National States and Capitals Day (September 22nd)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every September 22nd
Tagged as:	Countries & Cultures Historical Interest
What's the hashtag?	#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
We first published this page on:	Mar 27th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Mar 27th, 2025

National States and Capitals Day is all about geography made fun. It gives people a chance to test what they know and learn something new. From little kids with flashcards to adults brushing up on maps, everyone can join in.

Each state has its own capital, full of local flavor, culture, and history. The day turns a basic list of places into something far more vivid—a journey across the entire country without ever leaving home.

Knowing all the capitals isn’t just a memory game. It builds awareness of how the country fits together. Capitals aren’t always the biggest cities, but they hold big importance. They help shape laws, guide communities, and give identity to each state.

When people learn about them, they don’t just memorize names. They start to see how every part of the country plays a role in the bigger picture. That makes geography personal—and much more exciting.

History of National States and Capitals Day

Make a Map from Memory

Try drawing the United States by hand. Add each capital where you think it belongs. Then check how close you were. This fun challenge helps sharpen map skills and boosts memory in a playful way.

Quiz Your Friends or Family

Turn it into a game night with a state-and-capital trivia round. Keep score and offer prizes for extra fun. Laughter and learning go great together. Everyone gets to pick up new facts without pressure.

Spot Capitals in the News

Pick a news story from a state capital and learn what’s happening there. Look up events, leaders, or new laws. Connecting headlines to real places builds a better sense of what’s going on across the country.

Create State-Themed Art

Use paints, crayons, or markers to make something inspired by a favorite state. Include its capital, state bird, or flower. Kids and adults alike can enjoy turning geography into colorful, creative displays.

Try Local Food from Each State

Cook a dish from a state capital’s region or find a local restaurant offering something regional. It’s a delicious way to explore. Pick a few favorites and turn it into a taste tour without leaving town.

History of the National States And Capitals Day

National States and Capitals Day shines a light on one of the country’s most basic but often forgotten subjects—geography. The day focuses on helping people remember each U.S. state and its capital.

While many national days have clear beginnings, this one’s exact origin remains unclear. No official record points to a specific person or group who started it. Still, the purpose behind it feels clear: to make geography more fun, useful, and easy to remember.

Most people learn the names of capitals in school, but this day offers a chance to revisit that knowledge later in life. It’s not just for kids. Adults can join in, too.

The idea may have grown from the growing trend of educational days that mix fun with learning. Over time, this special date gained attention from teachers, families, and trivia lovers.

Even without a known founder, the day has found a place on national calendars. People celebrate it in different ways—from games to creative projects. It reminds us that every state holds its own story, and each capital plays an important role in it.

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

National States and Capitals Day