Fifty Years in the Northwest Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

Who is credited with the earliest exploration of the Upper Mississippi River?

Hernando de Soto
Jacques Marquette
Lewis and Clark
Christopher Columbus

Correct Answer: Hernando de Soto

Correct Answer Explanation: Hernando de Soto, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition that explored the southeastern United States, including the Mississippi River, in 1539. This was long before other notable explorers like Jacques Marquette and Lewis and Clark.

Which fort was built by Nicolas Perrot at Prairie du Chien in 1683?

Fort St. Louis
Fort St. Nicholas
Fort St. Antoine
Fort St. Pierre

Correct Answer: Fort St. Nicholas

Correct Answer Explanation: Nicolas Perrot, a French explorer and trader, was sent by Governor De La Barre to establish a fort at Prairie du Chien, which he named Fort St. Nicholas in 1683. This fort played a significant role in early French settlements in the region.

What was the name of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River?

The Palmyra
The North Star
The Red River
The St. Croix

Correct Answer: The Palmyra

Correct Answer Explanation: The steamer Palmyra, captained by Middleton, brought materials and settlers to St. Croix Falls in 1838. Its arrival marked a significant milestone in the development of transportation and trade on the river.

What was the main industry that drove the development of the Northwest in the late 1800s?

Farming
Mining
Lumbering
Manufacturing

Correct Answer: Lumbering

Correct Answer Explanation: Lumbering played a vital role in the region’s development, shaping the economy, attracting settlers, and influencing the growth of major cities like Stillwater and Minneapolis. It was a dominant force in the region’s economic landscape.

Who were the first settlers in the area that would become Minneapolis?

John L. Wilson and William H.C. Folsom
Joseph R. Brown and Major Taliaferro
James H. Lockwood and Anson Northrup
George L. Becker and Henry R. Schoolcraft

Correct Answer: Joseph R. Brown and Major Taliaferro

Correct Answer Explanation: Joseph R. Brown and Major Taliaferro, both involved in fur trading, established a farm on the shores of Lake Calhoun in 1829. This marked the beginning of the settlement that would eventually become the bustling city of Minneapolis.

What was the first organized church in Minnesota?

A Methodist Church
A Catholic Church
A Presbyterian Church
A Baptist Church

Correct Answer: A Presbyterian Church

Correct Answer Explanation: The first organized church in Minnesota was a Presbyterian church with seven members, organized in 1837 at Pokegama Lake. This signified the growing presence of organized religion in the newly developing territory.

What was the name of the floating barrier used to collect logs as they floated down the river?

Scale
Boom
Log drive
Tramway

Correct Answer: Boom

Correct Answer Explanation: A boom was a floating barrier in a river used to collect logs as they floated downstream. It was a crucial element in the lumbering process, helping to gather and manage the vast quantities of logs being transported.

What was the name of the first state capitol in Minnesota?

The Minnesota State Capitol
The St. Paul Capitol
The Pioneer Capitol
The Territorial Capitol

Correct Answer: The Minnesota State Capitol

Correct Answer Explanation: The first state capitol in Minnesota, built in St. Paul in 1853, was initially named the Minnesota State Capitol. It was later destroyed by fire in 1881.

Where was the first jail in Minnesota built?

St. Paul
St. Cloud
Stillwater
St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer: St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer Explanation: The first jail in Minnesota was built at St. Croix Falls in 1851. It served as a symbol of the growing need for law enforcement and the establishment of a formal justice system in the developing territory.

What was the name of the first steamboat on the Red River of the North?

The St. Cloud
The North Star
The Red River
The Palmyra

Correct Answer: The North Star

Correct Answer Explanation: The steamboat North Star was transported by land from St. Cloud to the Red River, making it the first steamboat on that river. This achievement brought significant advancements to transportation and trade in the region.

What was the name of the tragedy that occurred in 1848 at Stillwater, involving a large gathering of Chippewa Indians?

The Stillwater Massacre
The Red River Freeze
The St. Croix Tragedy
The Indian Payment at Stillwater

Correct Answer: The Indian Payment at Stillwater

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1848, over 1,100 Chippewa Indians received their annuities at Stillwater. The event turned tragic when the river froze up, leading to many deaths from overeating or exposure. This incident underscored the precariousness of life on the frontier.

Who identified Itasca Lake as the source of the Mississippi River in 1832?

Lewis and Clark
William H.C. Folsom
Henry R. Schoolcraft
Jacques Marquette

Correct Answer: Henry R. Schoolcraft

Correct Answer Explanation: Henry R. Schoolcraft, a renowned American explorer and ethnologist, along with W.T. Boutwell, made the significant discovery of Itasca Lake as the source of the Mississippi River in 1832. It was a pivotal moment in understanding the geography of the region.

What was the name of the story told by Mrs. Worth that highlights the dangers of the liquor trade and potential for conflict between settlers and Indians?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson

Correct Answer: The tale of Muckatice

Correct Answer Explanation: This story, recounted by Mrs. Worth, highlights the dangers of the liquor trade and the potential for conflict between settlers and Indians, drawing attention to a significant social and cultural issue of the time.

What was the name of the Indian war recounted by James H. Lockwood that showcases the brutality and violence of Indian wars?

The Battle of Pokegama
The Red Bird Indian War
The Indian Payment at Stillwater
The St. Croix Tragedy

Correct Answer: The Red Bird Indian War

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red Bird Indian War, recounted by James H. Lockwood, showcases the brutality and violence of Indian wars, emphasizing the need for careful negotiation and conflict resolution. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of intertribal relations.

What was the estimated cost of the St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal?

$2,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000

Correct Answer: $8,000,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal, a proposed waterway project, was estimated to cost $8,000,000. This ambitious endeavor aimed to improve transportation and trade in the region.

What was the population of St. Paul in 1855?

1,000
2,500
4,716
10,000

Correct Answer: 4,716

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, had a population of 4,716 in 1855. This number reflects the rapid growth and development of the city as a center of trade and commerce.

What was the name of the type of rock formed by volcanic activity, typically characterized by its dark color and ability to break into angular fragments?

Trappean
Sandstone
Granite
Limestone

Correct Answer: Trappean

Correct Answer Explanation: Trappean rock, a type of volcanic rock found in the Northwest, was significant in the region’s geology and landscape.

What was the name of the story told by Mrs. Ayer that illustrates the ongoing conflict between the Sioux and Chippewa tribes?

The story of Muckatice
The Battle of Pokegama
The Indian Payment at Stillwater
The Red Bird Indian War

Correct Answer: The Battle of Pokegama

Correct Answer Explanation: This story, recounted by Mrs. Ayer, illustrates the ongoing conflict between the Sioux and Chippewa tribes, highlighting the impact of this conflict on early settlers.

What was the value of iron ore shipments from Tower in 1886?

100,000 tons
200,000 tons
304,000 tons
500,000 tons

Correct Answer: 304,000 tons

Correct Answer Explanation: The value of iron ore shipments from Tower in 1886 was 304,000 tons, indicating the growing importance of mining in the region’s economy.

What was the annual production of lumber at Shell Lake in 1888?

25,000,000 feet
50,000,000 feet
75,000,000 feet
100,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 50,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Shell Lake was a significant center of lumbering activity in the late 1800s. The annual production of lumber at Shell Lake was 50,000,000 feet, a testament to the region’s lumbering industry.

What was the name of the narrow gauge railway built on wooden beams, used to move logs and other materials over uneven ground?

Tramway
Boom
Log drive
Scale

Correct Answer: Tramway

Correct Answer Explanation: Tramways, narrow gauge railways built on wooden beams, were an essential part of the lumbering operation. They allowed for the efficient transportation of logs and other materials in challenging terrain.

What was the value of St. Croix county agricultural products in 1885?

$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,815,266
$2,500,000

Correct Answer: $1,815,266

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Croix County, despite being known for its lumbering, also had a significant agricultural industry. The value of agricultural products in the county was $1,815,266 in 1885.

What was the total population of the original Northwest Territory in 1880?

5,000,000
10,000,000
12,989,571
15,000,000

Correct Answer: 12,989,571

Correct Answer Explanation: The original Northwest Territory, which encompassed a vast region, had a population of 12,989,571 in 1880.

What was the total number of railroad miles in St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1887?

2,000
5,000
8,476
10,000

Correct Answer: 8,476

Correct Answer Explanation: The combined railroad mileage in St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1887 was 8,476 miles, reflecting the rapid expansion of rail networks and their role in connecting the region.

What was the name of the story told by Gov. Holcombe that illustrates the failures and challenges of managing a large business enterprise in a frontier setting?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson
The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer: The tragedy of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company

Correct Answer Explanation: This story, recounted by Gov. Holcombe, illustrates the failures and challenges of managing a large business enterprise in a frontier setting, highlighting the importance of teamwork and careful planning.

What was the name of the story told by Calvin Tuttle that highlights the harsh realities of frontier justice?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson
The execution of the Indian murderer

Correct Answer: The execution of the Indian murderer

Correct Answer Explanation: This story, recounted by Calvin Tuttle, highlights the harsh realities of frontier justice, emphasizing the severity of punishment for crimes in a setting where law and order were still developing.

What was the population of St. Cloud in 1886?

5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000

Correct Answer: 10,000

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Cloud, a rapidly growing city, had a population of 10,000 in 1886. It was a hub of commerce and industry, benefiting from its location on the Mississippi River.

What was the annual production of lumber in Aitkin County in 1888?

25,000,000 feet
50,000,000 feet
75,000,000 feet
100,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 75,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Aitkin County was a major lumbering center in the region, producing 75,000,000 feet of lumber annually.

What was the name of the person who bought a claim from a Norwegian settler in 1854 and platted the village of St. Cloud?

William H.C. Folsom
Henry R. Schoolcraft
John L. Wilson
James H. Lockwood

Correct Answer: John L. Wilson

Correct Answer Explanation: John L. Wilson played a key role in the founding of St. Cloud, purchasing a claim from a Norwegian settler and platting the village in 1854.

What was the name of the belief that a person who occupies land, makes improvements, and lives on the land has the right to the land, even if the government owns it?

Pre-emption
Squatter sovereignty
Surveying
Log drive

Correct Answer: Squatter sovereignty

Correct Answer Explanation: Squatter sovereignty was a popular belief on the frontier, where individuals would often occupy land without legal ownership, hoping to eventually claim it.

What was the name of the process of measuring and mapping land, establishing boundaries, and dividing land into lots and sections?

Pre-emption
Squatter sovereignty
Surveying
Log drive

Correct Answer: Surveying

Correct Answer Explanation: Surveying was an essential process in the expansion of the frontier, allowing for the orderly division and allocation of land.

What was the name of the process of moving logs down a river, with men working to keep them in the channel and clear jams?

Boom
Log drive
Scale
Tramway

Correct Answer: Log drive

Correct Answer Explanation: Log drives were a crucial part of the lumbering process, where men would guide and maneuver vast quantities of logs down rivers, often under dangerous conditions.

What was the name of the right of a person to purchase government land, even if the land has not yet been officially put up for sale?

Pre-emption
Squatter sovereignty
Surveying
Log drive

Correct Answer: Pre-emption

Correct Answer Explanation: Pre-emption was a legal right that allowed individuals to claim and purchase government land before it was officially offered for sale. This right often led to conflicts with those who had settled on the land first.

What was the name of the system used to measure the volume of timber?

Boom
Log drive
Scale
Tramway

Correct Answer: Scale

Correct Answer Explanation: Scaling involved measuring the volume of timber using specific systems, ensuring fair pricing and trade in the lumber industry.

What was the population of Duluth in 1886?

10,000
15,000
26,000
50,000

Correct Answer: 26,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Duluth, a rapidly growing city, had a population of 26,000 in 1886. It was located on the shores of Lake Superior, making it a key transportation hub.

What was the name of the first hotel in Minnesota?

The Chisago House
The St. Paul Hotel
The Pioneer Hotel
The Minnesota House

Correct Answer: The Chisago House

Correct Answer Explanation: The first hotel in Minnesota, the Chisago House, was built in Taylor’s Falls in 1851. It provided accommodation for travelers and played a role in the development of early settlements.

What was the population of Wisconsin Territory in 1836?

5,000
11,883
20,000
50,000

Correct Answer: 11,883

Correct Answer Explanation: The population of Wisconsin Territory in 1836 was 11,883. This was a time of significant westward expansion, and the region was attracting settlers seeking new opportunities.

What was the name of the person who successfully transported the steamboat North Star by land from St. Cloud to the Red River?

John L. Wilson
Anson Northrup
James H. Lockwood
Henry R. Schoolcraft

Correct Answer: Anson Northrup

Correct Answer Explanation: Anson Northrup, a pioneer and businessman, accomplished the remarkable feat of transporting the steamboat North Star by land from St. Cloud to the Red River, a significant achievement in frontier transportation.

What was the population of Minnesota Territory in 1849?

2,000
4,680
10,000
20,000

Correct Answer: 4,680

Correct Answer Explanation: Minnesota Territory, established in 1849, had a population of 4,680. This reflected the early stages of settlement and the influx of individuals seeking new lives in the region.

What was the name of the story that describes the early days of Hudson, demonstrating the resilience and persistence of settlers who established a community in a challenging environment?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson
The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer: The story of the first settlers at Hudson

Correct Answer Explanation: This story highlights the early days of Hudson, a community established by pioneers who faced numerous challenges and persevered in building a life in a new territory.

What was the name of the person responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a log boom?

Log drive
Scale
Tramway
Boom master

Correct Answer: Boom master

Correct Answer Explanation: The boom master was a key figure in lumbering operations, responsible for managing the log boom, ensuring safety, and maximizing efficiency.

What was the name of the first white child born in Minnesota?

The son of Anson Northrup
The son of William H.C. Folsom
The son of John L. Wilson
The son of James H. Lockwood

Correct Answer: The son of Anson Northrup

Correct Answer Explanation: The son of Anson Northrup, born at St. Croix Falls in 1844, was the first white child born in Minnesota, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s history.

What was the name of the first marriage in Minnesota?

The marriage of William H.C. Folsom and his wife
The marriage of Anson Northrup and his wife
The marriage of John L. Wilson and his wife
The marriage of James H. Lockwood and his wife

Correct Answer: The marriage of Anson Northrup and his wife

Correct Answer Explanation: The first marriage in Minnesota was celebrated at Fort Snelling in 1835, a significant event in the development of the territory.

What was the name of the first city in Wisconsin to be settled?

St. Paul
St. Cloud
St. Croix Falls
Green Bay

Correct Answer: Green Bay

Correct Answer Explanation: Green Bay, Wisconsin, was settled in 1796 after the English surrendered the western posts to the United States. It was one of the earliest settlements in the region, playing a crucial role in the development of Wisconsin.

What was the name of the first city in Minnesota to be settled?

St. Paul
St. Cloud
St. Croix Falls
Green Bay

Correct Answer: St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Croix Falls, Minnesota, was one of the earliest settlements in Minnesota, established by pioneers who braved the challenges of frontier life.

What was the name of the settlement founded in 1811, that was a mix of Scotch, French, and Native American settlers?

The Selkirk settlement
The St. Croix Falls settlement
The St. Cloud settlement
The Green Bay settlement

Correct Answer: The Selkirk settlement

Correct Answer Explanation: The Selkirk settlement, founded in 1811, was a unique community that brought together people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of the region.

What was the name of the story that describes the arrival of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River, highlighting the significance of new technologies in opening the region to settlement?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson
The journey of the Palmyra

Correct Answer: The journey of the Palmyra

Correct Answer Explanation: This story recounts the arrival of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River, a significant event that transformed transportation and trade in the region.

What was the annual production of lumber in Sawyer county in 1888?

10,000,000 feet
25,000,000 feet
35,000,000 feet
50,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 35,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Sawyer County, along with other counties in the Northwest, was heavily involved in the lumbering industry. The county produced 35,000,000 feet of lumber annually.

What was the name of the story that describes the challenges and hardships faced by early pioneers, including conflicts with Native Americans, lack of supplies, and harsh weather conditions?

The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson
The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer: The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls

Correct Answer Explanation: This story vividly depicts the trials and tribulations of early pioneers who braved the wilderness and faced numerous challenges in establishing a new life.

What was the annual production of flour in St. Croix County in 1885?

100,000 barrels
160,000 barrels
200,000 barrels
250,000 barrels

Correct Answer: 160,000 barrels

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Croix County produced 160,000 barrels of flour annually in 1885, showing the significance of agriculture and milling in the region’s economy.

What was the annual production of lumber in Cumberland in 1888?

15,000,000 feet
20,000,000 feet
30,000,000 feet
40,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 30,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Cumberland was a major lumbering town, producing 30,000,000 feet of lumber annually.

What was the annual production of lumber in Hayward in 1888?

25,000,000 feet
35,000,000 feet
50,000,000 feet
75,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 35,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Hayward, another prominent lumbering town, produced 35,000,000 feet of lumber annually.

What was the value of improved land in St. Croix County in 1885?

$2,000,000
$5,000,000
$7,015,198
$10,000,000

Correct Answer: $7,015,198

Correct Answer Explanation: The value of improved land in St. Croix County in 1885 was $7,015,198, reflecting the progress and development that had taken place in the region.

What was the name of the dam built in St. Cloud in 1886?

The Mississippi Dam
The St. Cloud Dam
The Red River Dam
The St. Croix Dam

Correct Answer: The St. Cloud Dam

Correct Answer Explanation: The St. Cloud Dam, built in 1886 at a cost of $200,000, was a significant infrastructure project that harnessed the power of the Mississippi River.

What was the number of farms in St. Croix County in 1885?

1,000
1,500
2,289
3,000

Correct Answer: 2,289

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Croix County had 2,289 farms in 1885, highlighting the presence of a significant agricultural sector alongside lumbering.

What was the number of steamboats engaged in towing logs on the St. Croix in 1887?

Correct Answer: 51

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1887, 51 steamboats were actively engaged in towing logs on the St. Croix River, showcasing the essential role of steamboats in the lumbering industry.

What was the number of logs floated down the Mississippi in 1884?

500,000,000 feet
1,000,000,000 feet
1,366,000,000 feet
2,000,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 1,366,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1884, a staggering 1,366,000,000 feet of logs were floated down the Mississippi River, demonstrating the scale of lumbering activities in the region.

What was the number of steamboats plying on the Mississippi in 1884?

Correct Answer: 175

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1884, 175 steamboats were actively navigating the Mississippi River, showcasing the significance of steamboats as a primary mode of transportation.

What was the number of farms in Hennepin County in 1885?

1,000
1,500
2,289
3,000

Correct Answer: 2,289

Correct Answer Explanation: Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis, had 2,289 farms in 1885, demonstrating the continued importance of agriculture in the region.

What was the average cost per mile of the St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal?

$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000

Correct Answer: $40,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal, though never built, was estimated to cost $40,000 per mile. This reflects the significant investment required for such an infrastructure project.

What was the value of lumber production on the St. Croix in 1887?

$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,393,323
$3,000,000

Correct Answer: $2,393,323

Correct Answer Explanation: The lumber industry on the St. Croix River generated $2,393,323 in value in 1887, highlighting the significant economic contribution of this industry.

What was the total number of logs floated down the St. Croix in 1887?

100,000,000 feet
200,000,000 feet
325,000,000 feet
500,000,000 feet

Correct Answer: 325,000,000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1887, a total of 325,000,000 feet of logs were floated down the St. Croix River, a testament to the scale of lumbering operations in the region.

What was the name of the story that highlights the significance of new technologies in opening the region to settlement, specifically the arrival of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River?

The journey of the Palmyra
The story of Muckatice
The story of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company
The story of the first settlers at Hudson

Correct Answer: The journey of the Palmyra

Correct Answer Explanation: This story describes the arrival of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River, emphasizing the role of technology in transforming transportation and making the region more accessible to settlers.

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