Flashcards › North America: United States

Which bird is a symbol of the United States? bald eagle Why did Americans choose the bald eagle as its symbol? because it is a kind of eagle found only in North America Name 2 skyscrapers that are important American landmarks. Empire State Building (in New York City) and Space Needle (in Seattle, Washington) What is the most populated city in the US? New York City What are the US's top 3 largest cities? New York City, Los Angeles (CA), and Chicago (IL) The United States used to be ruled by what European country before it became independent? England What type of land covers much of the middle of the United States? prairie What types of landforms run the length of the country in the west and east? mountain ranges Name the 2 large mountain ranges in the US Applachian Mountains in the east and Rocky Mountains in the west In which region will you find deserts in the US? southwest What is the capital of our nation? Washington, D.C. What do the 13 stripes on our nation's flag symbolize? the original 13 colonies What do the 50 stars represent on our state flag? the 50 states What was the 50th state to be added to the union? Hawaii The United States is a country of immigrants. What is an immigrant? a person who moves to a new country What bodies of water lie on the border of Canada and the United States? the Great Lakes What are the 5 Great Lakes called? Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron Which US state is the largest, Alaska or Texas? Alaska What 4 bodies of water border the US? Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean (borders Alaska) Which US state has the most people? California What is the highest mountain in the US? Mt. McKinley in Alaska (20,320 ft.) What is the longest river system in the US? Mississippi -Missouri River What part of a map helps you understand the symbols used by the mapmaker? the map key, sometimes called a legend What part of map shows directions? compass rose What part of the map shows distance? map scale What is the oldest city in the United States and what European country founded it? St. Augustine, Florida founded by Spain What's the name for the vast, fertile region in central USA and Canada? Great Plains What does contiguous mean? connected - the 48 US states are contiguous states because they are connected to each other Who originally inhabited the land of America? Native Americans Who is credited with the discovery of America in 1492? Christopher Columbus What war resulted in America gaining its independence from England? Revolutionary War Learn about your nation with these flash cards.