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How Well Do You Know Your Founders?

© Brian Tubbs

The following questions should test your knowledge of the remarkable leaders who founded the United States of America.

1. According to John Adams, where did the American Revolution really begin?

2. Which early colonial leader in the South jumpstarted his political leader by defying the Church of England?

3. Who is regarded as the "Father of the American Revolution"?

4. Which New England signer of the Declaration of Independence served as a tax collector prior to the War for Independence?

5. Which state sent the highest number of signers of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress?

6. Which of the following famous Founders did not sign the Declaration of Independence?

a. Samuel Adams

b. John Adams

c. Thomas Jefferson

d. George Washington

7. How many battles did George Washington win?

8. Which Founder was one of the first farmers to build a dung repository in America?

9. Name the Founder who said: "An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second."

10. Which American Founder is regarded as the "Father of American Chemistry"?

ANSWERS

1. According to John Adams, the American Revolution began in Boston's Old Town Hall with the eloquent and impassioned oratory of James Otis.

2. Patrick Henry invigorated his law practice and jumpstarted his political career by defending the local sheriff against damages associated with the under-payment of Reverend Maury's tobacco quota in Hanover County, Virginia. As part of the sheriff's defense, Henry implied treason against the King and directly challenged the moral legitimacy of the Church of England.

3. For his provocative writings, tireless organizing, and effective coordination of protest activities across North America, Samuel Adams is recognized by most historians as the Father of the American Revolution.

4. Ironically, Samuel Adams served as a tax collector prior to the Revolution. It was yet another occupation he would fail at.

5. Pennsylvania

6. George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence, as he had already taken command of the Continental Army in the field.

7. The correct answer is three: Trenton, Princeton, and Yorktown. Some would argue he won four, giving him the benefit of the doubt at Monmouth. Most historians, however, consider that engagement a draw.

8. According to Mount Vernon, George Washington was the first farmer to build a dung repository in America. Most Americans forget that Washington’s primary occupation was as a plantation farmer. In that capacity, he proved to be very innovative and resourceful, ushering in a number of changes to North American farming practice that last to this day.

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