The winner of 3 Pulitzer Prizes in 2 different categories, he called his home in Conn. “the house the bridge built”

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Jeopardy! closed the show with a literary challenge in the category “Writers.” The clue read: “The winner of 3 Pulitzer Prizes in 2 different categories, he called his home in Conn. ‘the house the bridge built.’” It was a reference that blended journalism, history, and a well-known American landmark. Contestants were asked to identify the writer whose celebrated work on a major engineering feat quite literally paid for his Connecticut residence.

What is David McCullough?

The correct response was What is David McCullough? The late historian and author earned widespread acclaim for his narrative nonfiction, and his success as a writer brought both critical honors and commercial achievement. His remark about living in “the house the bridge built” directly referenced the financial success of one of his most famous books.

David McCullough won three Pulitzer Prizes over the course of his career. He first received the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for Truman in 1993. He later earned the Pulitzer Prize for History twice, for John Adams in 2002 and Washington’s Crossing in 2006. These awards spanned two different Pulitzer categories, fitting the specific wording of the clue.

The Book Behind the Quote

The phrase “the house the bridge built” points to McCullough’s 1972 book, The Great Bridge, which chronicled the dramatic construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The work examined the vision and determination of the Roebling family, particularly John A. Roebling and his son Washington Roebling, who oversaw the project amid engineering challenges and personal hardship.

The Great Bridge became a bestseller and significantly elevated McCullough’s national profile. The financial success of the book allowed him to purchase and maintain his Connecticut home. His comment about the house acknowledged the pivotal role that the Brooklyn Bridge story played in establishing his career and livelihood.

A Career Defined by Narrative History

McCullough built his reputation on deeply researched, accessible works of American history. He focused on major figures and defining moments, combining scholarly detail with a narrative style aimed at general readers. His subjects ranged from presidents to explorers, and his books often spent years on bestseller lists.

Beyond his Pulitzer recognition, McCullough also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and numerous literary honors. His body of work helped shape public understanding of figures such as Harry S. Truman and John Adams, presenting historical scholarship in a way that resonated with a broad audience.

Why the Clue Fit the Category

The Final Jeopardy clue worked on multiple levels. It required knowledge of Pulitzer history, awareness of different prize categories, and familiarity with a memorable quote tied to a major publication. The reference to Connecticut narrowed the field, as McCullough lived in the state for many years.

By highlighting both his awards and the bridge connection, the clue pointed squarely to a historian whose career was anchored by a landmark work. The answer reflected a writer whose achievements spanned genres within nonfiction and whose success left a lasting mark on American letters.