Can You Successfully Name These American Historical Figures?

Olivia C

Image: American Press Association via Wiki Commons

About This Quiz

How's your knowledge of American history? If you're a full-grown adult reading this, then this should be a simple challenge for ya! Do you think you can beat a fifth grader if we ask you to identify these famous people in American history? 

Promise, this is not such a humdrum quiz! We don't do that here! We're after fun, and history should really be fun -- especially for those who like to travel around, see the country, experience historical events via historical monuments and landmarks and relive some of these interesting historical times. Ever dressed up in a cosplay situation with a historical figure attire? It's a hoot, trust us! Or you can try that for Halloween, why not?

History is not just about politics or government facts. It's also about facts and details on innovations in many fields. Whatever happened in the sciences, in the arts and in the entertainment world, they're also considered as history. 

So gear up and try to answer as many historical questions in this quiz as possible. Let's see how far you'll go. You can do this. Game!

Everyone knows him! Who’s he?

Abraham Lincoln is probably one of the most recognizable US presidents. Yes, then and now! And ever!

How about this one?

Franklin Roosevelt is the unfortunate US president who had to usher in the country to join World War II. That was due to the Pearl Harbor attack.

Who is this famous president?

John F. Kennedy's assassination still remains a huge mystery today. His legacy also lives on.

How about this president?

George Washington is an unforgettable US president. That's because he was the first!

Who is this astronaut?

One of the most famous footprints in history was made by Neil Armstrong. He left his on the moon!

Who is this important man?

Thomas Jefferson is an important Founding Father. The Declaration of Independence is one of his greatest contributions in US history.

Who is this brilliant man?

Albert Einstein was actually born in Germany. He held a lot of citizenships in his lifetime, but spent his last decades as an American citizen.

Who is this eloquent man?

Mark Twain is a novelist whose works remain controversial today. He authored "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," two important American novels.

Who is this great inventor?

Henry Ford helped propel the US towards a leading manufacturer of cars. His name and legacy lives on today in the auto brand that carries his name.

Who is this inspirational leader?

Martin Luther King, Jr. is an important figure of the Civil Rights Movement. His work and legacy live on up to this day.

Who is this innovative man?

Thomas Edison was one of the most prolific inventors in the US. He was also one of the most eager to apply for patents for his inventions and ideas.

Who is this genius?

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was a freemason? He was also such a very talented, artistic and skillful man outside politics.

Who is this great sportsman?

The Brooklyn Dodgers respected baseball legend Jackie Robinson enough to get him to play professionally. This signaled his important contribution in ending racial segregation in professional sports.

Who is this space figure?

John Glenn holds the distinction of being the very first American astronaut to orbit around the planet. He also became a senator later in life.

Can you identify this person?

Sitting Bull is an important figure to know from the Native American Indian population. He upheld the rights of his people and tribe until his assassination.

Who is this musician?

Bob Dylan is a musician. But he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, which garnered some controversy.

Can you name this historical figure?

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th US president. Before that, he was a prominent and skillful general during the Civil War.

How about this historical figure?

Sojourner Truth is an important name in women's history. She was a former slave who advocated for the abolition of slavery, and put forth women's rights as well.

Can you name this artist?

Andy Warhol's fusion of pop culture icons and high art produced a different kind of art form altogether. His works are a sight to behold in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Who is this important historical figure?

Malcolm X was the outspoken leader assassinated in the '60s. He was a known human rights activist.

Can you name these great inventors?

Orville and Wilbur Wright made history when they were able to make an airplane fly. They were the very first ones to do so.

Who is this great sports icon?

Muhammad Ali made a name for himself in the world of boxing. But he also made a name for himself by being outspoken about many social issues, especially connected to the Vietnam War.

Who is this very important woman?

Eleanor Roosevelt was FDR's wife. But she was more than that, as she was the very first first lady to really be outspoken about political and social justice issues.

Can you name him?

John D. Rockefeller was an oil industry giant. But he also focused on philanthropy, and now has a foundation named after him.

Can you guess who this is?

Tecumseh is a folk hero to many Native American tribes. His name translates to a heavenly body passing through the sky.

How about this controversial figure?

Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal go hand in hand when discussing history. That was really such a controversial time.

Can you identify this person?

The New York Yankees are proud to have Babe Ruth in their roster of legends. He is also known as The Bambino.

Who is this important artist in American history?

It's easy to spot a Georgia O’Keeffe painting. She liked to paint huge flowers in her modernist style.

Who’s this guy?

Elvis Presley is the undeniable King of Rock and Roll. You should visit Graceland if you're a fan!

Can you name this person correctly?

Martha Washington is the wife of George Washington. But she was married to someone else before their marriage.

This innovative person is named…?

Frank Lloyd Wright is an important name in architecture. He pioneered many designs and schools of thought on designing, which are still being used today.

Who is this influential musician?

Louis Armstrong is an important name in the development of American Jazz. He hails from New Orleans, which also explains lots of things, music-wise.

Can you name this important person?

Yep, Carnegie Hall in New York City is named after Andrew Carnegie. He is also known as one of the richest businesspersons in American history.

How about this important man?

George Eastman's Kodak company contributed a lot to the development of world cinema. but it was first pivotal in the development and advancement of photography.

Name these trailblazers!

Meriwether Lewis was a military man ordered by US President Thomas Jefferson to map out an expedition of the US lands. His friend William Clark went along as well.

Who is this important figure in recent history?

Steve Jobs was a controversial figure in the digital era. While he made great innovations, he also had some intriguing setbacks.

Who is this great pioneer?

Susan B. Anthony is a name every woman should remember. She helped make voting for women happen!

How about this recent figure?

Bill Gates is an important figure who helped propel the world into the digital age. He has a foundation that helps all over the world, too.

Can you name this very important and relevant historical figure?

Alexander Hamilton is one interesting historical figure. No wonder the Broadway musical about him is highly successful.

Who is this innovator of fun?

Walt Disney had to endure hardships as a cartoonist before hitting it big. Theme parks wouldn't be the same if not for his contributions.

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