25. We’ve Been Deceived
Wyoming and Colorado often appear as perfect rectangles on maps, defined by lines of latitude and longitude set by Congress. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. While these states may seem geometrically pristine, the actual surveying ground markers reveal a different picture.
In some areas, these markers diverge significantly from the theoretical lines established by Congress, resulting in deviations from the perfect rectangle shape. This discrepancy highlights the challenges and complexities involved in accurately mapping and surveying vast territories.
26. Mountains Make Good Borders
In the vast expanse west of the Mississippi River, most contiguous U.S. state borders are characterized by straight lines or follow natural features like rivers. However, there’s one notable exception: the border between Idaho and Montana, specifically along the Bitterroot Mountain Range.
This boundary doesn’t adhere to the common pattern of straight lines or river courses, but instead, it traverses the rugged terrain of the Bitterroots, meandering along the mountain crests. This unique deviation from the norm adds to the mystique of the Western landscape, showcasing the challenges and intricacies involved in defining state borders.
27. Right in the Crook
The boundary between New Jersey and Pennsylvania is delineated by natural features, specifically along the river’s edge. Within a twelve-mile circle centered around the town of New Castle, Delaware, the boundary follows the low water mark of the Delaware River on the eastern, or New Jersey, side.
Beyond this circle, the border is defined by the thalweg, or main channel of navigation, in the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. This boundary arrangement showcases the historical and geographical significance of the Delaware River as a natural dividing line between these neighboring states, underscoring the importance of waterways in shaping territorial boundaries.
28. Looks Like We’ll Be Going Out of State for That Vacation
Despite both being within the state of Texas, El Paso and Houston are surprisingly distant from each other. El Paso, nestled in the westernmost corner of Texas, is closer to the coastal city of San Diego, California, than it is to the bustling metropolis of Houston.
This geographical fact may come as a surprise due to the vast expanse of Texas. The distance between El Paso and Houston spans over 750 miles, while the distance between El Paso and San Diego is approximately 700 miles.
29. California North of Canada?
Despite California’s reputation for sunny beaches and warm weather, its northernmost reaches extend into latitudes typically associated with cooler climates. This unique juxtaposition highlights the diverse and expansive nature of California’s geography, encompassing a wide range of climates and landscapes within its borders.
From the redwood forests in the north to the sun-drenched beaches in the south, California offers residents and visitors alike a rich tapestry of natural beauty and geographical wonders.
30. More Like East America and West America
This unexpected alignment challenges common perceptions of directional relationships between these continents. While South America is often depicted as extending southward from North America, its easternmost points stretch further eastward, aligning more closely with the Atlantic Ocean than with the southern hemisphere.
This phenomenon underscores the intricate nuances of global geography, highlighting the subtle ways in which the Earth’s curvature can influence our perceptions of spatial relationships. Understanding this geographical reality adds depth to our appreciation of the interconnectedness and complexity of the world around us.
31. The Longest State
The distance between cities can sometimes surprise us, and Atlanta’s proximity to Chicago compared to Miami exemplifies this. Despite Atlanta being in the southeastern United States, it’s closer to the Windy City than to Miami, Florida. This realization sheds light on the considerable length of Florida.
While it may seem small on a map, Florida’s peninsula extends far southward, adding distance between Atlanta and Miami. This fact underscores the diverse geographical features of the United States and highlights the vastness of the country’s landscapes.
32. Islands Are Useful
In the realm of geography, few phenomena are as captivating as witnessing the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from Santa Barbara, California. Despite its position on the west coast, where sunsets typically steal the spotlight, Santa Barbara offers a remarkable twist: the chance to see the sun ascend from the horizon over the vast expanse of the Pacific.
This geographical marvel surprises and enchants, reminding us of the earth’s rotation and the interplay of light and landscape. This remarkable phenomenon serves as a daily reminder of the beauty and wonder that grace the coastal paradise of Santa Barbara.
33. Nothing Like a Beautiful Mountain Range
Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, the state is adorned with a variety of mountain ranges, including the Allegheny, Ridge and Valley, and Blue Ridge Mountains. These majestic peaks dominate the landscape, contributing to West Virginia’s reputation as the “Mountain State.”
In fact, over two-thirds of the state’s land is characterized by these towering formations. This geographical feature not only shapes the state’s stunning scenery but also offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing, making West Virginia a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
34. Does That Mean They’re Canadian?
The Adirondack Mountains in New York are just a small part of the expansive Canadian Shield, a vast geological formation covering much of northern North America. But why is the Canadian Shield frozen? Its northern reaches, known as the Arctic tundra ecozone, are characterized by extreme cold and permafrost, making it challenging for trees to thrive.
Permafrost refers to land that remains permanently frozen, creating a harsh environment unsuitable for most vegetation. Encompassing a staggering eight million square kilometers, the Canadian Shield comprises some of the oldest rocks on Earth, mostly consisting of Precambrian rock formations.
35. That’s Some Jetlag You’ll Experience
Big Diomede Island, owned by Russia, and Little Diomede Island, owned by the United States, exist in a remarkable juxtaposition of time. Crossing from one island to the other entails a journey of 21 hours through time zones. This significant time difference is attributed to the American/Russian maritime border and the International Date Line, which passes between the islands.
Consequently, Big Diomede lies almost a day ahead of Little Diomede. This intriguing phenomenon has earned the islands unique monikers: Little Diomede is fondly referred to as “Yesterday Island,” while Big Diomede is humorously dubbed “Tomorrow Island.”
36. Who Knew Mountains Can Grow
The Appalachian Mountains, once towering giants rivaling the Rockies in height, have experienced a significant decline over time, gradually shrinking in stature. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the globe, the Himalayan Mountains, once comparable in size to the Rockies, are undergoing a remarkable growth spurt.
These divergent trends in mountain formation and erosion reflect the dynamic forces shaping our planet’s landscape. While geological processes like tectonic activity and erosion contribute to both growth and decline, the specific factors driving these changes vary from region to region.
Part 4 to Follow in July
