Riddles With Answers

Which U.S. president gave only one official speech while in office?

Andrew Jackson
Ulysses S. Grant
Andrew Johnson
William Henry Harrison

Fact: William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, delivered only one official speech — his inaugural address on March 4, 1841. It remains the longest inaugural speech in American history, lasting nearly two hours and delivered on a cold, wet winter day. Determined to display vigor and toughness, Harrison refused to wear an overcoat, hat, or gloves despite the weather. Soon after, Harrison contracted pneumonia and died just 31 days later, making his presidency the shortest on record. His single address served as both his first and last to the nation — a somber footnote in U.S. history.

Correct Answer: William Henry Harrison

Which tech pioneer dropped out of Reed College after one semester?

Bill Gates
Steve Jobs
Michael Dell
Elon Musk

Fact: Apple co-founder Steve Jobs briefly attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, before dropping out after one semester in 1972. Although he left formal studies, Jobs continued sitting in on courses that fascinated him—most notably a calligraphy course, which later inspired the elegant typography of the first Macintosh computer. His unconventional path and relentless creativity helped transform Apple into one of the most influential technology companies in history. Jobs’ decision to follow curiosity over convention remains one of the most iconic dropout-to-visionary stories in modern innovation.

Correct Answer: Steve Jobs

Which newsperson has moderated a record 12 presidential debates?

Jim Lehrer
Tom Brokaw
Ted Koppel
Chris Wallace

Fact: Jim Lehrer, the co-founder and longtime anchor of PBS NewsHour, became a defining figure in the history of U.S. presidential debates. Over the course of seven election cycles—from 1988 through 2012—he moderated twelve debates, more than any other journalist in American history. Lehrer was known for his calm authority, fairness, and focus on substance over spectacle. His minimalist style encouraged candidates to engage directly with one another rather than spar with the moderator, earning him a reputation for integrity and restraint.

Correct Answer: Jim Lehrer

What is the name of the river on which Saranac Lake is situated?

Saranac River
Adirondack River
St. Lawrence River

Fact: The Saranac River is a 81-mile-long river located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The river flows from the Saranac Lake and Lake Flower.

Correct Answer: Saranac River

Who pioneered fresh-air treatment for tuberculosis in Saranac Lake?

Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau
Dr. Alice Wright
Dr. John Smith

Fact: Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau was instrumental in developing fresh-air treatment for tuberculosis in the late 19th century.

Correct Answer: Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau

Which winter event is a significant highlight for Saranac Lake?

Summer Festival
Winter Carnival
Autumn Celebration

Fact: The grandaddy of Adirondack winter carnivals, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been creating winter fun and entertainment.

Correct Answer: Winter Carnival

Which U.S. state once had its own monarch before becoming part of the United States?

Texas
Hawaii
Louisiana
Rhode Island

Fact: Hawaii is the only U.S. state that was once an independent kingdom ruled by its own monarchs. Established as the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 under King Kamehameha I, the islands remained an independent nation for nearly a century, recognized by major world powers. The Hawaiian monarchy lasted until 1893, when Queen Lili’uokalani was overthrown by American-backed interests. The islands were later annexed by the United States in 1898 and became the 50th state in 1959. Hawaii’s royal legacy remains a enduring part of its cultural identity.

Correct Answer: Hawaii

What is the largest internal organ in the human body?

Heart
Liver
Brain
Spleen

Fact: The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, weighing about three pounds in an average adult. It plays a vital role in hundreds of bodily functions, including detoxifying harmful chemicals, producing bile to aid digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and storing nutrients. While the skin is technically the body’s largest organ overall, the liver holds the title for the largest internal organ by both size and weight. Remarkably, it has the ability to regenerate lost tissue, allowing it to recover from damage or partial surgical removal.

Correct Answer: Liver

What is the primary purpose of World Migratory Bird Day?

To celebrate birdwatching
To highlight the challenges faced by migratory birds
To promote bird conservation in urban areas

Fact: World Migratory Bird Day was established to raise awareness about the difficulties migratory birds face, including habitat loss and climate change, as well as to promote conservation measures for these species.

Correct Answer: To highlight the challenges faced by migratory birds

Which bird is known for making long migrations, logging about 44,000 miles a year?

Ruby-throated hummingbird
Arctic tern
Wood duck

Fact: The Arctic tern is renowned for its incredible migratory journey, covering an impressive distance of around 44,000 miles annually between its breeding and wintering grounds.

Correct Answer: Arctic tern