Introduction
Have you ever wondered which state is farthest east in the United States? It’s not a common question, but it’s an interesting one. Some people might assume that it’s Maine, as it’s the easternmost state on the map, but is it really? In this article, we’ll explore how to determine which state is farthest east using a comparative analysis of coastal states, geographic coordinates, extreme points, a state-by-state analysis, and regional features.
A Comparative Analysis of Coastal States
The Atlantic Ocean defines the eastern border of the United States, so it’s logical to start our analysis by looking at the coastal states. From north to south, these states are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Analysis of Each State’s Easternmost Point
Each of these coastal states has an easternmost point, but these points aren’t always on the coast. For example, Maine’s easternmost point is actually technically on an island called West Quoddy Head, which is not on the mainland coast. Still, for our purposes, we’ll include these points in our analysis.
Using these easternmost points, we can rank the coastal states from east to west. Based on this method, Maine is indeed the easternmost state, followed by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Identification of the Farthest State East
Based on this analysis, Maine is the state that’s farthest east. However, this analysis was based only on the coastal states, and there might be another way to determine which state is farthest east. Let’s take a look.
Geographic Coordinates
Another way to determine which state is farthest east is by looking at geographic coordinates. Latitude and longitude are the two coordinates used to describe a location on Earth. Latitude measures north and south of the equator, while longitude measures east and west of the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England.
Analysis of Each State’s Coordinates
Using these coordinates, we can determine the easternmost point of each mainland state. The easternmost point is where the longitude is the highest (i.e., furthest east). Based on this analysis, the easternmost point varies from state to state.
Identification of the Farthest State East
According to this analysis, the state that’s farthest east is Alaska. But wait, Alaska isn’t even on the east coast! The reason Alaska comes out on top is that it stretches so far to the west that its Aleutian Islands cross the 180-degree line of longitude. This means that the easternmost point of Alaska is actually west of the easternmost point of Maine. So while Alaska might be the answer to this question based on coordinates, it’s not really an answer that most people are looking for.
A State-by-State Analysis
Let’s take a closer look at each state to determine the easternmost point and how it compares to other states.
Overview of Every State
Maine’s easternmost point is West Quoddy Head, which is on an island.
New Hampshire’s easternmost point is Odiorne Point State Park.
Massachusetts’s easternmost point is a spit of land in Provincetown.
Rhode Island’s easternmost point is a point of land called Sandy Point in the town of Portsmouth.
Connecticut’s easternmost point is a peninsula called Eastern Point in the town of Groton.
New York’s easternmost point is Montauk Point on Long Island.
New Jersey’s easternmost point is a jetty in the town of Cape May.
Delaware’s easternmost point is Delaware Breakwater East End Light.
Maryland’s easternmost point is a point of land called Turkey Point in the town of North East.
Virginia’s easternmost point is a point of land called False Cape in the city of Virginia Beach.
North Carolina’s easternmost point is Cape Hatteras on Hatteras Island.
South Carolina’s easternmost point is on Hunting Island near the town of Beaufort.
Georgia’s easternmost point is near the town of Tybee Island.
Florida’s easternmost point is Sailfish Point in the town of Stuart.
Identification of the Farthest State East
Based on this analysis, Maine is the state that’s farthest east among the coastal states in the contiguous United States. Alaska is the easternmost state overall, but it’s not on the east coast.
Extreme Points
Another way to determine which state is farthest east is by looking at extreme points. Extreme points are the locations that are the most north, south, east, or west of a state or area.
Explanation of Cardinal and Ordinal Points
Cardinal points are the four points of the compass: north, south, east, and west. Ordinal points are the four points in between the cardinal points: northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.
Analysis of Extreme Points for Each State
Using these points, we can determine which state is farthest east. The easternmost point would be the one that’s closest to the northeast cardinal point.
Identification of the Farthest State East
Based on this analysis, Maine is once again the state that’s farthest east.
A History of Eastern Borders
If we look at the history of eastern borders, the answer to this question becomes more complicated. In the early days of the United States, the eastern border was defined by the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent bays, sounds, and rivers. But as the country grew, there were various changes to the eastern border.
Explanation of the Progression of Eastern Borders
The first change came with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The United States acquired a large tract of land from France that extended the country’s borders up the Mississippi River and beyond. Then, in the 1810s and 1820s, the United States acquired Florida from Spain.
The next change came with the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This law established a line at 36°30′ north latitude that divided the country into free states and slave states. West of this line, slavery was allowed; east of it, slavery was prohibited.
In 1846, the United States and Britain signed the Oregon Treaty, which established the border between the United States and Canada at the 49th parallel. This line runs from Minnesota to Washington State and includes part of the eastern border.
Finally, in 1959, Alaska became the 49th state. This gave the United States a territorial claim that extended to the International Date Line, which is 180 degrees longitude.
Timeline of Statehood
Using this history of eastern borders, it’s interesting to note when each state became part of the United States. By this analysis, Maine was the first state to join the United States, in 1820. Florida was next, followed by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and finally, Florida.
Identification of the Farthest State East
If we include Alaska, the answer to this question becomes more complicated. But based on the history of eastern borders, Maine was the first state to join the United States and has the longest history as an eastern state.
Regional Features
Finally, another way to determine which state is farthest east is by looking at regional features such as climate, vegetation, and culture.
Explanation of Various Geographic and Cultural Features
For example, Maine is known for its lobster and blueberries. North Carolina is known for its barbecue. Georgia is known for its peaches. Florida is known for its oranges and beaches. New England is known for its fall foliage. The Mid-Atlantic states are known for their historic sites and urban centers.
Analysis of Features in Eastern US States
Using these features, we can determine which state is farthest east based on which features are most common in eastern states.
Identification of Farthest State East Based on Features
Based on this analysis, Maine is the state that’s farthest east. Its lobsters and blueberries are iconic products of the eastern region and its culture.
Conclusion
So, which state is farthest east in the United States? The answer depends on the method used for analysis. Based on coastal states, Maine is the easternmost state. Based on geographic coordinates, Alaska is the easternmost state. Based on extreme points, Maine is the easternmost state. Based on history, Maine has the longest history as an eastern state. Finally, based on regional features, Maine is the state that’s likely to be considered the farthest east. Whatever your definition may be, Maine is clearly a state with a unique geographical location and a rich cultural history.
Final Thoughts
Determining which state is farthest east requires a multi-faceted approach and depends on the method used for analysis. Whether you’re an avid geography enthusiast or just curious about this interesting trivia, understanding the various factors that go into determining a state’s position in the United States can be both enlightening and entertaining.