Do you know the capital of each state of the United States? Most citizens of the United States do not know and I blame that on our education system. Kids today are not educated properly, it is pathetic.
My mother, having schooled on the American education system during the American occupation in the Philippines in the 1920s could recite the capitals at a young age. At that time, there were only 48 states. It was portrayed by Adelaide in “The Iron Butterfly”, my latest book, available at http://www.amazon.com/author/rosalindarmorgan.
Here is an excerpt from “The Iron Butterfly”:
“We are learning about Geography. I love Geography,” Adelaide said.
“That is nice. So what places are they teaching you?
“We are learning all the states of the United States.”
“Fascinating. How many are there now?” The driver decided to test her.
Without even thinking, Adelaide blurted out, “48.”
“You are good. I bet you don’t know the capital of each of them.” The driver gave her a furtive look. He was so sure Adelaide did not know them.
“I sure do. I know all of them.” Adelaide challenged him.
“All right. If you can tell me all of them before we reach your house, I’ll give you back your 5 centavos.” He was certain that any kid her age did not know all of them.
Julian nudged Adelaide. “Do it,” he told his sister.
“OK. Here they are.” Adelaide began slowly, counting with her fingers and concentrating with the task at hand.
- Alabama – Montgomery
- Arizona – Phoenix
- Arkansas – Little Rock
- California – Sacramento
- Colorado – Denver
- Connecticut – Hartford
- Delaware – Dover
- Florida – Tallahassee
- Georgia – Atlanta
- Idaho – Boise
- Illinois – Springfield
- Indiana – Indianapolis
- Iowa – Des Moines
She paused, took a quick breath and recited in rapid succession.
- Kansas – Topeka
- Kentucky – Frankfort
- Louisiana – Baton Rouge
- Maine – Augusta
- Maryland – Annapolis
- Massachusetts – Boston
- Michigan – Lansing
- Minnesota – St. Paul
- Mississippi – Jackson
- Missouri – Jefferson City
- Montana – Helena
- Nebraska – Lincoln
- Nevada – Carson City
- New Hampshire – Concord
- New Jersey – Trenton
- New Mexico – Santa Fe
- New York – Albany
She stopped, took another quick breath, looked at her two brothers who smiled at her. “Keep going,” Cayetano said.
“Where was I?” she asked.
“30 – New York,” Julian said.
She raised her fingers, closed her eyes for a second to think and then continued counting and reciting the rest.
- North Carolina – Raleigh
- North Dakota – Bismarck
- Ohio – Columbus
- Oklahoma – Oklahoma City
- Oregon – Salem
- Pennsylvania – Harrisburg
- Rhode Island – Providence
- South Carolina – Columbia
- South Dakota – Pierre
- Tennessee – Nashville
- Texas – Austin
- Utah – Salt Lake City
- Vermont – Montpelier
- Virginia – Richmond
- Washington – Olympia
- West Virginia – Charleston
- Wisconsin – Madison
- Wyoming – Cheyenne
“Whew! That was excellent. I’m impressed. You got me,” the driver said. Adelaide, breathless for reciting all 48 states, smiled contentedly. The driver handed her back the 5 centavos.
“Thank You,” Adelaide said. Cayetano and Julian clapped their hands.
Author’s Note: Alaska with Juneau as its capital was officially added on Jan. 3, 1959 and Hawaii with Honolulu as its capital on Aug. 20, 1959.
Rosalinda R Morgan 