Tall Tales & Local Legends

• Question 1 out of 10

  Who was known for wrestling a tornado and riding a cyclone?

  Pecos Bill is a legendary cowboy of the American West who supposedly tamed tornadoes and used a rattlesnake as a lasso. His stories are pure tall tale exaggeration.

  Pecos Bill

  Johnny Appleseed

  Paul Bunyan

  Davy Crockett

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• Question 2 out of 10

  What animal is famously associated with the mythical lumberjack Paul Bunyan?

  Paul Bunyan’s companion was Babe the Blue Ox, so massive that their footprints created the Great Lakes—according to the legend.

  A giant eagle

  A flamingo

  A jackalope

  A blue ox

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• Question 3 out of 10

  Who was known for planting apple trees across the American frontier?

  Johnny Appleseed, based on the real-life John Chapman, became a folk hero for spreading apple seeds and living a simple, kind-hearted life.

  Daniel Boone

  Mike Fink

  Johnny Appleseed

  John Henry

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• Question 4 out of 10

  What creature is a cross between an antelope and a rabbit, often depicted with horns?

  The jackalope is a mythical creature of American folklore, especially common in the West. It’s often featured in humorous postcards and novelty gifts.

  Chupacabra

  Jersey Devil

  Skunk Ape

  Jackalope

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• Question 5 out of 10

  What real American frontiersman became the subject of many tall tales, including one about grinning a bear to death?

  Although Davy Crockett was a real historical figure, tall tales grew around him, such as wrestling bears and riding comets.

  Wild Bill Hickok

  Buffalo Bill Cody

  Davy Crockett

  Kit Carson

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• Question 6 out of 10

  What legendary African American folk hero was known for hammering steel faster than a machine?

  John Henry raced against a steam-powered drill and won—but died from exhaustion. His tale symbolizes human strength and perseverance.

  Jesse Owens

  John Henry

  Nat Love

  Hiram Revels

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• Question 7 out of 10

  Which of these legendary figures was NOT originally from American folklore?

  Robin Hood hails from English folklore. The others—Mike Fink, Pecos Bill, and Paul Bunyan—are homegrown American legends.

  Mike Fink

  Pecos Bill

  Robin Hood

  Paul Bunyan

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• Question 8 out of 10

  Which riverboatman was famous for being the toughest man on the Mississippi?

  Mike Fink was a larger-than-life keelboatman known for brawling, boasting, and shooting cups off people's heads—mostly in exaggerated tales.

  Sam Clemens

  Mike Fink

  Huck Finn

  Old Dan Tucker

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• Question 9 out of 10

  What Native American legend tells of a giant bird strong enough to carry away whales?

  The Thunderbird is a powerful spirit in many Indigenous cultures, often seen as a symbol of storms and divine power.

  Thunderbird

  Windigo

  Sky Serpent

  Feather Beast

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• Question 10 out of 10

  In American tall tales, what wild animal did Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett famously wrestle?

  Sally Ann Thunder Ann was a legendary frontier woman known for her fierce spirit and outrageous strength. One of her most famous feats was wrestling a wildcat to save a trapped man—proving she was every bit as tough as the men of tall tale lore.

  Grizzly bear

  Wildcat

  Alligator

  Coyote

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