Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The name "Detroit" is derived from the French word for "strait," reflecting its location on the Detroit River.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city's name, "Detroit," originates from the French term "détroit," meaning "strait," referencing its geographical position on the Detroit River.
Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit was established in 1701 by French explorers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit was founded in 1701 by French explorers Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and Alphonse de Tonty.
The Great Detroit Fire of 1805 destroyed a significant portion of the city, leading to the adoption of the motto 'We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The devastating Great Detroit Fire of 1805, which destroyed much of the city, inspired the adoption of the city's motto, "Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus" (We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes).
What is the origin of the name "Detroit," and what is its motto?
Answer: French for "strait"; "We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes"
Explanation: The name "Detroit" derives from the French "détroit" (strait), and the city's motto is "Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus," translating to "We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes."
When was Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit founded, and by whom?
Answer: 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and Alphonse de Tonty
Explanation: Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit was established on July 24, 1701, by French explorers Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and Alphonse de Tonty.
What event led to the adoption of Detroit's motto, "Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus"?
Answer: The Great Detroit Fire of 1805
Explanation: The Great Detroit Fire of 1805, which devastated the city, inspired the adoption of the motto "Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus" (We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes).
Detroit's primary historical significance is rooted in its role as the center of the U.S. automotive industry and its nickname, the "Motor City."
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's historical significance is intrinsically linked to its position as the epicenter of the American automotive industry, earning it the moniker "Motor City."
During World War II, Detroit earned the designation "Arsenal of Democracy" for its role in producing war materials.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's automotive industry was repurposed to manufacture vast quantities of war materials, leading to its designation as the "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II.
Mid-20th century urban decay in Detroit was primarily caused by industrial restructuring, job losses, and rapid suburbanization.
Answer: True
Explanation: The mid-20th century saw Detroit experience urban decay due to significant industrial shifts, substantial job losses, and accelerated suburbanization trends.
Detroit's primary economic sectors include manufacturing, finance, technology, and healthcare.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key economic sectors in Detroit encompass manufacturing, finance, technology, and healthcare, in addition to its foundational automotive industry.
Rocket Mortgage and Detroit Public Schools are among the largest employers in Detroit.
Answer: True
Explanation: Major employers within Detroit include entities such as Rocket Mortgage and Detroit Public Schools, alongside healthcare systems and the city government.
There has been a trend of companies relocating from suburban areas into downtown Detroit in recent years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Recent years have seen a notable trend of companies relocating their operations from suburban locales into downtown Detroit, attracted by urban revitalization efforts.
The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) serves as a regional Level I trauma center and is a significant employer.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) functions as a regional Level I trauma center and represents a major employment source within the city.
Detroit's role as the "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II was primarily due to its significant contributions in agricultural production.
Answer: False
Explanation: Detroit's designation as the "Arsenal of Democracy" stemmed from its automotive industry's massive output of war materials, not agricultural production.
What is Detroit's primary historical significance and a key nickname?
Answer: Center of automotive industry; "Motor City"
Explanation: Detroit's primary historical significance lies in its role as the center of the U.S. automotive industry, earning it the nickname "Motor City."
During World War II, Detroit earned the designation "Arsenal of Democracy" primarily for:
Answer: Retooling its automobile industry to produce war materials.
Explanation: Detroit's "Arsenal of Democracy" designation stemmed from the massive conversion of its automotive manufacturing capabilities to produce essential war materials for the Allied forces.
Which factors contributed to Detroit's urban decay starting in the mid-20th century?
Answer: Industrial restructuring, job losses, and rapid suburbanization.
Explanation: The mid-20th century saw Detroit's urban decay driven by factors such as industrial restructuring, significant job losses, and accelerated suburbanization.
Which of the following is a primary economic sector in Detroit, besides manufacturing?
Answer: Technology
Explanation: Beyond its manufacturing base, key economic sectors in Detroit include finance, technology, and healthcare.
Detroit's designation as the "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II highlights the crucial role of its:
Answer: Automotive industry in producing war materials.
Explanation: The "Arsenal of Democracy" title reflects the critical contribution of Detroit's automotive industry in manufacturing war materials during World War II.
According to the 2020 census, Detroit's population was 639,111, making it the 26th most populous city in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2020 census data indicates Detroit's population was 639,111, positioning it as the 26th most populous city nationally.
Detroit's location near the Canadian border made it a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad.
Answer: True
Explanation: Positioned on the border with Canada, Detroit served as a vital conduit for enslaved individuals seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Due to its wealth and impressive architecture in the late 19th century, Detroit was nicknamed the "Paris of the West."
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's economic prosperity and notable architecture in the late 19th century led to its recognition with the nickname "Paris of the West."
Detroit's population has increased by over 65 percent since its peak in 1950.
Answer: False
Explanation: Detroit's population has declined by more than 65 percent since its peak in 1950, a trend attributed to deindustrialization and suburbanization.
In 2020, the majority of Detroit's population identified as White or Caucasian.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2020, 77.7% of Detroit's population identified as Black or African American, constituting the majority demographic group.
The Great Migration led to a decrease in Detroit's African American population and eased racial tensions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Great Migration significantly increased Detroit's African American population, altering demographics and contributing to social dynamics, including racial tensions.
Detroit's cultural heritage is strongly associated with music genres such as Motown, techno, jazz, and hip-hop.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's cultural identity is deeply intertwined with its significant contributions to music, particularly genres like Motown, techno, jazz, and hip-hop.
Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was a pioneering label that achieved significant cultural impact in the 1960s and 70s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Motown Records, established by Berry Gordy Jr., was a groundbreaking record label that profoundly influenced music and culture during the 1960s and 1970s.
Detroit techno, an electronic dance music genre, emerged in the early 1980s with artists like Juan Atkins.
Answer: True
Explanation: The influential electronic dance music genre known as Detroit techno originated in the early 1980s, with key figures including Juan Atkins.
Detroit's major professional sports teams include the Tigers (MLB) playing at Comerica Park, the Lions (NFL) at Ford Field, and the Red Wings (NHL) and Pistons (NBA) at Little Caesars Arena.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's professional sports landscape includes the Tigers (MLB) at Comerica Park, the Lions (NFL) at Ford Field, and the Red Wings (NHL) and Pistons (NBA) at Little Caesars Arena.
The Detroit Pistons have won more NBA championships than the Detroit Red Wings have won Stanley Cups.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Detroit Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups, surpassing the Detroit Pistons' three NBA championships.
Detroit has hosted major sporting events such as the MLB All-Star Game in 2005 and Super Bowl XL in 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit has a history of hosting significant sporting events, including the MLB All-Star Game in 2005 and Super Bowl XL in 2006.
The 2024 NFL Draft held in Detroit set an attendance record, drawing over 775,000 people.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2024 NFL Draft, hosted in Detroit, achieved a record attendance, attracting more than 775,000 participants.
According to the 2020 census, what was Detroit's population, and how did its metropolitan area rank nationally?
Answer: Population: 639,111; Metro Rank: 14th
Explanation: The 2020 census recorded Detroit's population at 639,111 (26th nationally), while the Metro Detroit area, with over 4.4 million residents, ranks as the 14th largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
How did Detroit's location facilitate its role on the Underground Railroad?
Answer: Its proximity to Canada across the Detroit River allowed for easy escapes.
Explanation: Detroit's location on the border with Canada, across the Detroit River, provided a direct route for enslaved individuals to escape to freedom.
What nickname did Detroit earn in the late 19th century due to its prosperity and architecture?
Answer: The "Paris of the West"
Explanation: In the late 19th century, Detroit's affluence and architectural achievements led to it being known as the "Paris of the West."
How has Detroit's population changed since its peak in 1950?
Answer: It has declined by more than 65%.
Explanation: Since reaching its population peak in 1950, Detroit has experienced a decline exceeding 65%, largely due to deindustrialization and suburbanization.
What percentage of Detroit's population identified as Black or African American in 2020?
Answer: 77.7%
Explanation: In 2020, 77.7% of Detroit's population identified as Black or African American, representing the city's largest demographic group.
The Great Migration significantly impacted Detroit by:
Answer: Altering demographics and contributing to social dynamics.
Explanation: The Great Migration profoundly reshaped Detroit's demographics and influenced its social dynamics through the substantial influx of African Americans.
Which of these is NOT listed as one of Detroit's major professional sports teams?
Answer: Detroit Vipers (IHL)
Explanation: The Detroit Tigers (MLB), Lions (NFL), Red Wings (NHL), and Pistons (NBA) are listed as major professional sports teams; the Detroit Vipers (IHL) are not.
Detroit is geographically positioned on the bank of the Detroit River, directly opposite Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's location places it on the western bank of the Detroit River, directly across from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Detroit's total land area is approximately 142 square miles, with an elevation of about 200 meters above sea level.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit encompasses a land area of approximately 138.73 square miles, with an elevation of 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level.
The Metro Detroit area ranks as the largest metropolitan area in the Midwest, surpassing Chicago.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Metro Detroit area ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area in the Midwest, following Chicago.
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is unique because it is the only international wildlife preserve located entirely within the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is notable as North America's only international wildlife preserve, uniquely situated within a major metropolitan area.
Detroit has four official border crossings connecting it to Canada, including the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
Answer: True
Explanation: Four primary border crossings facilitate transit between Detroit and Canada: the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel, and the Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry.
Detroit experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate, with average July temperatures around 73.6°F.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's climate is classified as hot-summer humid continental (Köppen: Dfa), with average July daily mean temperatures reaching approximately 73.6°F (23.1°C).
Detroit receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 850 inches, with snowfall averaging 42.5 cm per season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Detroit receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 33.5 inches (850 mm), with snowfall averaging 42.5 inches (108 cm) per season.
Detroit's strategic location, ports, highways, and rail connections make it a vital transportation hub.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's advantageous location, complemented by its extensive ports, highway networks, and rail infrastructure, establishes it as a crucial transportation hub.
The Ambassador Bridge handles approximately 27% of the total trade between the United States and Canada, making it the busiest border crossing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ambassador Bridge is recognized as the busiest border crossing in North America, facilitating approximately 27% of U.S.-Canada trade.
The Detroit People Mover is an elevated rail system looping around downtown, while the QLine is a streetcar connecting key areas.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Detroit People Mover operates as an elevated rail system encircling the downtown area, whereas the QLine functions as a streetcar service connecting significant urban zones.
Detroit's floating post office, the J. W. Westcott II, is unique for possessing the only floating ZIP Code in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The J. W. Westcott II, Detroit's floating post office, holds the distinction of being the only postal facility in the United States with a floating ZIP Code.
Which of the following accurately describes Detroit's geographic location?
Answer: On the bank of the Detroit River, across from Windsor, Ontario.
Explanation: Detroit is situated on the bank of the Detroit River, directly opposite Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
How does the Metro Detroit area rank nationally in terms of size?
Answer: 14th largest
Explanation: The Metro Detroit area ranks as the 14th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
What makes the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge notable?
Answer: It is the only international wildlife preserve in North America.
Explanation: The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is distinguished as North America's sole international wildlife preserve, uniquely situated within a metropolitan context.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four border crossings between Detroit and Canada?
Answer: Ambassador Tunnel
Explanation: The Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and Michigan Central Railway Tunnel are listed border crossings; "Ambassador Tunnel" is not mentioned.
Detroit's climate is classified as hot-summer humid continental (Köppen: Dfa). What is the average daily mean temperature in January?
Answer: 25.6 °F (-3.6 °C)
Explanation: Detroit's hot-summer humid continental climate features an average daily mean temperature of 25.6 °F (-3.6 °C) in January.
What is the significance of the Detroit People Mover?
Answer: It is an elevated rail system looping around downtown.
Explanation: The Detroit People Mover is an elevated automated rail transit system that circulates through the downtown area.
What unique feature does Detroit's floating post office, the J. W. Westcott II, possess?
Answer: It has the only floating ZIP Code in the United States.
Explanation: The J. W. Westcott II, Detroit's floating post office, is unique for holding the distinction of having the only floating ZIP Code in the United States.
The 1967 Detroit riot, also known as the Twelfth Street riot, resulted in minimal property damage and no fatalities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1967 Detroit riot, or Twelfth Street riot, caused extensive property destruction and resulted in numerous fatalities, contrary to the statement.
Detroit successfully exited bankruptcy in December 2014, having reduced its debt by approximately $7 billion.
Answer: True
Explanation: In December 2014, Detroit concluded its bankruptcy proceedings, having achieved a reduction of approximately $7 billion in its debt.
A 2009 survey found that a majority of homes in Detroit were in poor condition, necessitating widespread demolition.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2009 survey indicated that 86% of Detroit homes were in good condition, although vacancy remained a challenge addressed through demolition and land repurposing.
Augustus Woodward's vision for Detroit included an unstructured park system and a decentralized city layout.
Answer: False
Explanation: Augustus Woodward envisioned a structured city layout for Detroit, characterized by grand boulevards and an orderly, hub-and-spoke design, including elegant common parks.
In 2018, Detroit's median household income was significantly higher than both the state of Michigan and the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2018, Detroit's median household income of $31,283 was substantially lower than the median incomes for both Michigan and the United States.
Detroit's reputation for high crime rates is attributed to economic challenges and job losses.
Answer: True
Explanation: Decades of economic difficulties and job losses have contributed to Detroit's reputation for elevated crime rates.
According to the FBI's 2019 UCR data, Detroit reported a homicide rate of 41.4 per 100,000 population.
Answer: True
Explanation: The FBI's 2019 Uniform Crime Reporting data indicated a homicide rate of 41.4 per 100,000 residents in Detroit.
Detroit's governmental structure includes a mayor, a nine-member City Council, and a Board of Police Commissioners.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's municipal government comprises a mayor, a nine-member City Council, and a Board of Police Commissioners.
What was the significance of Coleman Young's election in 1973?
Answer: True
Explanation: Coleman Young's election in 1973 marked a significant moment as he became Detroit's first Black mayor, initiating changes in city services and transportation.
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013 due to a $327 million deficit and over $14 billion in debt.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's bankruptcy filing in 2013 was precipitated by a $327 million deficit and accumulated debt exceeding $14 billion.
Detroit is referred to as a "sanctuary city" because its police department generally prevents inquiring about immigration status unless a person is suspected of a crime.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit is designated as a "sanctuary city" due to its anti-profiling ordinances, which typically restrict police from inquiring about immigration status unless a criminal suspicion exists.
Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy are major educational institutions located within Detroit.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prominent educational institutions situated within Detroit include Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy, among others.
A significant challenge for Detroit's K-12 students includes frequent school changes and underperformance on standardized tests.
Answer: True
Explanation: Challenges faced by Detroit's K-12 students encompass frequent school transitions and suboptimal performance on standardized assessments.
Nearly half of Detroit's adult population is considered functionally illiterate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Data indicates that approximately half of Detroit's adult population struggles with functional literacy.
What was a major consequence of the 1967 Detroit riot mentioned in the source?
Answer: Widespread property destruction and thousands of arrests.
Explanation: A significant consequence of the 1967 Detroit riot was widespread property destruction and the arrest of thousands of individuals.
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in July 2013. What was a key financial outcome upon exiting bankruptcy in December 2014?
Answer: A reduction in city debt by $7 billion.
Explanation: Upon exiting bankruptcy in December 2014, Detroit had successfully reduced its city debt by approximately $7 billion.
What did a 2009 survey reveal about the condition of most homes in Detroit?
Answer: 86% were in good condition.
Explanation: A 2009 survey indicated that 86% of homes in Detroit were in good condition, although vacancy remained a notable issue.
Augustus Woodward's vision for Detroit's parks system included:
Answer: Grand boulevards and an orderly, hub-and-spoke layout.
Explanation: Augustus Woodward's urban planning vision for Detroit incorporated grand boulevards and an organized, hub-and-spoke city layout, including elegant parks.
In 2018, Detroit's median household income was reported as $31,283. How did this compare to the U.S. median income?
Answer: It was significantly lower than the U.S. median.
Explanation: Detroit's 2018 median household income of $31,283 was considerably lower than the national median income for the same year.
Detroit's reputation for high crime rates is attributed by the source to:
Answer: Economic challenges and job losses.
Explanation: Economic challenges and a history of job losses are cited as primary factors contributing to Detroit's reputation for high crime rates.
What was Detroit's homicide rate per 100,000 population according to the FBI's 2019 UCR data?
Answer: 41.4
Explanation: The FBI's 2019 Uniform Crime Reporting data indicated Detroit's homicide rate was 41.4 per 100,000 population.
In 2015, Detroit was honored by UNESCO as a "City of Design," being the only U.S. city to receive this designation.
Answer: True
Explanation: UNESCO designated Detroit as a "City of Design" in 2015, a distinction held uniquely by only one U.S. city at that time.
Prominent architectural styles in Detroit include Art Deco, exemplified by the Guardian Building, and postmodern Neo-Gothic styles.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's architectural landscape features significant examples of Art Deco, such as the Guardian Building, and postmodern styles that incorporate Neo-Gothic elements.
Detroit was named one of The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2017" and ranked second-best city to visit by Lonely Planet in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit has garnered significant recognition as a travel destination, notably being featured by The New York Times as one of its "52 Places to Go in 2017" and by Lonely Planet as the second-best city globally to visit in 2018.
The 'Spirit of Detroit' sculpture is known for being occasionally adorned with sports jerseys to celebrate local team victories.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "Spirit of Detroit" sculpture serves as a civic symbol and is often decorated with sports team jerseys to commemorate local team successes.
The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News reduced home delivery to three days a week in March 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: In March 2009, The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News modified their delivery schedules, reducing home delivery to three days per week.
Detroit's television and radio markets are ranked among the top 15 largest in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: Detroit's television and radio markets are recognized among the top 15 largest within the United States, indicating significant media reach.
What significant designation did UNESCO grant Detroit in 2015?
Answer: City of Design
Explanation: In 2015, UNESCO recognized Detroit with the designation of "City of Design," a unique honor for a U.S. city at that time.
Which architectural style is exemplified by the Guardian Building in Detroit?
Answer: Art Deco
Explanation: The Guardian Building in Detroit is a prime example of Art Deco architecture.