Oldest globe was crafted in 1492

The oldest surviving globe of the world is the 1492 “Erdapfel” (Earth apple), attributed to German merchant/geographer Martin Behaim. A close second is the Laon Globe made in France and dated 1493. They’re not the first globes ever made. In fact, Columbus probably brought a globe with him when he set sail for India in 1492. (Not that it did him much good.) What makes the Erdapfel and Laon Globe unusual, however, is that they were made before Columbus returned from his voyage. Thus they don’t depict the Americas.

What imaginary line runs through India, China, Mexico and the Bahamas at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude?

A) Equator

B) International Date Line

C) Tropic of Cancer

D) Tropic of Capricorn

Answer: The Tropic of Cancer runs around the globe at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude.

Traveler named City of Rocks

In 1849, landscape artist James F. Wilkins made a 151-day journey from Missouri to California, keeping a diary and sketching throughout the trip. His route took him through southern Idaho past spectacular granite formations that were landmarks for westward-bound emigrants. In his diary, Wilkins called the area “City of Rocks,” and the name stuck. Since 1988, it’s officially been known as City of Rocks National Reserve, part of the National Park System.

Who carved the presidential portraits on Mount Rushmore?

A) Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum B) Daniel Chester French

C) Henry Augustus Lukeman

D) John and Washington Roebling

Answer: Father and son Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum carved the images of the presidents in Mount Rushmore.

Niger has lowest median age: 14.8

With a median age of 14.8, the African nation of Niger has the youngest median population of any country in the world. Uganda is second, and eight more African nations round out the top 10. By comparison, the world median age is around 30. The United States comes in at 39.4; Germany and Japan are around 48. Monaco has the world’s highest median age at an estimated 54.5.

Dayton, Ohio, is named for Jonathan Dayton, who holds what distinction? A) Aviation pioneer

B) Youngest Civil War general

C) First governor of Ohio

D) Youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution

Answer: Dayton, Ohio, is named for Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution.