Memorize the US States

Quick Notes - US State in Alpha Order:

• Use a memorization picture link strategy to recall all of the U.S States in order.
• Create an outrageous image for each state based on the states pronounciation or spelling. Example: 'Arizona' might translate to 'Air Zone' based on its similar sound and spelling.
• To memorize in order link each image you've created to the one that follows it creating an extremely bizarre story.

If you haven't read our last article about memorizing the 50 US state capitals, we taught how to link a capital to it's state. For instance if you were given the state Alabama your mind would immediately recall that it's capital is Montgomery.

In this article we are going to do a similar memorizing technique which will allow you to memorize all 50 U.S states in alphabetical order right off the top of your head, as simple as saying your ABC's. Let's Begin...

How to Memorize the 50 US States in Order

In order to memorize the 50 states in alphabetical order, you will need to link each state by creating an outrageous image between the two. The easiest way to explain this further is to give an example. The first U.S. State in alphabetical order is Alabama. The next state would be Alaska. You must create an image for both of these states, then link those two images together. The crazier and unbelievable the image is, the easier it will be to remember. If you were to create an image for Alabama, you might think of a giant man named "AL" who is holding a big wooden bat (the same one as bam bam from the flintstones). So "Alabama" = "Al" holding "bam" bam's wooden bat. See the similarities between the two? Be sure to close your eyes and picture this bizarre image for a second. If you dont see the image in your mind then it will be easy to forget. If the image you create is too ordinary, then it will also be easily forgotten. The next state is Alaska. When hearing the state Alaska, it reminds me of the Alaskan King Crab. Now you have an image for two states, "Alabama" = "Al with wooden bat" and "Alaska" = "Alaskan King Crab". You will now need to link these two images together. Think of a giant man named "Al" holding "bam" bam's wooden bat smashing a pile of "Alaskan King Crabs". Again be sure to create this image in your mind in order to burn it in your photographic memory. Now you can begin to link the next state Arizona to Alaska and so on. Basically you are creating an outrageous story for all 50 U.S states. This will allow you to immediately recall all 50 states in alphabetical order forwards and backwards. Below are some more example's to get you started:

This memory strategy allows for a quick, easy, and fun way of memorizing all 50 U.S states in alphabetical order. The trick is to be creative and imagine the most bizarre scenarios, this will make it easier to memorize. Now that you have an understanding of how to use your photographic memory and how to use a link strategy, you can try the rest of the states yourself creating your own images. Enjoy and good luck!