Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Pontiac, Michigan Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Pontiac, Michigan: A Comprehensive Overview

Cheat Sheet:
Pontiac, Michigan: A Comprehensive Overview Study Guide

Founding and Early History

The city of Pontiac was named after a prominent French explorer who mapped the region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The city of Pontiac was named after Obwaandi'eyaag, a war chief of the Odawa people, not a French explorer.

Return to Game

Pontiac was founded in 1818, making it the first European-American organized settlement in Michigan.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Pontiac was founded in 1818, it was the second European-American organized settlement in Michigan near Detroit, following Dearborn.

Return to Game

The Saginaw Trail was an important land route for indigenous peoples that ran from the Detroit River to Saginaw Bay.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Saginaw Trail was indeed a significant land route utilized by indigenous peoples, extending from the Detroit River area to Saginaw Bay.

Return to Game

Early European explorers described the land where Pontiac is now located as fertile and abundant.

Answer: False

Explanation: Early European expeditions described the land near Detroit, where Pontiac is situated, as having 'extreme sterility and barrenness,' not as fertile and abundant.

Return to Game

Sarah Sibley, wife of Solomon Sibley, played a key role in Pontiac's early development by managing settler relations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sarah Sibley, wife of Solomon Sibley and a member of The Pontiac Company, was instrumental in the early development of Pontiac, serving as the primary liaison with settlers.

Return to Game

Who is the city of Pontiac, Michigan, named after?

Answer: A war chief of the Odawa people

Explanation: The city is named after Obwaandi'eyaag, also known as Pontiac, who was a war chief of the Odawa people.

Return to Game

What was the historical assessment of the land where Pontiac is now located by early European explorers?

Answer: Described as having 'extreme sterility and barrenness'

Explanation: Early European expeditions characterized the land in the vicinity of present-day Pontiac as having 'extreme sterility and barrenness'.

Return to Game

What role did Sarah Sibley play in Pontiac's early development?

Answer: She served as the primary liaison with settlers.

Explanation: Sarah Sibley played a crucial role in Pontiac's early development by acting as the primary liaison with settlers during the town's formative years.

Return to Game

Economic Development and Industry

During the 20th century, Pontiac's economy was primarily driven by its General Motors automobile manufacturing plants.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac's economy during the 20th century was significantly shaped by its General Motors automobile manufacturing plants, which were a primary driver of its economic activity.

Return to Game

The Oakland Motor Car Company was a competitor to General Motors before being acquired by GM.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Oakland Motor Car Company was founded in Pontiac and was acquired by General Motors in 1909. It was one of GM's early brands, not a competitor that was later acquired.

Return to Game

During World War II, Pontiac's facilities produced civilian vehicles for the war effort.

Answer: False

Explanation: During World War II, Pontiac's facilities were heavily involved in wartime production, manufacturing military vehicles such as GMC trucks, naval torpedoes, and munitions, not civilian vehicles.

Return to Game

The Pontiac automobile brand, named after the city, was discontinued by General Motors in 2015.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pontiac automobile brand was discontinued by General Motors in 2010, not 2015.

Return to Game

Pontiac's population saw significant growth in the 1910s and 1920s due to workers migrating for jobs in its GM auto assembly plants.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac experienced substantial population growth during the 1910s and 1920s, largely driven by an influx of workers, including African Americans participating in the Great Migration, seeking employment in its General Motors auto assembly plants.

Return to Game

What was the primary economic focus of Pontiac during the 20th century?

Answer: General Motors automobile manufacturing

Explanation: During the 20th century, Pontiac's economy was predominantly characterized by its General Motors automobile manufacturing plants.

Return to Game

What significant demographic shift occurred in Pontiac during the 1910s and 1920s?

Answer: Tens of thousands of workers, including African Americans in the Great Migration, moved for GM auto jobs.

Explanation: During the 1910s and 1920s, Pontiac experienced a significant demographic shift as tens of thousands of workers, notably African Americans participating in the Great Migration, relocated to the city for employment in its General Motors auto assembly plants.

Return to Game

What happened to the Pontiac automobile brand, named after the city?

Answer: It was discontinued by General Motors in 2010.

Explanation: The Pontiac automobile brand, named in honor of the city, was discontinued by General Motors in 2010.

Return to Game

Demographics and Social Fabric

Pontiac's population has steadily increased since its peak around 1970.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following its peak population around 1970, Pontiac's population generally declined until a slight increase was observed in the 2020 census compared to 2010.

Return to Game

In the 2010 census, African Americans constituted the largest racial group in Pontiac.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2010 census data, African Americans constituted the largest racial group in Pontiac, making up 52.1% of the population.

Return to Game

The median household income in Pontiac was over $50,000 in the year 2000.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the year 2000, the median household income in Pontiac was $31,207, which is not over $50,000.

Return to Game

In 2010, Pontiac's population density was significantly lower than the state average.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2010, Pontiac's population density was 2,980.2 inhabitants per square mile, which is considerably higher than the average population density for the state of Michigan.

Return to Game

The median age in Pontiac in 2010 was 33.4 years, with a higher percentage of residents aged 65+ than under 18.

Answer: False

Explanation: The median age in Pontiac in 2010 was 33.4 years, but the data shows 27.2% of residents were under 18 and 9.3% were aged 65 or older, meaning a significantly higher percentage were under 18.

Return to Game

The city of Pontiac had a population of 61,606 according to the 2010 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population of Pontiac was 61,606 according to the 2020 census. The 2010 census recorded a population of 58,224.

Return to Game

According to the 2020 census, what was the population of Pontiac?

Answer: 61,606

Explanation: The 2020 census data indicates that the population of Pontiac was 61,606.

Return to Game

How has Pontiac's population generally trended since its peak around 1970?

Answer: It generally declined until a slight increase in 2020.

Explanation: Following its peak population around 1970, Pontiac's population generally declined until the 2020 census, which showed a slight increase compared to 2010.

Return to Game

In the 2010 census, what percentage of Pontiac's population identified as African American?

Answer: 52.1%

Explanation: According to the 2010 census, 52.1% of Pontiac's population identified as African American.

Return to Game

What was the median household income in Pontiac in the year 2000?

Answer: $31,207

Explanation: In the year 2000, the median household income for Pontiac was $31,207.

Return to Game

Governance and Urban Renewal

The 'Pontiac Plan' adopted in 1969 was an initiative focused on revitalizing the city's downtown district.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pontiac Plan, adopted in 1969, was indeed a comprehensive development strategy aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the city's downtown district.

Return to Game

Pontiac experienced a period of oversight by an Emergency Financial Manager from 2009 to 2013.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac was indeed under the oversight of an Emergency Financial Manager during the period from 2009 through 2013.

Return to Game

The 'Rise of The Phoenix' initiative aimed to attract businesses by offering free rent and parking.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Rise of The Phoenix' initiative, launched in 2010, was designed to revitalize downtown Pontiac by offering incentives such as free rent for multi-year leases and free parking to attract businesses.

Return to Game

Pontiac currently operates under a council-manager form of government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontiac currently operates under a strong mayor system, not a council-manager form of government.

Return to Game

Tim Greimel, the current mayor of Pontiac, previously served as a Michigan State Representative.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tim Greimel, elected Mayor of Pontiac in November 2021, previously served as a Michigan State Representative and an Oakland County Commissioner.

Return to Game

Pontiac levies a 1% income tax on residents and a 0.5% tax on non-residents.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac levies a city income tax at a rate of 1 percent for residents and 0.5 percent for non-residents.

Return to Game

The Pontiac Plan, an urban renewal project, included the construction of the Phoenix Center.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pontiac Plan, an urban renewal project initiated in the 1970s, did include the construction of the Phoenix Center as part of its redevelopment efforts for the downtown area.

Return to Game

The Clinton River was confined in concrete in 1963 primarily to improve its aesthetic appeal for downtown beautification.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Clinton River was confined in concrete through downtown Pontiac in 1963 primarily as a measure to prevent flooding, not for aesthetic beautification.

Return to Game

Suburban development after World War II led to increased business and population density in Pontiac's downtown area.

Answer: False

Explanation: Suburban development after World War II led to established residents moving out of Pontiac, draining business from the downtown area and resulting in vacancies, thus decreasing density.

Return to Game

Plans to demolish the Phoenix Center in Pontiac were successfully completed in December 2012.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plans to demolish the Phoenix Center were halted by a judge-granted injunction in December 2012, following a lawsuit filed by adjacent property owners.

Return to Game

The 1982 charter revision established a weak-mayor system in Pontiac.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1982 charter revision established a strong-mayor form of government in Pontiac, not a weak-mayor system.

Return to Game

The "Pontiac Plan" aimed to re-emphasize the street grid in the downtown area, specifically reconnecting Saginaw Street.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key objective of the Pontiac Plan was to re-establish the downtown street grid, with a specific focus on reconnecting Saginaw Street to the core urban area.

Return to Game

Pontiac levies an income tax of 1% on residents and 0.75% on non-residents.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontiac levies an income tax of 1% on residents and 0.5% on non-residents, not 0.75% on non-residents.

Return to Game

What measures did emergency managers implement to balance Pontiac's budget between 2009 and 2013?

Answer: Selling city assets and privatizing public services

Explanation: Emergency managers implemented measures such as revising labor contracts, selling city assets like parking meters, and privatizing most public services to balance Pontiac's budget and reduce debt.

Return to Game

The 'Rise of The Phoenix' initiative, launched in 2010, aimed to revitalize downtown Pontiac by offering what kind of incentives?

Answer: Free rent and parking for businesses

Explanation: The 'Rise of The Phoenix' initiative offered incentives such as free rent for multi-year leases and free parking to attract businesses to downtown Pontiac.

Return to Game

What form of government does Pontiac currently operate under?

Answer: Strong mayor system

Explanation: Pontiac currently operates under a strong mayor system, where the mayor holds significant executive authority.

Return to Game

Who was elected Mayor of Pontiac in November 2021?

Answer: Tim Greimel

Explanation: Tim Greimel was elected Mayor of Pontiac in November 2021.

Return to Game

What is the city income tax rate for residents of Pontiac?

Answer: 1.0%

Explanation: The city income tax rate for residents of Pontiac is 1.0 percent.

Return to Game

What was the primary purpose of confining the Clinton River in concrete in 1963?

Answer: To prevent flooding

Explanation: The Clinton River was confined in concrete through downtown Pontiac in 1963 primarily as a measure to prevent flooding.

Return to Game

What was the outcome of the attempt to demolish the Phoenix Center in Pontiac in December 2012?

Answer: A judge granted an injunction, halting the demolition.

Explanation: In December 2012, a judge granted an injunction that halted the planned demolition of the Phoenix Center in Pontiac, following a lawsuit filed by adjacent property owners.

Return to Game

What was the significance of the 1982 charter revision for Pontiac's government structure?

Answer: It established a strong-mayor form of government.

Explanation: The 1982 charter revision was significant as it established a strong-mayor form of government for Pontiac, defining the roles and powers of the mayor and city commission.

Return to Game

What impact did suburban development have on Pontiac's downtown area after World War II?

Answer: It caused a decline in business and resulted in vacancies.

Explanation: Following World War II, suburban development contributed to a decline in business and an increase in vacancies within Pontiac's downtown area as residents moved to outlying areas.

Return to Game

Geography, Infrastructure, and Transportation

Pontiac, Michigan, is located approximately 26 miles northeast of downtown Detroit.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information indicates that Pontiac is located approximately 26 miles northwest of downtown Detroit, not northeast.

Return to Game

Pontiac covers a total area of approximately 20.29 square miles, with water making up over 10% of its area.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontiac covers a total area of 20.29 square miles, but water constitutes only 0.32 square miles, which is approximately 1.58%, not over 10%.

Return to Game

Pontiac is bordered by Sterling Heights to the east and Southfield to the south.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontiac is bordered by Auburn Hills to the east and Bloomfield Township to the south, not Sterling Heights and Southfield.

Return to Game

Woodward Avenue runs through Pontiac, connecting it to Flint.

Answer: False

Explanation: Woodward Avenue runs through Pontiac and connects it to Detroit, but it does not directly connect Pontiac to Flint. M-10 (John C. Lodge Freeway) and I-75 are major north-south routes in the region.

Return to Game

Amtrak's Wolverine service connects Pontiac to Grand Rapids.

Answer: False

Explanation: Amtrak's Wolverine service connects Pontiac to Chicago via Detroit and Battle Creek, not Grand Rapids.

Return to Game

SMART Flex is a fixed-route bus service connecting Pontiac to downtown Detroit.

Answer: False

Explanation: SMART Flex is an on-demand public transit service, not a fixed-route service, designed to improve connections within Pontiac and surrounding areas.

Return to Game

Pontiac's climate is classified as a 'Cfa' (Humid Subtropical Climate).

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontiac's climate is classified as 'Dfb', which corresponds to a Warm Summer Continental Climate, not a Humid Subtropical Climate (Cfa).

Return to Game

The Metro Detroit Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the provided data, the Metro Detroit MSA includes Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. Washtenaw County is part of the Ann Arbor MSA.

Return to Game

The main roads in Pontiac include Woodward Avenue (M-1), M-59, and US-24 (Telegraph Road).

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary road thoroughfares in Pontiac are indeed Woodward Avenue (M-1), M-59 (Huron Street), and US-24 (Telegraph Road).

Return to Game

Pontiac's climate is classified as 'Dfb', indicating a Warm Summer Continental Climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac's climate is classified under the Köppen system as 'Dfb', which denotes a Warm Summer Continental Climate, characterized by distinct seasons including cold winters and warm summers.

Return to Game

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides bus transit services in Pontiac.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) does provide local and regional bus transit services within Pontiac.

Return to Game

What is Pontiac, Michigan, primarily known as in relation to Detroit?

Answer: A satellite city or suburb

Explanation: The city of Pontiac is frequently characterized as a satellite city or suburb within the broader context of the Detroit metropolitan area.

Return to Game

Which of the following municipalities borders Pontiac to the east?

Answer: Auburn Hills

Explanation: Pontiac is bordered by Auburn Hills to the east and north.

Return to Game

Pontiac is located at the northern end of which historic avenue known for 'cruising'?

Answer: Woodward Avenue

Explanation: Pontiac is situated at the northern terminus of Woodward Avenue, a historic route famous for its association with 'cruising' and the annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

Return to Game

What passenger rail service does Amtrak operate from Pontiac?

Answer: The Wolverine service to Chicago

Explanation: Amtrak operates the Wolverine service from Pontiac to Chicago, with intermediate stops including Detroit and Battle Creek.

Return to Game

Pontiac's climate is classified as 'Dfb', which corresponds to what type of climate?

Answer: Warm Summer Continental Climate

Explanation: The 'Dfb' classification in the Köppen climate system signifies a Warm Summer Continental Climate, characterized by distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters.

Return to Game

Which counties are part of the Metro Detroit Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) according to the source?

Answer: Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Wayne

Explanation: According to the provided data, the Metro Detroit Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) comprises Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties.

Return to Game

Culture, Landmarks, and Notable Figures

The Pontiac Silverdome, built in 1975, was the home stadium for the Detroit Pistons.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pontiac Silverdome, built in 1975, served as the home stadium for the Detroit Lions of the NFL, not the Detroit Pistons.

Return to Game

Erebus, located in Pontiac, once held the world record for the largest haunted house.

Answer: True

Explanation: Erebus, a notable haunted attraction located in Pontiac, did hold the world record for the largest haunted house from 2005 to 2009.

Return to Game

Pontiac has been used as a filming location for the movie 'Transformers: Age of Extinction'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac has indeed served as a filming location for movies, including 'Transformers: Age of Extinction'.

Return to Game

The School District of the City of Pontiac operates both Pontiac Northern High School and Pontiac Central High School.

Answer: False

Explanation: The School District of the City of Pontiac operates Pontiac High School, which was formed by the consolidation of the former Pontiac Northern High School and Pontiac Central High School.

Return to Game

Geri Allen, Elvin Jones, and Thad Jones are musicians associated with Pontiac.

Answer: True

Explanation: Geri Allen, Elvin Jones, and Thad Jones are indeed notable musicians associated with Pontiac. Hank Jones, also a musician, lived in the city.

Return to Game

Madonna, a globally famous singer, grew up in Pontiac.

Answer: True

Explanation: The globally famous singer and actress Madonna lived in Pontiac during her childhood.

Return to Game

Kirk Gibson, a notable athlete associated with Pontiac, played professional basketball.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kirk Gibson, a notable athlete associated with Pontiac, played professional baseball (MLB), not basketball.

Return to Game

Jack Kevorkian, a pathologist known for his work in euthanasia, was born in Pontiac.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jack Kevorkian, a pathologist known for his controversial advocacy for euthanasia, was born in Pontiac.

Return to Game

The East Campus of the Oakland County Service Center, located in Pontiac, houses the county courthouse and the juvenile detention center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The East Campus of the Oakland County Service Center in Pontiac houses the county courthouse and the jail for adults, not the juvenile detention center.

Return to Game

Pontiac Academy for Excellence is one of the charter schools operating within the city.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pontiac Academy for Excellence is listed as one of the charter schools operating within the city of Pontiac.

Return to Game

The Pontiac fever outbreak of 1968 was later identified as being caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pontiac fever outbreak in 1968 was later identified as being caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which was also identified in Philadelphia in 1976.

Return to Game

The Pontiac Silverdome was demolished in 2018 and is now the site of an Amazon Fulfillment and Distribution facility.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pontiac Silverdome was demolished in 2018. The site is now occupied by an Amazon Fulfillment and Distribution facility.

Return to Game

Which NFL team played at the Pontiac Silverdome from 1975 to 2001?

Answer: The Detroit Lions

Explanation: The Pontiac Silverdome served as the home stadium for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League from 1975 to 2001.

Return to Game

Which of the following is a nationally renowned haunted attraction located in Pontiac?

Answer: The Realm of Darkness

Explanation: Pontiac is home to nationally renowned haunted attractions, including The Realm of Darkness.

Return to Game

Pontiac has served as a filming location for which of the following movies?

Answer: Oz the Great and Powerful

Explanation: Pontiac has been utilized as a filming location for several movies, including 'Oz the Great and Powerful'.

Return to Game

Which high school is operated by the School District of the City of Pontiac?

Answer: Pontiac High School

Explanation: The School District of the City of Pontiac operates Pontiac High School, which consolidated the former Pontiac Northern and Pontiac Central High Schools.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT listed as a notable musician or jazz artist associated with Pontiac?

Answer: Miles Davis

Explanation: While Geri Allen, Elvin Jones, and Hank Jones are associated with Pontiac, Miles Davis is not listed among the notable musicians from the city in the provided information.

Return to Game