The Question of 50 Contiguous States
The United States is a vast country with a complex geography. One of the most commonly asked questions about the US is whether there are 50 contiguous states in existence. The answer seems simple at first glance, but it is actually much more complicated than many people realize. In this article, we will explore the concept of contiguous states, examine the history of the United States, and consider the practical implications of the answer to this question.
What are Contiguous States?
Contiguous states are states that share a common border or are adjacent to one another. In other words, they are states that can be traveled to by land without crossing an international border. There are many benefits to being a contiguous state, including easier transportation and communication, shared resources, and a sense of connectedness. However, not all states in the US are contiguous, which raises the question of whether there are 50 contiguous states in existence.
The Original 48 Contiguous States
The United States was originally composed of 13 states, which were all located in the eastern part of the country. Over time, new states were added, and by the late 19th century, there were 48 contiguous states in total. These states were all located in the contiguous United States and shared a common border with at least one other state. This configuration remained in place for several decades until the addition of Alaska and Hawaii.
The Addition of Alaska and Hawaii
In 1959, Alaska and Hawaii were added to the United States as the 49th and 50th states, respectively. Although these states were not contiguous with the other 48 states, they were still considered part of the United States. This raised the question of whether there were still 50 contiguous states in existence or if the addition of Alaska and Hawaii had changed the answer to this question.
Are there still 50 Contiguous States?
The answer to the question of whether there are still 50 contiguous states in existence depends on how you define contiguous. If you define contiguous as states that share a common land border, then the answer is no. However, if you define contiguous as states that are part of the United States and can be traveled to by land without crossing an international border, then the answer is yes.
The Challenge of Enclave and Exclave
One of the complicating factors in determining the number of contiguous states in the United States is the presence of enclaves and exclaves. Enclaves are pieces of territory that are completely surrounded by another country or state, while exclaves are pieces of territory that are separated from the main part of a state or country by another country or state. These areas can make it difficult to determine whether a state is contiguous or not.
The Case of Minnesota’s Northwest Angle
One example of an enclave in the United States is the Northwest Angle of Minnesota. This area is a small piece of land that is cut off from the rest of Minnesota by Canada. Despite being physically separate from the rest of the state, the Northwest Angle is still considered part of Minnesota and is included in the official count of states.
Alaska and its Non-Contiguous Islands
Alaska presents another complication when it comes to determining the number of contiguous states in the US. Although Alaska is not contiguous with the other 48 states, it does include a number of non-contiguous islands that are considered part of the state. These islands are located far away from the mainland and can only be reached by boat or plane.
Hawaii and its Remote Islands
Hawaii is another state that includes non-contiguous islands. In fact, Hawaii is made up entirely of islands, many of which are located far away from the main part of the state. These remote islands are not connected to the rest of the state by land, but they are still considered part of Hawaii.
The Official Count of Contiguous States
According to the official count, there are 48 contiguous states in the United States. This count includes all of the states that share a common land border with at least one other state. However, it does not include Alaska or Hawaii, which are considered non-contiguous states.
The Practical Implications of the Count
The count of contiguous states has some practical implications, particularly when it comes to things like transportation and communication. For example, it is generally easier and less expensive to travel between contiguous states than it is to travel to non-contiguous states like Alaska and Hawaii. However, these practical implications do not change the fact that Alaska and Hawaii are still part of the United States.
Conclusion: The Answer to the Question
So, are there 50 contiguous states in existence? The answer depends on how you define contiguous. If you define it as states that share a common land border, then the answer is no. However, if you define it as states that are part of the United States and can be traveled to by land without crossing an international border, then the answer is yes. Either way, it is clear that the geography of the United States is complex and diverse, with a rich history and a fascinating array of territories, enclaves, and exclaves.
