Riddles With Answers

Which U.S. state was created as a result of the Civil War?

Vermont
North Carolina
Louisiana
West Virginia

Fact: West Virginia was created as a direct result of the Civil War, making it the only U.S. state to form by breaking away from a Confederate state. When Virginia seceded from the Union, many western counties opposed the decision. Unionist leaders from these regions formed the Restored Government of Virginia, which remained loyal to the Union and approved the creation of a new state. After political negotiations, Congress approved West Virginia for statehood. President Lincoln signed the bill, and West Virginia joined the Union on June 20, 1863.

Correct Answer: West Virginia

What was the best-selling Beatles album of all time?

Rubber Soul
Abbey Road
The Beatles (White Album)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

The best-selling Beatles album of all time is Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, with an estimated 32 million copies sold worldwide since its release in 1967. Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in music history, it marked a creative peak for the band and revolutionized the concept of the studio album. Its innovative production, eclectic style, and cultural impact helped it become both a critical and commercial success. Singles from the hugely successful album included “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “A Day in the Life,” and “Penny Lane.”

Correct Answer: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Which U.S. President was born with the first name Hiram?

Herbert Hoover
Ulysses S. Grant
Gerald Ford
Barack Obama

President Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant in 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. When Grant was 17, his father arranged for him to enter the United States Military Academy at West Point. A clerical error had listed him as Ulysses S. Grant. Not wanting to be rejected by the school, he changed his name on the spot. Ulysses S. Grant served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. During the American Civil War Grant led the Union Army as its commanding general to victory over the Confederacy with the supervision of President Abraham Lincoln.

Correct Answer: Ulysses S. Grant

Which actor refused to accept the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of General Patton?

Jon Voight
George C. Scott
Marlon Brando
John Wayne

In 1971, George C. Scott made headlines by refusing to accept his Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the title role of Patton. Months earlier, Scott had sent a telegram to the Motion Picture Academy rejecting his nomination as best actor, citing his disapproval of the voting process and his disdain for competition among actors. His win at the award ceremony came as a shock to the audience, and led award presenter Goldie Hawn to famously announce, “Oh my God. It’s George C. Scott!” Marlon Brando would do the same thing two years later, rejecting the Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather.

Correct Answer: George C. Scott

Which of these brands is known for selling the Birkin bag?

Prada
Hermes
Channel
Louis Vuitton

A Birkin bag is a luxury handbag by French fashion house Hermès, known for its craftsmanship, exclusivity, and high price. Made from premium materials like calf leather, ostrich, or crocodile skin, each bag is handcrafted by skilled artisans. The idea originated in 1983 when British actress Jane Birkin mentioned to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight that she struggled to find a stylish yet practical bag. Dumas sketched a design on an airplane sick bag—and the iconic Birkin was born. Today, it remains one of fashion’s most coveted status symbols.

Correct Answer: Hermes

In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle famously misspelled which word?

Tomato
Potato
Pineapple
Banana

In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle famously misspelled the word “potato” during a school spelling bee in New Jersey. While helping to officiate the event, Quayle incorrectly instructed a 12-year-old student to add an extra “e,” spelling it as “potatoe.” The moment, captured on national television, quickly became a symbol of public ridicule and was widely cited as an example of Quayle’s perceived gaffes during his time in office. Despite the misspelling being prompted by a cue card prepared by the school, the incident became one of the most memorable moments of his vice presidency.

Correct Answer: Potato

What tree does aspirin come from?

Pine
Maple
Willow
Redwood

Aspirin originally comes from the bark of the willow tree. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, used willow bark for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient in the bark, salicin, was identified in the 19th century and later chemically modified to create acetylsalicylic acid, the compound known today as aspirin. This discovery revolutionized medicine by providing a more stable and less irritating form of pain relief, making aspirin one of the first widely used synthetic drugs in history.

Correct Answer: Willow

The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina belonged to which famous tycoon?

Andrew Carnegie
John D. Rockefeller
George W. Vanderbilt
John Jacob Astor

The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina belonged to George Vanderbilt II, a member of the famously wealthy Vanderbilt family. Completed in 1895, the Biltmore remains the largest privately owned home in the United States, a testament to Vanderbilt’s immense fortune. Inspired by the grand châteaux of France, Vanderbilt built the estate as a private retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featuring 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, the Biltmore stands as the most spectacular of several lavish Vanderbilt residences scattered across the country.

Correct Answer: George W. Vanderbilt

The “Blooming onion” is a trademark appetizer at which restaurant chain?

Applebee’s
TGI Friday’s
Cheesecake Factory
Outback Steakhouse

The “Blooming Onion” is a trademark appetizer at Outback Steakhouse, a popular American restaurant chain known for its Australian-themed menu. Introduced in the late 1980s, the Blooming Onion features a colossal onion cut to resemble a flower, battered, deep-fried to a golden crisp, and served with a signature spicy dipping sauce. It quickly became one of Outback’s most iconic and best-selling items, helping to establish the brand’s reputation for hearty, shareable dishes. Over the years, the Blooming Onion has remained a staple of Outback’s menu.

Correct Answer: Outback Steakhouse

Pope Francis died this week at age 88. What was his birth name?

Karol Józef Wojtyla
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu
Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Giovanni Battista Montini

Pope Francis, who passed away this week at age 88, was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before becoming the first pope from the Americas, he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and dedication to social justice. When elected pope in 2013, he chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to serving the poor and promoting peace. His papacy marked a shift toward a more inclusive and compassionate tone within the Catholic Church.

Answer: Jorge Mario Bergoglio