October Jeopardy

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

100

On October 12, 1492, this explorer reached an island in the Caribbean, believing he had reached Asia. Who?

Christopher Columbus

200

This famous American monument was dedicated in New York Harbor in October 1886.

Statue of Liberty

300

On October 24, 1945, this international organization officially came into existence to promote peace and cooperation.

United Nations

400

In October 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union faced a dangerous confrontation over these Soviet weapons stationed near the American coast.

Cuban Missile Crisis 

500

On October 19th 1781, Which british general surrendered at yorktown helping bring the war to a close?

General Charles Cornwallis

FOOD & DRINK THROUGH THE AGES

100

This popular soft drink was first sold in Atlanta, GA at a pharmacy soda fountain in 1886

Coca-Cola

200

What process occurs when yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, helping produce beer and wine?

Fermentation

300

What spice comes from the dried flower buds of a tropical tree and is used in holiday ham and mulled cider?

Cloves

400

What kind of pastry dough, made by folding butter into layers, is used to make a traditional French croissant?

Laminated pastry dough.

500

What Italian cheese is made from whey, and whose name means “recooked”?

Ricotta

GEOGRAPHY

100

What is the largest ocean on Earth?

Pacific

200

What is the world's largest hot desert, stretching across much of northern Africa?

Sahara Desert

300

This South American mountain range runs along the continent's western edge and includes parts of seven countries.

Andes Mountains

400

This strait separates Asia from North America, with Russia on one side and Alaska on the other?

Bering Strait

500

This American state is nicknamed "The Beaver state"

Oregon 

OCTOBER, HALLOWEEN & FALL

100

What Halloween candy was once advertised as chicken feed?

Candy Corn

200

Before pumpkins became popular for Halloween lanterns, what root vegetable was traditionally carved in Ireland?

Turnip

300

This famous magician and escape artist, born in Budapest in 1874, became known for spectacular escapes and died on Halloween in 1926

Harry Houdini

400

According to folklore, what man was condemned to wander with a glowing lantern, inspiring the jack-o’-lantern legend?

Stingy Jack

• The First Trick: Stingy Jack, a cruel and clever drunkard or blacksmith, invited the Devil to have a drink with him. Not wanting to pay his tab, Jack convinced the Devil to transform into a silver coin so they could pay the bartender. Instead of paying, Jack slipped the coin into his pocket right next to a silver cross, trapping the Devil in his transformed state. Jack freed him only after extracting a promise that the Devil would not claim his soul for a set time (ranging from one year to a decade, depending on the version).
• The Second Trick: Years later, Jack tricked the Devil again by convincing him to climb an apple tree to pick some fruit. While the Devil was up in the branches, Jack carved a cross into the tree trunk, trapping him once more. Jack let him down only after making the Devil swear that he would never take his soul to Hell.

Death and the Afterlife

• Rejected by Heaven and Hell: When Jack eventually died, God barred him from Heaven because of his wicked, deceitful life. When he went to the gates of Hell, the Devil had to turn him away as well, honoring their pact never to take Jack's soul. [1, 2, 3]
• The First Jack-o'-Lantern: Left out in the dark between worlds, Jack asked how he would see in the cold and dark. The Devil tossed him a burning coal straight from the fires of Hell. Jack hollowed out a turnip, placed the glowing ember inside, and used it as a makeshift lantern aka "Jack o Lantern"

500

In 1920 which american state hosted the first known citywide halloween celebration?

Minnesota, Anoka

FAMOUS FIRSTS & AMERICAN TRADITIONS

100

This American holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and commonly features turkey and stuffing.

Thanksgiving

200

Which american sporting event was first played in 1967 and is known for its commercials when aired on TV?

Super Bowl

300

This American inventor is widely associated with improving the practical incandescent light bulb and developing an early electric power system.

Thomas Edison 

400

This 1803 agreement with France nearly doubled the size of the United States, adding a vast territory west of the Mississippi River.

Louisiana Purchase

500

In 1903, these two brothers made the first successful powered, controlled airplane flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. What were their First and Last names?

Orville and Wilbur Wright