Wild West Trivia
Test your knowledge about the Wild West and you can score a 15% off a Curiosity Stream annual subscription
Who was the indigenous woman that provided an expert opinion of the land, acted as a translator and led a team of over thirty men (including Lewis and Clark) on one of the most critical expeditions in American history?
The correct answer is Sacagawea.
Born in May of 1788 in present day Idaho, she tirelessly led a team of explorers for thousands of miles through the new Louisiana Territory, from modern day North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean. This became known as the Oregon Trail.
Watch episode 1, Into the Wild, for the full story.
That's correct!
Born in May of 1788 in present day Idaho, she tirelessly led a team of explorers for thousands of miles through the new Louisiana Territory, from modern day North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean. This became known as the Oregon Trail.
Watch episode 1, Into the Wild, for the full story.
What is the nickname given to the Kansas and Missouri border region, where the first battle of popular sovereignty occurred, due to its brutal conflict?
The correct answer is The Bleeding Kansas
After the Emancipation Proclamation, over 200,000 Black soldiers bravely served the Union Army, contributing to its strength by over 10% and earning 24 congressional medals of honor. Today, Harlan Hearn, leading the Cowboys of Color, celebrates this legacy with vibrant Juneteenth rodeo competitions in Dallas, Texas.
Watch episode 2, Wars for the West, for the full story.
That's correct!
After the Emancipation Proclamation, over 200,000 Black soldiers bravely served the Union Army, contributing to its strength by over 10% and earning 24 congressional medals of honor. Today, Harlan Hearn, leading the Cowboys of Color, celebrates this legacy with vibrant Juneteenth rodeo competitions in Dallas, Texas.
Watch episode 2, Wars for the West, for the full story.
Who played a crucial role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad in the US, with thousands of laborers toiling tirelessly, often facing dangerous conditions, but receiving little recognition until recent years?
The correct answer is Chinese Immigrants
The Transcontinental Railroad, the unity of the coasts, was built by diverse immigrants. Chinese laborers, often overlooked in history, played a vital role alongside Irish and other European workers. They worked tirelessly, laying 5 million ties and 600,000 rails, in a race to connect the tracks. Unfortunately, despite doing most of the work, the Chinese were excluded from the celebratory photograph in 1969. Recognizing their contributions is crucial in rewriting history and honoring the collective effort that built this symbol of unity and progress.
Watch episode 3, Boom and Bust, for the full story.
That's correct!
The Transcontinental Railroad, the unity of the coasts, was built by diverse immigrants. Chinese laborers, often overlooked in history, played a vital role alongside Irish and other European workers. They worked tirelessly, laying 5 million ties and 600,000 rails, in a race to connect the tracks. Unfortunately, despite doing most of the work, the Chinese were excluded from the celebratory photograph in 1969. Recognizing their contributions is crucial in rewriting history and honoring the collective effort that built this symbol of unity and progress.
Watch episode 3, Boom and Bust, for the full story.
Who is credited with creating the iconic image of the American West and perpetuating myths glorifying cowboys and the false narrative about Native Americans through his widely successful Wild West Show?
The correct answer is Buffalo Bill
William Frederick Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, was a renowned showman and entertainer. In 1883, Buffalo Bill gained immense fame by staging Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. This grand extravaganza combined elements of a circus, outdoor play, drama, rodeo, and shooting contests. Touring extensively across the United States and even internationally, Buffalo Bill performed for audiences worldwide, including a performance for the Queen in the UK. Through his show, he introduced Europeans to the rugged and romanticized depiction of the Wild West, becoming one of the most recognizable figures on the planet.
However, it is important to acknowledge a darker side to Buffalo Bill's legacy. While some of his exploits were embellished for entertainment purposes, others were based on unsettling realities. In 1876, he was involved in the killing of a Cheyenne man, which he later incorporated into his show's reenactments. This willingness to employ violence for performance purposes adds a complex layer to Buffalo Bill's legacy and his portrayal of the American West.
Watch episode 4, Mayhem and Myth, for the full story.
That's correct!
William Frederick Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, was a renowned showman and entertainer. In 1883, Buffalo Bill gained immense fame by staging Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. This grand extravaganza combined elements of a circus, outdoor play, drama, rodeo, and shooting contests. Touring extensively across the United States and even internationally, Buffalo Bill performed for audiences worldwide, including a performance for the Queen in the UK. Through his show, he introduced Europeans to the rugged and romanticized depiction of the Wild West, becoming one of the most recognizable figures on the planet.
However, it is important to acknowledge a darker side to Buffalo Bill's legacy. While some of his exploits were embellished for entertainment purposes, others were based on unsettling realities. In 1876, he was involved in the killing of a Cheyenne man, which he later incorporated into his show's reenactments. This willingness to employ violence for performance purposes adds a complex layer to Buffalo Bill's legacy and his portrayal of the American West.
Watch episode 4, Mayhem and Myth, for the full story.
