Compton City, located in Los Angeles County, California, has a rich history and culture that lends itself well to riddles. Riddles allow us to look at Compton from new angles and gain insights into this dynamic city. In this article, we have collected 43 riddles about Compton along with their answers. Some riddles touch on the city’s origins, while others highlight famous landmarks, sports teams, and local traditions. The riddles range from easy to more challenging. See how many you can get right! Don’t scroll down too quickly to find the answers–take your time and really think through each riddle. Solving these Compton riddles is sure to give you a new appreciation for this one-of-a-kind city.
Riddles about Compton’s History and Origins
Riddle 1
I started as a township way back when, founded by Griffith Dickenson Compton. They say my name draws from his, which should be easy to reckon. What am I?
Answer: Compton
Riddle 2
I’m a Native American tribe that originally lived in and around what is now known as Compton. Spanish settlers referred to us as “people of the willows.” Who are we?
Answer: The Tongva people
Riddle 3
In 1867, I was founded along the railroad tracks and grew into a town where farms prospered around me. I was once called Gibsonville, after a settler of mine. What city am I today?
Answer: Compton
Riddle 4
I’m a body of water that runs along Compton’s northern border. Though mostly channelized and obscured from view today, I played a key role in Compton’s early agricultural days. What am I?
Answer: Compton Creek
Riddles about Compton’s Geography and Climate
Riddle 5
Found near Compton, my volatile geology has caused damage from landslides, sinking, and earthquakes over time. Nonetheless, many communities like Compton have flourished along my slopes. What am I?
Answer: The Puente Hills
Riddle 6
This major California highway passes right through the middle of Compton as it connects Los Angeles with Long Beach. Driving it, you’ll see Compton’s motto “Hub City” displayed proudly on a bridge. What highway am I?
Answer: Interstate 105 (or the Glenn Anderson Freeway)
Riddle 7
Compton has a comfortable climate, with warm summers and mild winters. What Mediterranean zone does it fall into?
Answer: Compton is in a Csa or hot-summer Mediterranean climate.
Riddle 8
With an average high temperature around 75°F, I’m Compton’s warmest month. The city really heats up in the summer thanks to me! What month am I?
Answer: August
Riddles about Compton’s Economy and Industry
Riddle 9
In the 1920s, I brought jobs and growth to Compton. My product was in high demand across America. Legler and Mytinger bottled me in Compton, helping make the city prosperous. What popular beverage am I?
Answer: Coca-Cola
Riddle 10
This large aviation company once operated a major manufacturing plant in Compton, where B-25 bomber airplanes were built during WWII. What well-known company am I?
Answer: North American Aviation
Riddle 11
Compton was sometimes called the “Avocado Capital of the World.” In the 1920s, as much as _________ of the avocados consumed in the U.S. came from Compton groves. What percentage am I?
Answer: 25 percent
Riddle 12
In more recent decades, Compton has shifted away from agriculture and manufacturing. Today, the city’s largest employers are health care providers and this major retail chain I’m a part of. What company am I?
Answer: Walmart
Riddles about Entertainment and Culture in Compton
Riddle 13
I’m a record label founded in Compton in the 1980s that helped launch the careers of West Coast rap icons like N.W.A. and Dr. Dre. What influential label am I?
Answer: Ruthless Records
Riddle 14
With songs like “Straight Outta Compton”, we put Compton on the map as an epicenter of West Coast hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although we eventually broke up, our lyrics often discussed life in Compton. What groundbreaking rap group am I?
Answer: N.W.A.
Riddle 15
I’m a famous rapper and producer who grew up in Compton and helped bring the city into the mainstream through raw, vivid lyrics about Compton life. I’ve won Grammys and even founded a successful record label. Who am I?
Answer: Dr. Dre
Riddle 16
This arena in Compton hosted events like political rallies and boxing matches when it opened in the 1950s. It even served as home court for sports teams like the Compton Burros! What’s the name of this historic venue?
Answer: The Compton Arena
Riddles about Sports in Compton
Riddle 17
We’re Compton’s oldest sports team, around since 1948! We’ve won over 2,000 games playing America’s pastime. Who are we?
Answer: The Compton Crushers baseball team
Riddle 18
This all-American football player won awards like Sports Illustrated’s “High School Player of the Year” in 1979 before going on to NFL fame. His legendary athletic career began at Compton High School. Who am I?
Answer: Marcus Allen
Riddle 19
With four CIF State titles since 1999, we’re the pride of Compton athletics. Our name honors Compton’s aerospace history. We play our games at Compton College. What high school football team are we?
Answer: The Compton Tarbabes
Riddle 20
Located just outside Compton, I’m a huge stadium that’s hosted events from Super Bowls to the Olympics since opening in 1923. Both the Rams and the Chargers play here now. What famous stadium am I?
Answer: The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Riddles about Compton’s Landmarks and Architecture
Riddle 21
Built in 1924, I’m an iconic Compton building known for my towering domed corner turret. I’m located right on Compton Boulevard and serve as a beloved community hub to this day. What historic building am I?
Answer: The Compton City Hall
Riddle 22
Completed in 1930, I’m an elegant Compton mansion designed in Spanish Colonial Revival style. Famous past owners of mine include music duo Dick Dale and the Del-Tones. What lavish home am I?
Answer: The Falcon’s Lair mansion
Riddle 23
This large memorial park features gardens and a fountain honoring Martin Luther King Jr. since its dedication in 1986. Where in Compton would you find me?
Answer: King Memorial Park
Riddle 24
The oldest surviving house in Compton, I was built way back in 1867 and remain as a cozy one-story farmhouse to this day. I’m also Compton Historic Landmark No. 8! What house am I?
Answer: The Amelia Mayberry House
Riddles about Government and Infrastructure in Compton
Riddle 25
Compton fought for and finally achieved this status in 1888, becoming an independent city free to govern itself. What status did Compton gain?
Answer: Incorporation
Riddle 26
First opened in 1924, I’m Compton’s oldest library branch. I’m named after Griffith D. Compton, the city’s founder. Where would you find me?
Answer: The Compton Library
Riddle 27
Built in 1937, I’m an iconic Compton bridge stretching overCompton Creek. I still prominently display Compton’s “Hub City of the Southland” motto for all to see. What bridge am I?
Answer: The Compton Creek Bridge
Riddle 28
Compton is patrolled by the deputies of what large county law enforcement agency?
Answer: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Riddles about Education in Compton
Riddle 29
Constructed in the 1930s, I’m Compton’s oldest high school. Notable alumni of mine include tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams. What school am I?
Answer: Compton High School
Riddle 30
Founded in 1927, I was Compton’s first junior college. After outgrowing a few homes, today I’m a large community college that’s part of the California Community Colleges System. What school am I?
Answer: Compton College
Riddle 31
This prestigious university operates an agricultural sciences research facility in Compton, carrying on the city’s tradition as a farming hub. What university is it?
Answer: University of California
Riddle 32
The Compton Unified School District oversees K-12 public education in Compton. How many elementary, middle and high schools does it currently operate in the city?
Answer: 28 elementary, 6 middle, 3 high schools
Riddles about Compton’s Future
Riddle 33
Passed in 2017, I’m an ambitious plan to improve housing, transit, economic opportunity and the environment in Compton over the next few decades. What framework am I?
Answer: The Compton 2040 General Plan
Riddle 34
Slated to open in 2024, I’ll be a state-of-the-art transit center connecting Compton to the regional rail system. What facility am I?
Answer: Compton Station
Riddle 35
With new investments in parks, trails and recreation, Compton aims to provide this number of acres of parkland per 1,000 residents by 2040. How many acres?
Answer: 5 acres per 1,000 residents
Riddle 36
Compton holds great possibility as a city. Writing in the Compton 2040 Plan, city leaders proclaimed Compton is where the world comes to _______________. How does the Compton 2040 Plan complete this statement about the city’s future?
Answer: Innovate
Riddles about Compton’s Neighborhoods
Riddle 37
Located in the southwest corner of Compton, I’m the oldest neighborhood in the city, first settled in 1867 by pioneer B.W. Gibson. What am I called?
Answer: Gibson
Riddle 38
Named after developer William Mouton, I’m a neighborhood bounded by Alondra Blvd and Rosecrans Ave. Homes here reflect popular styles like Spanish Colonial and Monterey. What neighborhood am I?
Answer: Mouton
Riddle 39
In what Compton neighborhood would you find landmarks like the Compton Library and Compton City Hall?
Answer: Civic Center
Riddle 40
This Compton neighborhood features affordable housing, green spaces like Gonzalez Park, and murals celebrating Latino heritage and culture. What is its name?
Answer: Gateway
Riddles about Compton’s Demographics
Riddle 41
With over 30% of residents today, this ethnic group forms the largest ancestry in Compton.
Answer: Hispanic/Latino
Riddle 42
Demonstrating Compton’s diversity, as of 2010 U.S. Census data, how many languages are spoken by Compton residents within their homes?
Answer: Over 90 languages
Riddle 43
Compton’s population declined in the late 20th century but has rebounded in more recent years. How many people live in Compton as of the 2020 U.S. Census?
Answer: Around 97,000 people
Conclusion
How did you enjoy solving these 43 riddles about Compton’s history, culture, sports, economy, neighborhoods and more? Compton is a diverse, vibrant city with a fascinating past and promising future. These riddles provide a fun, interactive way to explore aspects of the city you may not have known before. Learning more about Compton through riddles enables us to appreciate this dynamic community from new perspectives. Whether you got every riddle right or learned something new, take a moment to reflect on how Compton’s story connects to broader themes of change, innovation and human potential. The city’s motto “Compton: Hub City of the Southland” rings as true today as ever.
