My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands, Dictated in My Seventy-Fourth Year Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the ship that George Francis Train helped build that set a speed record for sailing between New York and San Francisco?

The Flying Cloud
The Red Jacket
The Sea Witch
The Sovereign of the Seas

Correct Answer: The Flying Cloud

Correct Answer Explanation: The Flying Cloud, built in 1851, was a renowned clipper ship that revolutionized transatlantic travel. Train was instrumental in its construction and later sold it for a hefty profit.

At what age did Train start earning a living on his grandmother’s farm?

Correct Answer: 4

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s life was marked by adversity early on, losing his mother and sisters to yellow fever. He was sent to live with his grandmother, where he began working on the farm at the tender age of four, demonstrating an impressive work ethic and self-reliance.

Which prominent American author did Train sell a ticket to Liverpool to?

Mark Twain
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Edgar Allan Poe
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Correct Answer: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from his early years. He sold a ticket to Liverpool to the renowned American author and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1847, showcasing his knack for seizing opportunities.

What revolutionary technology did Train introduce to Australia?

Canned goods
The telegraph
Steam-powered engines
The telephone

Correct Answer: Canned goods

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s vision extended beyond shipping. He recognized the potential of canned goods for preserving food and transporting it long distances, becoming a pioneer in establishing a global trade in this new technology.

What was the name of the hotel Train built in Omaha?

The Cozzens Hotel
The Train Hotel
The Omaha Grand
The Union Pacific Hotel

Correct Answer: The Cozzens Hotel

Correct Answer Explanation: Omaha was a key location for Train’s railroad investments. He built the Cozzens Hotel, a grand establishment, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and vision for the growth of the American West.

What was the total amount Train made from admission charges during his presidential campaign?

$10,000
$50,000
$90,000
$150,000

Correct Answer: $90,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s presidential campaign in 1872 was a bold move. He ran on a platform of independence and integrity, attracting a large audience. He made a significant amount of money from admission charges during his campaign rallies, highlighting his entrepreneurial savvy even in politics.

Which event did Train actively participate in, even facing arrest and an attempt on his life?

The California Gold Rush
The Civil War
The French Commune of 1870
The Industrial Revolution

Correct Answer: The French Commune of 1870

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s life was filled with adventure and political activism. He became involved in the French Commune of 1870, a revolutionary movement that challenged the French government, experiencing firsthand the dangers of political upheaval.

What was the name of the London newspaper Train purchased?

The Times
The Daily Telegraph
The Morning Chronicle
The Guardian

Correct Answer: The Morning Chronicle

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s influence extended beyond the United States. He purchased the London Morning Chronicle, a prominent newspaper, showcasing his ambition to expand his ventures beyond borders and shape public opinion.

What was the name of Train’s opulent estate in Newport, Rhode Island?

Train Villa
The Grand Manor
The Newport Mansion
The Oceanfront Estate

Correct Answer: Train Villa

Correct Answer Explanation: Train lived a life of luxury, reflecting his success in business. He built Train Villa, a grand estate in Newport, showcasing his wealth and status.

What was the estimated weekly cost of living for Train at Train Villa?

$500
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000

Correct Answer: $2,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s lifestyle was marked by extravagance. The estimated weekly cost of living at his Newport estate, Train Villa, was a substantial amount, reflecting his lavish lifestyle and entrepreneurial success.

What was the price Train paid for a vacant square in Omaha where he built a hotel?

$5,000
$10,000
$20,000
$50,000

Correct Answer: $5,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s keen eye for real estate and his vision for the future of Omaha led him to acquire a vacant square for a mere $5,000. This investment ultimately led to the construction of his prominent Cozzens Hotel.

Train was known for being a strong supporter of what cause?

Women’s rights
Irish independence
The abolition of slavery
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Train was a champion of social justice and equality. He actively supported women’s rights, Irish independence, and the abolition of slavery, demonstrating his moral compass and commitment to a more just world.

What was Train’s primary motivation for his daring and sometimes controversial actions?

A desire for wealth
A need for adventure
A belief in his own abilities
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s life was a complex tapestry woven from a desire for wealth, an unyielding thirst for adventure, and a deep belief in his own abilities. These driving forces fueled his daring ventures and shaped his legacy.

What was the estimated cost of building Train Villa in Newport?

$50,000
$100,000
$200,000
$500,000

Correct Answer: $100,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s grand estate, Train Villa, was a testament to his wealth and ambition. The estimated cost of building this opulent property was a significant amount, reflecting his success in business and his luxurious lifestyle.

What was the approximate length of the railway network in the United States by 1902?

50,000 miles
100,000 miles
200,000 miles
500,000 miles

Correct Answer: 200,000 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: Train was a major force in the development of American railroads. By 1902, the railway network in the United States had grown to an impressive 200,000 miles, a testament to the rapid growth of transportation during Train’s lifetime.

What was the name of the ship that Train used to transport opium into China in the 1840s?

The Red Jacket
The Flying Cloud
The Sea Witch
The Sovereign of the Seas

Correct Answer: The Red Jacket

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s early business ventures were not always ethical. He was involved in the opium trade, smuggling it into China using the ship called The Red Jacket. This experience later led him to regret his actions, recognizing the destructive nature of the opium trade.

What was the approximate amount Train made from his first year of business in Melbourne?

$10,000
$50,000
$90,000
$150,000

Correct Answer: $90,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s entrepreneurial success was evident in his ventures in Australia. He made a substantial profit of $90,000 from his first year of business in Melbourne, demonstrating his ability to adapt to new markets and seize opportunities.

What did Train initially sell in Australia?

Opium
Canned goods
Flour
Gold

Correct Answer: Flour

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s ventures in Australia started with a simple commodity – flour. He sold barrels of flour at a profit of £4 sterling each, demonstrating his ability to identify profitable markets and capitalize on demand.

What was the weight of the “bonanza nugget” discovered in Ballarat, Australia?

100 pounds
150 pounds
196 pounds
250 pounds

Correct Answer: 196 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The discovery of the “bonanza nugget” in Ballarat, Australia, was a significant event, showcasing the allure of gold and the potential for sudden wealth. The nugget weighed a massive 196 pounds, attracting attention worldwide.

How many times did Train circumnavigate the globe?

One
Two
Three
Four

Correct Answer: Four

Correct Answer Explanation: Train was a relentless traveler and adventurer, breaking travel records and pushing the boundaries of human exploration. He circumnavigated the globe an impressive four times, showcasing his insatiable thirst for adventure.

What was the amount of stock Train controlled in the Union Pacific Railway?

$100,000
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,700,000

Correct Answer: $1,700,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train was a major investor in the Union Pacific Railway, a crucial component of the development of the American West. He controlled a significant amount of stock in the railway, reflecting his influence in this key industry.

What was the cost of the banquet McHenry hosted for London bankers at Delmonico’s?

$1,000
$5,000
$15,000
$50,000

Correct Answer: $15,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s connections extended to prominent figures in the financial world. His associate, McHenry, hosted a lavish banquet for London bankers at Delmonico’s, a famous New York City restaurant, showcasing the influence and wealth of their network.

What was Train’s yearly rent for the Cozzens Hotel in Omaha?

$5,000
$10,000
$20,000
$50,000

Correct Answer: $10,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s entrepreneurial ventures generated a steady income. He received a substantial yearly rent of $10,000 for his Cozzens Hotel in Omaha, highlighting his ability to capitalize on real estate investments.

What was the approximate cost of a telegram Train sent from Victoria, British Columbia to Dublin?

$5
$10
$40
$100

Correct Answer: $40

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s travels were far-reaching, and he utilized modern technologies, such as the telegraph, to stay connected across continents. A telegram from Victoria, British Columbia to Dublin cost him a significant $40, reflecting the expense of long-distance communication in that era.

What was the amount Train was paid to deliver a Fourth of July oration in Portland, Oregon?

$200
$500
$1,000
$2,000

Correct Answer: $500

Correct Answer Explanation: Train was a gifted orator, and his public speaking engagements earned him a respectable income. He was paid $500 for delivering a Fourth of July oration in Portland, Oregon, showcasing his popularity and the value placed on his words.

What was the amount Train was offered for a lecture in Tacoma, Washington?

$500
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000

Correct Answer: $1,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s reputation as a speaker and his engaging personality made him a sought-after lecturer. He was offered $1,000 for a lecture in Tacoma, Washington, reflecting the demand for his insights and experiences.

What was the amount Train made from his lecture in Tacoma?

$2,000
$3,000
$4,200
$5,000

Correct Answer: $4,200

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s lecture in Tacoma, Washington, proved to be a successful endeavor. He earned a respectable $4,200 from the event, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences and generate income through his public speaking.

What was the estimated cost of chartering a special train car in New York?

$100
$500
$1,500
$5,000

Correct Answer: $1,500

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s travels often involved luxurious accommodations, including chartered train cars. The cost of chartering a special train car in New York was a substantial $1,500, reflecting his preference for comfort and his ability to afford such amenities.

What was the amount of Train’s bail bond in Boston?

$10,000
$20,000
$50,000
$80,000

Correct Answer: $80,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s outspoken views and unconventional actions sometimes led to legal trouble. He was arrested in Boston and required an $80,000 bail bond, showcasing the potential consequences of his rebellious spirit.

What was the amount Train paid for the London Morning Chronicle?

$1,000
$5,000
$10,000
$20,000

Correct Answer: $10,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s entrepreneurial ventures extended beyond the United States. He purchased the London Morning Chronicle, a prominent newspaper, for a significant $10,000, showcasing his ambition to expand his influence across continents.

What was the yearly salary of the editor of the London Morning Chronicle?

$1,000
$2,000
$5,000
$10,000

Correct Answer: $2,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s investment in the London Morning Chronicle came with a responsibility to manage its operations. The editor of the newspaper received a yearly salary of $2,000, reflecting the financial considerations involved in managing a prominent publication.

What was the approximate amount Train was arrested for in Boston?

$500
$800
$1,500
$2,000

Correct Answer: $800

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s financial dealings sometimes led to legal complications. He was arrested in Boston for a debt of approximately $800, showcasing the potential for financial disputes to escalate into legal trouble.

What was the amount subscribed in St. Paul for Train’s trip around the world in 1890?

$1,500
$2,500
$3,500
$4,500

Correct Answer: $3,500

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s passion for travel continued throughout his life. In 1890, he embarked on another journey around the world, with public support contributing to his expenses. The city of St. Paul contributed a substantial $3,500 towards his journey, demonstrating the local interest in his adventures.

What was the amount subscribed in Chicago for Train’s trip around the world in 1890?

$1,000
$1,500
$2,500
$3,500

Correct Answer: $1,500

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s travels were often supported by public contributions. In 1890, he embarked on a journey around the world, with the city of Chicago contributing $1,500 towards his expenses, showcasing local support for his adventures.

What was the amount Holland had spent to subdue the Achinese in Sumatra?

50,000 florins
100,000 florins
250,000 florins
500,000 florins

Correct Answer: 500,000 florins

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s travels took him to various parts of the world, including Sumatra. He mentioned the significant cost incurred by Holland in its efforts to subdue the Achinese people, showcasing the complexities of colonial ventures and their financial implications.

What was the price Train sold a barrel of flour for in Melbourne?

£2 sterling
£3 sterling
£4 sterling
£5 sterling

Correct Answer: £4 sterling

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s business acumen was evident in his pricing strategies. He sold a barrel of flour for £4 sterling each in Melbourne, maximizing his profits and demonstrating his understanding of market demand.

What was the amount Train paid for 25,000 tons of iron from Crawshay Bailey in Wales?

$500,000
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000

Correct Answer: $1,000,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s business ventures extended to the iron industry. He purchased a substantial amount of iron from Crawshay Bailey in Wales, a major supplier, for a significant $1,000,000, showcasing his involvement in key industries and his ability to handle large transactions.

What was the amount Train paid for 30,000 tons of iron from the Ebbw Vale Company in Wales?

$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000

Correct Answer: $1,200,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s ventures in the iron industry were expansive. He purchased another 30,000 tons of iron from the Ebbw Vale Company in Wales, a significant transaction worth $1,200,000, highlighting his involvement in large-scale industrial operations.

What was the amount Train secured as a loan from Salamanca, the Spanish Rothschild?

$500,000
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000

Correct Answer: $1,000,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s connections extended to prominent financiers. He secured a loan of $1,000,000 from Salamanca, a member of the Rothschild family, showcasing his ability to access substantial capital and his connections within the financial world.

What was Train’s commission for negotiating a loan for the Atlantic and Great Western Railway?

$10,000
$50,000
$100,000
$200,000

Correct Answer: $100,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s skills in finance and negotiation earned him significant commissions. He received a substantial $100,000 for negotiating a loan for the Atlantic and Great Western Railway, highlighting his expertise in financial transactions.

What was the amount Train was paid to deliver a lecture in Tacoma, Washington?

$2,000
$3,000
$4,200
$5,000

Correct Answer: $4,200

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s lectures were a source of income and a platform for sharing his insights. He was paid $4,200 for a lecture in Tacoma, Washington, demonstrating the value placed on his words and his ability to attract audiences.

How many courts declared Train insane in 1872-1873?

Two
Four
Six
Eight

Correct Answer: Six

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s outspoken views and unconventional actions sometimes led to legal complications. He was declared insane by six different courts in 1872-1873, showcasing the impact of his rebellious spirit and his willingness to challenge societal norms.

What was the cost of the uniform Train bought for General Cluseret?

$100
$200
$350
$500

Correct Answer: $350

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s travels often involved encounters with influential figures. He purchased a uniform for General Cluseret, a French military leader, at a cost of $350, highlighting his connections within international circles and his willingness to support those with whom he aligned.

What was the amount Secretary Seward sent to support Train’s London newspaper?

$50
$100
$200
$500

Correct Answer: $100

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s ventures in London were supported by influential figures. Secretary Seward, a prominent American politician, sent $100 to support Train’s London newspaper, showcasing the connections he had within the political establishment and the willingness of others to back his endeavors.

What was the amount of credit Train received from the Barings bank?

£100
£250
£500
£1,000

Correct Answer: £500

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s financial connections extended to prominent banking institutions. He received a credit of £500 from the Barings bank, highlighting his access to financial resources and his standing within the financial world.

What was the amount of the letter of credit Train received from the Bank of New South Wales?

£5,000
£10,000
£20,000
£50,000

Correct Answer: £20,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Train’s business ventures in Australia relied on financial support. He received a letter of credit for £20,000 from the Bank of New South Wales, showcasing his ability to secure substantial financial backing for his projects.

What was the amount Train was arrested for in Boston?

$500
$800
$1,500
$2,000

Correct Answer: $800

What was the amount Train was paid to deliver a Fourth of July oration in Portland, Oregon?

$200
$500
$1,000
$2,000

Correct Answer: $500

What was the amount Train was offered for a lecture in Tacoma, Washington?

$500
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000

Correct Answer: $1,000

What was the amount Train made from his lecture in Tacoma?

$2,000
$3,000
$4,200
$5,000

Correct Answer: $4,200

What was the estimated cost of chartering a special train car in New York?

$100
$500
$1,500
$5,000

Correct Answer: $1,500

What was the amount of Train’s bail bond in Boston?

$10,000
$20,000
$50,000
$80,000

Correct Answer: $80,000

What was the amount Train paid for the London Morning Chronicle?

$1,000
$5,000
$10,000
$20,000

Correct Answer: $10,000

What was the yearly salary of the editor of the London Morning Chronicle?

$1,000
$2,000
$5,000
$10,000

Correct Answer: $2,000

What was the approximate amount Train was arrested for in Boston?

$500
$800
$1,500
$2,000

Correct Answer: $800

What was the amount subscribed in St. Paul for Train’s trip around the world in 1890?

$1,500
$2,500
$3,500
$4,500

Correct Answer: $3,500

What was the amount subscribed in Chicago for Train’s trip around the world in 1890?

$1,000
$1,500
$2,500
$3,500

Correct Answer: $1,500

What was the amount Holland had spent to subdue the Achinese in Sumatra?

50,000 florins
100,000 florins
250,000 florins
500,000 florins

Correct Answer: 500,000 florins

What was the price Train sold a barrel of flour for in Melbourne?

£2 sterling
£3 sterling
£4 sterling
£5 sterling

Correct Answer: £4 sterling

What was the amount Train paid for 25,000 tons of iron from Crawshay Bailey in Wales?

$500,000
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000

Correct Answer: $1,000,000

What was the amount Train paid for 30,000 tons of iron from the Ebbw Vale Company in Wales?

$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000

Correct Answer: $1,200,000

What was the amount Train secured as a loan from Salamanca, the Spanish Rothschild?

$500,000
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000

Correct Answer: $1,000,000

What was Train’s commission for negotiating a loan for the Atlantic and Great Western Railway?

$10,000
$50,000
$100,000
$200,000

Correct Answer: $100,000

What was the amount Train was paid to deliver a lecture in Tacoma, Washington?

$2,000
$3,000
$4,200
$5,000

Correct Answer: $4,200

How many courts declared Train insane in 1872-1873?

Two
Four
Six
Eight

Correct Answer: Six

What was the cost of the uniform Train bought for General Cluseret?

$100
$200
$350
$500

Correct Answer: $350

What was the amount Secretary Seward sent to support Train’s London newspaper?

$50
$100
$200
$500

Correct Answer: $100

What was the amount of credit Train received from the Barings bank?

£100
£250
£500
£1,000

Correct Answer: £500

What was the amount of the letter of credit Train received from the Bank of New South Wales?

£5,000
£10,000
£20,000
£50,000

Correct Answer: £20,000

What was the amount Train was arrested for in Boston?

$500
$800
$1,500
$2,000

Correct Answer: $800

Learn more