Most Americans Would Fail This Famous Historical Figures Quiz

Some people from history are almost impossible to forget. Their names appear in textbooks, documentaries, museums, trivia games, and even casual conversations. Figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein are so deeply woven into American education and culture that most people can recognize them right away.

But history is full of important names that are not quite as easy to place. These are people who shaped politics, science, music, literature, civil rights, business, and everyday American life, yet many of them fade from memory once school is over. You may know what they accomplished or recognize their names, but identifying them by face is another challenge entirely.

This quiz puts that memory to the test. See how many of these famous historical figures you can actually name, and find out which important faces from history you may have forgotten.

This is the first of the historical figures that everyone should know. Hint: He was one of the presidents of the United States.

This is Abraham Lincoln. He was president during the Civil War. He saved the Union, and he's credited with freeing the slaves.

He's credited with making many of the things that we all use today.

It was Benjamin Franklin. He was also a scientist, diplomat, writer, printer, and more. Some of his inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, swim fins, and more.

This is one of the most famous faces in American history. Does he look familiar?

This is Martin Luther King Jr. He worked tirelessly to fight for racial equality. He was a reverend who wanted everyone to have the same rights. That's one of the reasons why there's a day named after him.

This is one of the historical figures you should know. He helped to create one of the most important inventions of all time.

This is Thomas Edison. He is credited with creating the light bulbs, but that's not it. He also invented the phonograph, the movie camera, and made significant improvements to telegraph technology and batteries. It's safe to say that we wouldn't have much to do for fun without him.

This author wrote many classic books, including one that you likely read in school as a youth.

That is Mark Twain. He wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among others. He was also a humorist who was very famous during his time.

This guy created one of the most famous amusement parks of all time.

That is Walt Disney. You have him to thank for long lines and expensive tickets to Disneyland and Disney World.

This is one of the most important historical figures in American history. Who is he?

That is Albert Einstein. While he did a lot of work in Europe, many of his theories and inventions are more famous for how they helped America.

He was great at baseball, and he helped change the sport forever.

That is Jackie Robinson. He was the first Black player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in the modern era, opening the door for many others to follow.

She fought for equality.

That is Susan B. Anthony. She fought for equality for women and opened many doors for people who needed it back in her day.

He helped to make the computer that we know today.

That is Bill Gates. He co-founded Microsoft and played a key role in making personal computers widely accessible through software like Microsoft Windows. He was one of the world's most prominent billionaires for many years, though he is no longer in the top 10 as of 2025.

This is one of the most famous historical figures who had many hits on the radio. And we're not talking about Nixon.

That is Elvis Presley. He's considered to be the King of Rock and Roll.

This is another famous baseball player everyone should recognize. Hint: He's one of the best.

That is George Herman “Babe” Ruth. He is considered one of the best to ever play the game. He has numerous records.

The man on the left was famous for some good and not-so-good behaviors.

That is Richard Nixon. He wasn't the most beloved president, but he did have his share of victories.

This is a former president every American should recognize. We have him to thank for our freedom.

That is George Washington. He helped create the system of democracy that makes our country great.

He was critical during the Civil War.

That is Ulysses S. Grant. He was President Lincoln's general during the Civil War for the Union.

She was one of the bravest historical figures.

That is Amelia Earhart. She was one of the greatest female pilots and disappeared over the Pacific Ocean during an attempted around-the-world flight.

He helped our country during times of crisis.

That is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He helped us live through the Great Depression and during World War II.

He's a very successful man who's still living.

That is Warren Buffett. He is a very famous businessman, investor, and philanthropist, and is set to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025.

Who is the man on the left? He was one of the most famous of them all.

This famous American is Ronald Reagan. He did great things in our country and internationally.