in the north to Louisiana on the Gulf of Mexico in the south and is credited as a founder of Detroit.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other US state. How many lighthouses are in Michigan?
- A.
50
- B.
100
- C.
150
- D.
200
Correct Answer
C. 150Explanation
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other US state, with a total of 150 lighthouses.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Michigan became the 26th state to enter the United States of America on January 26 of what year?
- A.
1820
- B.
1799
- C.
1856
- D.
1837
Correct Answer
D. 1837Explanation
Michigan became the 26th state to enter the United States of America in 1837. This is the correct answer because it aligns with historical records and the chronological order in which states were admitted to the Union.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
In 1847 the state capital of Michigan was moved from Detroit to Lansing. Which of the following was not a reason why Lansing was picked as the location for the Michigan state capital city?
- A.
Lansing residents agreed to fund the development of a new state capitol building
- B.
The need to develop western portions of the state
- C.
Easier defense from British troops stationed in Windsor
Correct Answer
A. Lansing residents agreed to fund the development of a new state capitol buildingExplanation
Lansing residents agreeing to fund the development of a new state capitol building was not a reason why Lansing was picked as the location for the Michigan state capital city. The question is asking for the option that was not a reason, and this option suggests that Lansing residents were willing to financially support the construction of the state capitol building, which is not a reason for choosing Lansing as the capital.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Michigan is home to the first European settlement in the Midwest.
- A.
Sault Ste. Marie
- B.
Detroit
- C.
Port Huron
- D.
Marquette
Correct Answer
A. Sault Ste. MarieExplanation
Sault Ste. Marie was founded in 1668Rate this question:
-
- 10.
The National Cherry Festival is hosted every July in which Michigan city?
- A.
Charlotte
- B.
Kalamazoo
- C.
Saugatuck
- D.
Traverse City
Correct Answer
D. Traverse CityExplanation
The National Cherry Festival is hosted every July in Traverse City, Michigan. Traverse City is known as the "Cherry Capital of the World" due to its abundant cherry orchards and production of cherries. The festival celebrates the cherry industry and includes various events such as parades, cherry pie eating contests, and live music.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
What is the name of Michigan's state stone, which is a 350 million-year-old fossilized limestone?
- A.
Petoskey stone
- B.
Rose rock
- C.
Cumberlandite rock
- D.
Bauxite stone
Correct Answer
A. Petoskey stoneExplanation
Petoskey stone is the correct answer because it is a 350 million-year-old fossilized limestone that is considered to be Michigan's state stone. The Petoskey stone is named after the city of Petoskey in Michigan and is known for its distinctive pattern of hexagonal shapes on its surface, which are remnants of ancient coral fossils. It is a popular stone for jewelry and is also used for decorative purposes.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
Kalamazoo became famous with the 1942 hit "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" by...
- A.
Buddy Rich
- B.
Glenn Miller
- C.
Frank Sinatra
- D.
Louis Armstrong
Correct Answer
B. Glenn MillerExplanation
Glenn Miller is the correct answer because he was the one who recorded and released the song "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" in 1942. The song became a hit and helped to popularize the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Glenn Miller was a famous bandleader and musician during the swing era, known for his big band sound.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
What was the original name of the University of Michigan?
- A.
Catholepistemiad
- B.
Michigan Tech
- C.
Woodward College
- D.
The Michigan State University
Correct Answer
A. CatholepistemiadExplanation
The original name of the University of Michigan was Catholepistemiad.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
As of 2010 what is the population of Michigan?
- A.
6.2 million
- B.
9.9 million
- C.
11.7 million
- D.
16.0 million
Correct Answer
B. 9.9 millionExplanation
In 2010, the population of Michigan was 9.9 million. This information is likely based on the official census data from that year.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
What is Michigan's state bird?
- A.
Cardinal
- B.
Blue Jay
- C.
Nuthatch
- D.
Robin
Correct Answer
D. RobinExplanation
The state bird of Michigan is the Robin. This bird is commonly found in Michigan and is known for its distinctive reddish-orange breast and melodious song. The Robin is a migratory bird, often seen in the state during the spring and summer months. It is chosen as the state bird for its prevalence and significance in Michigan's natural environment.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
If Michigan were to become an independent country, it would have a GDP similar to:
- A.
Belgium
- B.
Israel
- C.
Turkey
- D.
South Africa
Correct Answer
A. BelgiumExplanation
Michigan's GDP for 2016 was estimated at $468,029 million US$. Belgium $465,248 million USD.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Bell's Brewery makes an ale and Ernest Hemingway wrote a short story commemorating this natural Michigan wonder.
- A.
Quinannan Falls
- B.
Two Hearted River
- C.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
- D.
Mount Arvon
Correct Answer
B. Two Hearted RiverExplanation
Ernest Hemingway wrote a short story commemorating the Two Hearted River, a natural wonder in Michigan. Bell's Brewery, on the other hand, is known for making ale. The question is asking for a natural Michigan wonder that is associated with both Bell's Brewery and Ernest Hemingway's short story, and the only option that fits this description is the Two Hearted River.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
The great fire of Michigan took place in 1871 in what region of Michigan?
- A.
Port Huron
- B.
Holland
- C.
Manistee
- D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the AboveExplanation
Uninterrupted droughts and strong winds led to devastating fires in Port Huron, Holland and Manistee - All on the same day, October 8, 1871.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Michigan ranks #1 in what category?
- A.
Asparagus production
- B.
Miles of biking trails
- C.
Televisions per household
- D.
Boat registrations
Correct Answer
D. Boat registrationsExplanation
Michigan ranks #1 in boat registrations. This means that Michigan has the highest number of registered boats compared to any other state. This could be due to various factors such as Michigan's vast number of lakes and waterways, its strong boating culture, or its popularity as a tourist destination for water-based activities.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Michigan is based on the Cherokee word "meicigama" which translates to:
- A.
White Pines
- B.
Great Water
- C.
Sleeping Bear
- D.
Talk to the hand
Correct Answer
B. Great WaterExplanation
The correct answer is "Great Water." This is because "meicigama" in Cherokee translates to "Great Water." Michigan is known for its abundant water resources, including the Great Lakes, making "Great Water" an appropriate translation for the state's name.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 28, 2016Quiz Created by
Michaelhall5463
- Alaska Quizzes
- California Quizzes
- Colorado Quizzes
- Executive Branch Quizzes
- Florida Quizzes
- Hawaii Quizzes
- Iowa Quizzes
- Louisiana Purchase Quizzes
- Massachusetts Quizzes
- Mississippi Quizzes
- Missouri Quizzes
- New Jersey Quizzes
- New York Quizzes
- North Carolina Quizzes
- Oklahoma Quizzes
- Oregon Quizzes
- Pennsylvania Quizzes
- Texas Quizzes
- United States Constitution Quizzes
- US Citizenship Quizzes
- US City Quizzes
- US Immigration Quizzes
- Vermont Quizzes
- Virginia Quizzes