The Geographical Puzzle
Geography is not only a subject that defines the physical nature of the planet we live on but also frequently serves as a source of quizzes and puzzles. One such puzzle is the question of which state lies to the east of Mississippi and to the west of Georgia. This question may seem simple, but it requires a thorough analysis of the states that border both Georgia and Mississippi. In this article, we will explore the various contenders for this mysterious state and finally reveal the answer to this geographical puzzle.
The Mississippi River as the Eastern Boundary
The Mississippi River is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, serving as a natural border for many states. It is no surprise that this great river serves as the eastern boundary for the state in question. The Mississippi River starts at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through ten states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. This great river divides the United States into two distinct regions, with the eastern states being called the East Coast and the western states being referred to as the West Coast.
Georgia as the Western Boundary
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern part of the United States. It is famous for its peaches, peanuts, and sweet tea. This state borders six other states, including Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and the mystery state to the west. Georgia’s western boundary is a crucial factor in solving this puzzle, as it eliminates the possibility of any state that does not border Georgia.
The Search for the Missing State
To find the state that lies to the east of Mississippi and to the west of Georgia, we must first examine the states that border these two states. The process of elimination will help us narrow down the possibilities and find the missing state.
Examining the States Bordering Mississippi
Mississippi is a state located in the southern part of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, Louisiana to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Tennessee and Louisiana cannot be the mystery state as they do not share a border with Georgia.
Analyzing the States Bordering Georgia
Georgia is bordered by six other states, including Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and the mystery state to the west. Tennessee and North Carolina cannot be the missing state as they are located to the north of Georgia and do not border Mississippi.
Comparing the Bordering States
Comparing the states that border both Georgia and Mississippi, we can eliminate Alabama and Florida as they both share a border with Georgia but do not border Mississippi. This leaves us with only two states, Arkansas and Missouri, as contenders.
Disqualifying the States to the North
Missouri and Arkansas both border the Mississippi River, making them possible contenders for the mystery state. However, Missouri is located to the north of Georgia and does not share a border with it. Therefore, Missouri cannot be the missing state.
Disqualifying the States to the South
Arkansas, on the other hand, shares a border with both Mississippi and Georgia, making it a possible contender for the mystery state. However, the state of Florida lies to the south of Georgia and cannot be the missing state. Therefore, Arkansas is the only remaining state in the running.
The Remaining States in the Running
The state of Arkansas is located to the west of Georgia and to the east of Mississippi, making it the only remaining state that fits the puzzle. Arkansas is a state in the southern part of the United States, bordered by Missouri to the north, Louisiana to the south, Mississippi to the east, and Texas and Oklahoma to the west.
The Final Answer: Revealing the State in Question
After a thorough analysis of the states that border Mississippi and Georgia, we can conclude that the mystery state that lies to the east of Mississippi and to the west of Georgia is Arkansas.
Conclusion: Understanding the Geography of the United States
Geography is a fascinating subject that helps us understand the physical nature of the world we live in. This article demonstrates how the analysis of states that border other states can help us solve geographical puzzles such as the one we explored here. By examining the states that border Mississippi and Georgia, we were able to find the state that lies to the east of Mississippi and to the west of Georgia, which is Arkansas. Understanding the geography of the United States can help us appreciate the diversity of our country and the natural boundaries that shape it.