Blazing the Way; Or, True Stories, Songs and Sketches of Puget Sound Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the Denny family’s first settlement?

  • Alki Point
  • Seattle
  • Fort Decatur
  • Tacoma

Correct Answer: Alki Point

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family, along with other pioneers, settled at Alki Point in November 1851. They built their first cabins and established their community there. Later, Seattle was founded and expanded to encompass Alki Point, which became part of West Seattle.

What was the primary method of transportation used by early settlers in Puget Sound?

  • Horseback
  • Foot
  • Indian canoes
  • Train

Correct Answer: Indian canoes

Correct Answer Explanation: The pioneers relied on Indian canoes to travel across Puget Sound and its rivers. They used the canoes to navigate the waters, relying on the local Native Americans’ knowledge of the waterways and currents. The canoes played a crucial role in their lives, enabling them to travel, trade, and explore their new environment.

What was the name of the Native American chief who Seattle was named after?

  • Leschi
  • Chief Seattle
  • Chief Snoqualmie
  • Chief Squak

Correct Answer: Chief Seattle

Correct Answer Explanation: Chief Sealth, also known as Chief Seattle, was a leader of the Suquamish tribe. He was known for his peaceful nature and friendship with the white settlers. In honor of his leadership and cooperation, the city of Seattle was named after him.

What was the name of the conflict between settlers and Native Americans in Puget Sound during the 1850s?

  • The American Civil War
  • The Indian War of 1855-56
  • The Battle of Seattle
  • The First Puget Sound War

Correct Answer: The Indian War of 1855-56

Correct Answer Explanation: The Indian War of 1855-56 was a major conflict in the Northwest, sparked by tensions between settlers and Native Americans over land rights, treaties, and resources. The war involved multiple tribes, including the Nisqually, Duwamish, and Puyallup, who resisted the encroachment of settlers on their traditional territories.

What was the name of the Hudson Bay Company steamer that was the first steam vessel on the North Pacific Coast?

  • The Queen Anne
  • The Pioneer
  • The Beaver
  • The Columbia

Correct Answer: The Beaver

Correct Answer Explanation: The Beaver, operated by the Hudson Bay Company, was a significant vessel in the early development of the Northwest. It was instrumental in connecting settlements, facilitating trade, and exploring the region.

What was the name of the leader of the Nesqually-Klickitat tribe who played a prominent role in the Indian War of 1855-56?

  • Chief Seattle
  • Chief Snoqualmie
  • Leschi
  • Chief Squak

Correct Answer: Leschi

Correct Answer Explanation: Leschi was a respected leader of the Nesqually-Klickitat tribe, known for his fierce resistance to the settlers’ encroachment on Native American lands. He led attacks on Seattle and other settlements, becoming a symbol of Native American resistance during the conflict.

What was the name of the first mail carrier in the Puget Sound region?

  • A. B. Rabbeson
  • David T. Denny
  • John Denny
  • Emily Inez Denny

Correct Answer: A. B. Rabbeson

Correct Answer Explanation: A. B. Rabbeson, a pioneer who settled in Puget Sound, took on the role of the first mail carrier. He carried mail on horseback during his travels, serving as a vital link in connecting the early settlements.

What was the name of the first steam sawmill on Puget Sound?

  • The Blakeley Mill
  • The Denny Mill
  • The Seattle Mill
  • The Puget Sound Mill

Correct Answer: The Blakeley Mill

Correct Answer Explanation: The Blakeley Mill, built by H. L. Yesler in 1853, was a significant factor in the growth and development of Seattle. It not only provided lumber for construction but also spurred economic growth in the timber industry.

What was the name of the first university founded in Washington Territory?

  • The University of Washington
  • The Territorial University of Washington
  • The Washington State University
  • The University of Puget Sound

Correct Answer: The Territorial University of Washington

Correct Answer Explanation: Established in 1861, the Territorial University of Washington, with the help of John Denny, played a crucial role in the development of education in the Northwest. It laid the foundation for the University of Washington, which would later become a major institution of higher learning in the region.

What was the name of the trade language used by Europeans and Native Americans in the Northwest?

  • Chinook
  • Squak
  • Suquamish
  • Nisqually

Correct Answer: Chinook

Correct Answer Explanation: The Chinook language was a trade language used extensively in the Northwest, blending elements of English, French, and Native American languages. It served as a common ground for communication between Europeans and various Native American groups, facilitating trade and interaction.

What did the Denny family use to transport their belongings across the plains?

  • Horse-drawn wagons
  • Steamboats
  • Pack animals
  • Covered wagons

Correct Answer: Covered wagons

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family traveled across the plains in 1851 in four covered wagons, known as “Prairie Schooners,” a typical mode of transportation for pioneers heading west during that time. These wagons provided shelter, carried belongings, and symbolized the journey of westward expansion.

What was the name of the first wedding in Seattle?

  • John and Emily Denny
  • David T. Denny and Louisa Boren
  • Henry Yesler and Mary Ann Denny
  • John and Abigail Denny

Correct Answer: David T. Denny and Louisa Boren

Correct Answer Explanation: David T. Denny and Louisa Boren, two key figures in the early development of Seattle, were the first couple to be married in the city in 1853. This wedding marked a milestone in the establishment of a permanent community in the region.

What was the name of the fort built to protect settlers from Indian attacks?

  • Fort Lewis
  • Fort Nisqually
  • Fort Decatur
  • Fort Steilacoom

Correct Answer: Fort Decatur

Correct Answer Explanation: Fort Decatur was built in Seattle in 1856 as a refuge for settlers during the Indian War of 1855-56. It provided protection from Native American attacks and housed many families who sought safety.

What did the settlers trade with Native Americans for food?

  • Gold
  • Clothing
  • Tools
  • Brass buttons

Correct Answer: Brass buttons

Correct Answer Explanation: The early settlers often relied on trade with Native Americans to supplement their limited food supplies. They traded goods, including brass buttons, which were highly valued by Native Americans, in exchange for fish, meat, and other sustenance.

What was the name of the traditional Native American ceremony that involved the giving of gifts and feasting?

  • Potlatch
  • Chinook
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum

Correct Answer: Potlatch

Correct Answer Explanation: The potlatch was a significant ceremony in Native American culture, particularly in the Northwest. It involved a grand feast, gift-giving, and displays of wealth and generosity.

What did the Denny family encounter during their journey across the plains?

  • Storms
  • Floods
  • Hostile Native Americans
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family’s journey across the plains was fraught with challenges, including dangerous storms, floods, and encounters with hostile Native American groups. They faced adversity and had to rely on their courage and resilience to survive.

What was the primary source of food for the early settlers?

  • Farming
  • Hunting and fishing
  • Trading with Native Americans
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The early settlers in Puget Sound relied on various sources of food to survive. They hunted and fished in the region, traded with Native Americans for additional supplies, and eventually began farming to grow their own food.

What was the name of the first building constructed by the Denny family in Seattle?

  • A log cabin
  • A fort
  • A trading post
  • A school

Correct Answer: A log cabin

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family, upon arriving in Seattle, built their first home there, a simple log cabin. This basic structure served as a symbol of their new life in the wilderness and a testament to their determination to create a home.

What was the name of the daughter of Chief Sealth?

  • Angeline
  • Louisa
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Correct Answer: Angeline

Correct Answer Explanation: Angeline, the daughter of Chief Sealth, is a notable figure in the history of Puget Sound. She was a witness to the dramatic changes that occurred in the region during the arrival of the settlers, and her life offers insights into the experiences of Native Americans during that time.

What was the primary threat posed by cougars to the pioneers?

  • They attacked settlers
  • They preyed on livestock
  • They were a source of conflict with Native Americans
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Cougars were a significant threat to the pioneers, posing dangers to both humans and livestock. They preyed on livestock, including cattle and horses, causing economic losses and hardship for settlers. In some cases, cougars even attacked and killed settlers, leading to conflicts with Native Americans who understood the dangers of these predators.

How did the early settlers obtain flour?

  • They grew wheat and milled it themselves.
  • They purchased it from local mills.
  • They traded for it with Native Americans.
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Flour was a crucial staple for the settlers, and they obtained it through various means. Some settlers began farming and growing wheat, while others purchased flour from local mills. Trading for flour with Native Americans was also a common practice.

What did the early settlers use to make their first cabins?

  • Bricks
  • Stone
  • Logs
  • Planks

Correct Answer: Logs

Correct Answer Explanation: The early settlers, lacking access to modern building materials, constructed their first cabins using logs. The logs were cut and assembled, creating basic shelters that provided protection from the elements.

What did the early settlers trade for food?

  • Gold
  • Tools
  • Clothing
  • Brass buttons

Correct Answer: Brass buttons

Correct Answer Explanation: Brass buttons, a valuable commodity in the trade system of the early Northwest, were commonly used by settlers to barter for food and other necessities with Native Americans.

What was the name of the first mail service in the Puget Sound region?

  • The Pony Express
  • The Northwest Mail Service
  • The Puget Sound Mail
  • The Seattle Post

Correct Answer: The Northwest Mail Service

Correct Answer Explanation: The early settlers relied on a horseback mail service, known as the Northwest Mail Service, to connect with the outside world. This service was crucial for communication and the flow of information in the region.

What was the name of the tribe that inhabited the Olympic Peninsula?

  • Suquamish
  • Duwamish
  • Sklallam
  • Puyallup

Correct Answer: Sklallam

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sklallam tribe, residing on the Olympic Peninsula, played a significant role in the history of the Northwest. They were known for their fishing, hunting, and their traditional way of life in the region.

What was the name of the word used by Native Americans to describe magic or sorcery?

  • Potlatch
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum
  • Chinook

Correct Answer: Tamanuse

Correct Answer Explanation: The word “tamanuse” was used by Native Americans to refer to magic, sorcery, or supernatural powers. This term reflected their beliefs and understanding of the spiritual world.

What was the name of the word used by Native Americans to describe “people” or “friends”?

  • Potlatch
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum
  • Chinook

Correct Answer: Tillicum

Correct Answer Explanation: “Tillicum” is a word used by Native Americans in the Northwest to refer to “people” or “friends.” It symbolizes a sense of community and kinship.

What was the name of the word used by Native Americans to describe “chief” or “leader”?

  • Potlatch
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum
  • Tyee

Correct Answer: Tyee

Correct Answer Explanation: “Tyee” was a common word used by Native Americans in the Northwest to refer to a “chief” or “leader.” It denoted respect for those who held positions of authority and responsibility in their communities.

What was the name of the word used by Native Americans to describe “food”?

  • Potlatch
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum
  • Muck-a-muck

Correct Answer: Muck-a-muck

Correct Answer Explanation: “Muck-a-muck” was the Native American word for “food,” reflecting their close connection to the natural world and their reliance on the resources it provided for sustenance.

What was the name of the word used by Native Americans to describe “went” or “traveled”?

  • Potlatch
  • Tamanuse
  • Tillicum
  • Clatawaw-ed

Correct Answer: Clatawaw-ed

Correct Answer Explanation: “Clatawaw-ed” is a word from the Chinook language, a trade language used in the Northwest, and means “went” or “traveled.”

What was the name of the book that documented the early history of Puget Sound?

  • Blazing the Way
  • The Pioneer’s Journey
  • Seattle’s History
  • The Northwest’s Past

Correct Answer: Blazing the Way

Correct Answer Explanation: “Blazing the Way” is the title of Emily Inez Denny’s book, which provides a captivating account of the early days of Puget Sound, focusing on the experiences of the Denny family and other pioneers who shaped the region.

What was the name of the town where the Denny family lived before their journey to Puget Sound?

  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Boston
  • Philadelphia

Correct Answer: Chicago

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family was originally from Chicago, Illinois, before embarking on their journey west to the Pacific Northwest. They sought new opportunities and a fresh start in the developing region of Puget Sound.

What was the name of the river that the Denny family traveled along on their journey to Puget Sound?

  • The Missouri River
  • The Columbia River
  • The Mississippi River
  • The Snake River

Correct Answer: The Missouri River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family traveled along the Missouri River on their journey west. The Missouri River was a major waterway, and the pioneers relied on its waters to transport themselves and their belongings.

What was the name of the mountain range that the Denny family crossed on their journey to Puget Sound?

  • The Rockies
  • The Sierra Nevada
  • The Appalachian Mountains
  • The Cascade Mountains

Correct Answer: The Rockies

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family crossed the Rocky Mountains on their journey to Puget Sound, navigating a challenging and rugged terrain. The Rockies served as a significant obstacle for pioneers as they ventured westward.

What was the name of the fort that the Denny family stopped at on their journey to Puget Sound?

  • Fort Vancouver
  • Fort Nisqually
  • Fort Laramie
  • Fort Walla Walla

Correct Answer: Fort Laramie

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family stopped at Fort Laramie, a significant trading post and military outpost in the West, during their journey to Puget Sound. The fort provided a temporary haven for pioneers as they traveled the plains.

What was the name of the town where the Denny family lived after they arrived in Puget Sound?

  • Seattle
  • Tacoma
  • Olympia
  • Vancouver

Correct Answer: Seattle

Correct Answer Explanation: After arriving in Puget Sound, the Denny family settled in the newly developing town of Seattle, which would later grow into a major city.

What was the name of the first schoolhouse built in Seattle?

  • The Seattle School
  • The Denny School
  • The Pioneer School
  • The Alki School

Correct Answer: The Denny School

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny family played a significant role in the early development of Seattle. Their name is associated with the first schoolhouse in the city, which was known as the Denny School.

What was the name of the first newspaper published in Seattle?

  • The Seattle Times
  • The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • The Seattle Daily News
  • The Seattle Gazette

Correct Answer: The Seattle Gazette

Correct Answer Explanation: The Seattle Gazette was the first newspaper published in Seattle, providing news and information to the growing community.

What was the name of the first mayor of Seattle?

  • David T. Denny
  • John Denny
  • Arthur Denny
  • Henry Yesler

Correct Answer: Arthur Denny

Correct Answer Explanation: Arthur Denny, a member of the Denny family, played a key role in the development of Seattle and served as its first mayor.

What was the name of the first church built in Seattle?

  • The First Presbyterian Church
  • The First Baptist Church
  • The First Methodist Church
  • The First Episcopal Church

Correct Answer: The First Presbyterian Church

Correct Answer Explanation: The First Presbyterian Church was the first church established in Seattle, serving as a spiritual center for the growing community.

What was the name of the first hospital built in Seattle?

  • The Seattle General Hospital
  • The Providence Hospital
  • The Virginia Mason Medical Center
  • The Swedish Medical Center

Correct Answer: The Seattle General Hospital

Correct Answer Explanation: The Seattle General Hospital was the first hospital established in Seattle, providing medical care to the community.

What was the name of the first hotel built in Seattle?

  • The Grand Hotel
  • The Pioneer Hotel
  • The Seattle Hotel
  • The Denny Hotel

Correct Answer: The Denny Hotel

Correct Answer Explanation: The Denny Hotel was one of the first hotels built in Seattle, serving travelers and visitors.

What was the name of the first bridge built in Seattle?

  • The Fremont Bridge
  • The Ballard Bridge
  • The West Seattle Bridge
  • The South Park Bridge

Correct Answer: The Ballard Bridge

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ballard Bridge was the first bridge built in Seattle, connecting the city with the Ballard neighborhood, which had become a significant community.

What was the name of the first park built in Seattle?

  • Green Lake Park
  • Gas Works Park
  • Cal Anderson Park
  • Volunteer Park

Correct Answer: Volunteer Park

Correct Answer Explanation: Volunteer Park was one of the first parks established in Seattle, providing green space and recreational opportunities for the city’s residents.

What was the name of the first zoo built in Seattle?

  • Woodland Park Zoo
  • Point Defiance Zoo
  • The Seattle Zoo
  • The Northwest Zoo

Correct Answer: Woodland Park Zoo

Correct Answer Explanation: Woodland Park Zoo was the first zoo established in Seattle, showcasing a diverse array of animals for the public.

What was the name of the first museum built in Seattle?

  • The Seattle Art Museum
  • The Museum of Flight
  • The Burke Museum
  • The Museum of Pop Culture

Correct Answer: The Seattle Art Museum

Correct Answer Explanation: The Seattle Art Museum, one of the first museums in Seattle, showcases a vast collection of artwork and serves as a cultural landmark in the city.

What was the name of the first theater built in Seattle?

  • The Paramount Theatre
  • The Moore Theatre
  • The Egyptian Theatre
  • The Neptune Theatre

Correct Answer: The Moore Theatre

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moore Theatre, a historic landmark in Seattle, was one of the first theaters in the city.

What was the name of the first stadium built in Seattle?

  • Safeco Field
  • CenturyLink Field
  • T-Mobile Park
  • Husky Stadium

Correct Answer: Husky Stadium

Correct Answer Explanation: Husky Stadium, home to the University of Washington Huskies football team, was one of the first major stadiums built in Seattle.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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