Who's who?
Name the 16th President of the United States who was elected in 1860 and would lead the USA during the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln
In this event, Abraham Lincoln would win to become the first Republican President. Shortly after its certification, South Carolina seceded from the Union.
Election of 1860
What was the date the United States declared its independence.
July 4, 1776
What day marks the official beginning of summer in the U.S.?
The summer solstice (usually June 20th or 21st)
This was the bloodiest single day battle in US History, with ~23,000 total casualties. Taking place in Maryland and resulting in a Confederate retreat, Lincoln would then issue the initial Emancipation Proclamation.
Antietam
This was the effort to rebuild the U.S. following the Civil War.
Reconstruction
Which insect is famous for its buzzing sound and shows up mostly in summer?
Cicadas
Name the Commander of the U.S. army by the end of the Civil War. He was a proponent of total war doctrine.
Ulysses S. Grant
Name the formal withdrawal of a state from the Union.
Secession
Name one event that led to the Civil War.
There are many. Some options:
The Fugitive Slave Act
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Bleeding Kansas
The Caning of Sumner
Dred Scott Decision
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry
The Election of 1860
What summer holiday honors the U.S. military who died in service and is observed on the last Monday of May?
Memorial Day
Name the US strategy during the Civil War. The U.S. wanted to preserve the union, force the CSA to surrender by cutting them off from all outside support.
The Anaconda Plan
When did the Civil War occur?
_____ - _____
1861 - 1865
Which city hosts the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July?
Coney Island, New York
Explain one of the three Reconstruction amendments.
13th Amendment = Ends slavery in the USA
14th Amendment = All people born/naturalized are citizens, and have access to “due process” under the law
15th Amendment = Expands access to voting in the USA
Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Tell me one thing about this speech.
Answers may vary.
- Delivered at ceremony dedicating cemetery for soldiers who died at Battle of Gettysburg
Name one of the top 10 most visited US National Parks. Per National Geography 5/2026, #s as of 2025