List of the 50 States

Consider the following list of 50 states as an exercise in memorization. When I memorized this list, I used the Journey method.

Using visualization and association, I quickly created 50 images representing each of the fifty different U.S. states. Then I "linked" them in a mental visual tour of the first floor of the office building where I work.

You've got a couple of options if you want to print this list.

To print a simple list, drag your mouse to highlight the list below. Go to your Print window (usually File → Print), and choose "Print Selection" to only print the list of states.

Or, you can print out a PDF file I made that includes both the states and the names of their capital cities.

U.S. States List

Below is the list of U.S. states. Printable PDF Version

The Journey method I used to memorize the 50 U.S. states in order is incredibly effective.

I'm able to say the list forward or backward in order, and if you tell the name of any state I can then finish the list in order or go backward in the list to the beginning.

It's almost magical how well the memory systems work. It certainly appears that way to anyone not familiar with memory visualization techniques. And it's not that hard to learn!

Published: 03/18/2013
Last Updated: 11/27/2020