Think you know U.S. geography? From the highest peaks to the lowest valleys, here are fascinating trivia facts that will challenge your knowledge of the 50 states:
- Pierre, South Dakota: The only state capital without an expressway connection.
- Augusta, Maine: Named after either Emperor Augustus or a local figure, it's the easternmost state capital.
- Mount Rushmore: Located in South Dakota's Black Hills, featuring 60-foot sculptures of four presidents.
- Lowest Point: Badwater Basin in California, at 282 feet below sea level.
- Longest Coastline: Alaska, with 33,904 miles of coastline.
- Highest Mountain: Denali in Alaska, standing at 20,310 feet.
- Highest State Capital: Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 7,198 feet above sea level.
- States Bordering Canada: 13 states, with Alaska having the longest border (1,538 miles).
- Mason-Dixon Line: A historic boundary dividing free and slave states in early America.
- No McDonald's: Montpelier, Vermont, is the only state capital without a McDonald's.
This list highlights America’s diverse geography and history. Dive deeper to explore these unique features and learn something new!
USA Geography Facts & Trivia: Populations, Elevations, Sizes
1. State Capital Without an Expressway
Did you know Pierre, South Dakota, is the only U.S. state capital without an expressway connection? With a population of around 14,000, Pierre is the second smallest state capital by population and sits about 30 miles from the closest interstate highway.
A few other capitals, like Juneau, Dover, and Jefferson City, also lack direct interstate connections. Pierre's situation showcases how factors like population size and geographic location influence transportation networks in the U.S.
Ready to dive into another unique geography fact? Keep reading!
2. Maine's Roman-Named Capital
Augusta, the capital of Maine, got its name on June 9, 1797, after residents decided to change it from Harrington. The original name sparked dissatisfaction among locals, leading to the switch.
"The citizens of Harrington rejected being called Herring Town and chose Augusta instead", said former state archivist David Cheever.
There are several theories about why "Augusta" was chosen, reflecting the area's rich history:
- It may honor Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.
- It could be named after Augusta Dearborn, the daughter of General Henry Dearborn.
- It might reference an earlier settlement established by the Pejepscot Company.
"The substitute name of Augusta was probably chosen by Dr. Cony, but the reason of its selection has ever remained unknown; the secret, if it was, does not appear to have been shared with anybody else, and undoubtedly it is forever lost."
Today, Augusta holds the distinction of being the easternmost state capital in the U.S. It had a population of 18,899 as of the 2020 census. Its central location played a key role in its selection as Maine's capital in 1827, with the state government officially settling there in 1832.
The area's history stretches back to 1607 when English settlers first explored it. By 1625, representatives of the Plymouth Colony had set up a trading post along the Kennebec River called "Cushnoc", which eventually grew into present-day Augusta.
3. Mount Rushmore's Location
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is nestled in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota. Located in Pennington County, this iconic site attracts over two million visitors each year and features 60-foot-tall sculptures of four U.S. presidents.
Just a short drive from Rapid City, the main gateway city in South Dakota, the memorial sits at an elevation of 5,725 feet and spans 1,278 acres.
"America will march along that skyline", said Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind the memorial.
The four presidents carved into the granite - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln - were selected to symbolize the nation's founding, expansion, development, and preservation.
Here’s how to get there:
- By Air: Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport, which is about 35 miles from the memorial.
- By Road: From Rapid City, take Highway 16 southwest for 23 miles, then follow Highway 244 from Keystone to reach the memorial entrance.
4. Lowest Point in America
Badwater Basin, located in Death Valley National Park, California, is the lowest point in both the United States and all of North America. It lies at an incredible 282 feet below sea level.
This area is known for its sprawling salt flats, which cover about 200 square miles. The unique geometric patterns of salt polygons are formed as groundwater rises to the surface, evaporates, and leaves behind salt deposits.
The name "Badwater Basin" came about when a mule refused to drink the highly salty water. Over time, the basin continues to sink slowly due to its location along the Southern Death Valley Fault.
Badwater Basin is both breathtaking and unforgiving:
- Rainfall: Less than 2 inches per year
- Temperatures: Can reach up to 134°F
- Visitors: Over 1 million annually
Occasionally, rainstorms flood the valley, creating a temporary layer of water that evaporates quickly, leaving behind fresh salt crystals. Despite its harsh conditions, the basin is home to specialized life, including an endemic snail and salt-tolerant plants that thrive in this extreme environment.
5. State with the Longest Coast
Alaska boasts the longest coastline in the U.S., stretching an impressive 33,904 miles. This vast length surpasses the combined coastlines of all other states, cementing its status as America's largest state.
Here’s a quick look at some key facts about Alaska’s geography:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Coastline | 33,904 miles |
| Tidal Shoreline | Over 46,600 miles |
| Number of Islands | 2,670 |
| Glacier Coverage | Covers 5% of the state |
Alaska's coastline is shaped by intricate networks of bays, fjords, and inlets, with active glaciers constantly altering the landscape.
For comparison:
- Florida comes in second with 8,436 miles of coastline.
- California follows with 3,427 miles.
This stark contrast highlights Alaska's sheer dominance in terms of coastal geography.
"Alaska by far has the most coastline due to all of the smaller islands that inhabit it, along with the vastness of the terrain." - Alaska Air Forwarding
It’s important to note the difference between coastline and shoreline. Coastline measures the general length of the sea boundary, while shoreline includes the detailed contours of bays, islands, and tidal areas. When measured as a tidal shoreline, Alaska’s total extends to over 46,600 miles - further emphasizing its unmatched coastal reach.
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6. Highest U.S. Mountain
Denali, previously called Mount McKinley, is North America's tallest peak, standing at an impressive 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level in south-central Alaska. It's the crown jewel of Denali National Park and Preserve and holds cultural and scientific importance.
What sets Denali apart is its towering base-to-peak height of about 18,000 feet, which exceeds Mount Everest's range of 12,000–15,300 feet.
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Summit Elevation | 20,310 feet |
| Base-to-Peak Height | 18,000 feet |
| North Summit | 19,470 feet |
| Last Official Measurement | September 2, 2015 |
The name "Denali" translates to "the tall one" in the Koyukon language. Although renamed Mount McKinley in 1896 by prospector William A. Dickey, Native Alaskans continued using its original name. In 2015, President Barack Obama officially restored the name to Denali.
Denali ranks as the third most prominent and isolated peak in the world and is the northernmost mountain exceeding 19,685 feet. Its South Summit is higher than the North Summit. A 2015 U.S. Geological Survey determined its current elevation to be 10 feet lower than the 1952 measurement of 20,320 feet.
7. Highest-Elevation State Capital
Santa Fe, New Mexico, sits at an impressive 7,198 feet above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This high elevation plays a key role in shaping its cold semi-arid climate and directly impacts daily life in the area.
At this altitude, temperatures drop by about 4°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation, with daily fluctuations reaching up to 36°F. The thinner air means less oxygen, which can be a hurdle for visitors or newcomers who aren’t used to the altitude.
| Elevation Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 7,198 feet |
| Temperature Change | -4°F per 1,000 feet |
| Daily Temperature Fluctuation | Up to 36°F |
| Climate Classification | Cold semi-arid mountain desert |
Santa Fe isn’t just notable for its elevation. It’s also steeped in history, holding the title of the oldest state capital in the U.S.. Additionally, it ranks as the third-highest city in the nation, making it a standout location for both geography and trivia enthusiasts.
8. States Bordering Canada
The United States shares a 5,525-mile border with Canada, making it the longest international border in the world. This stretch spans across 13 states, from Alaska's extensive 1,538-mile boundary to Pennsylvania's shorter 42-mile connection. Here's a breakdown of the border lengths by state:
| State | Border Length |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 1,538 miles |
| Michigan | 721 miles |
| Maine | 611 miles |
| Minnesota | 547 miles |
| Montana | 545 miles |
| New York | 445 miles |
| Washington | 427 miles |
| North Dakota | 310 miles |
| Ohio | 146 miles |
| Vermont | 90 miles |
| New Hampshire | 58 miles |
| Idaho | 45 miles |
| Pennsylvania | 42 miles |
This range of border lengths highlights the geographic diversity of the U.S.-Canada boundary. From rugged mountains to shared waterways, the border reflects a mix of natural and man-made features.
Some key landmarks along the border include Alaska's Wrangell St. Elias Mountains cutting through the Yukon River Valley, Montana's Saint Mary and Milk Rivers flowing into Alberta, and the shared Great Lakes that define parts of the boundary in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These natural features add complexity to the border's geography.
"Along the world's longest international border, numerous, busy crossing points highlight the enduring connectivity between Canada and the United States. Additionally, the many rivers and lakes shared highlight the geographic similarity between the northern United States and Southern Canada." - Brielle Read, Geography Author, WorldAtlas
The International Boundary Commission ensures the border is well-maintained, keeping a 20-foot clear zone and marking it with boundary monuments.
9. The Mason-Dixon Line
The Mason-Dixon Line isn't just a geographical boundary - it’s a historical marker that has shaped America’s cultural and political identity. Surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, this boundary was established to settle disputes between Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The largest portion of the line runs along Pennsylvania’s southern border.
The line follows specific coordinates, with the Maryland–Pennsylvania border positioned at roughly 39°43'20" N latitude. It serves as an east–west divider, while Delaware’s boundary is marked by a curved arc extending from Maryland to the Delaware River. These exact measurements helped define the placement of markers along the line.
To mark the boundary, surveyors placed limestone stones weighing 500 pounds every mile, with larger crownstones positioned every five miles. The cost for this effort totaled £3,512 9/–, which is about £571,700 in today’s value, covering a stretch of 244 miles.
In 2020, the Maryland Geological Survey launched a volunteer initiative to locate the remaining boundary stones. By 2023, volunteers had identified 218 of the 226 surviving markers. These stones, each weighing around 500 pounds, were originally quarried in England.
"The Missouri Compromise of 1820 designated Mason and Dixon's west line as the national divide between the 'free' and 'slave' states east of the Ohio River, and the line suddenly acquired new significance." - John Mackenzie
The Mason-Dixon Line gained even greater prominence after Pennsylvania enacted legislation in 1780 to gradually abolish slavery. This transformed it from a colonial-era boundary into a powerful symbol of the division between free and slave states. Today, it remains a cultural and political marker, reflecting the historical divide between the Northeast and the South.
10. State Capital Without McDonald's
Montpelier, Vermont, stands out among U.S. state capitals for an unusual reason: it’s the only state capital without a McDonald’s. With a population of around 7,500, Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the country, and its commitment to supporting local businesses is evident. Interestingly, it also doesn’t have a Burger King.
If you’re craving fast food, you’ll need to head to nearby Barre. There, both a McDonald’s and a Burger King can be found on opposite sides of the Barre-Montpelier Road.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| State Capital Statistics | Number |
|---|---|
| Capitals with McDonald's | 49 |
| Capital without McDonald's | 1 |
| Montpelier's Population | ~7,500 |
This absence of McDonald’s isn’t just a quirky fact - it highlights Montpelier’s distinct character and its preference for local over national chains.
Conclusion
Geography trivia is not just fun - it’s a great way to explore and appreciate the diverse landscapes of the United States. As Marynliles from Parade puts it, "Geography trivia is an exciting way to challenge your knowledge of the world."
If you’re looking to add a geographic twist to your next event, Cheap Trivia offers U.S. geography question packs for $14.99. Each pack includes over 40 questions divided into four rounds, complete with Q&A sections and picture rounds. You’ll receive the materials in both PDF and PowerPoint formats, making it easy to use.
Here are some ways these trivia formats can make your event more engaging:
| Format | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Picture Rounds | Test recognition of landmarks and geographic features visually. |
| Multiple Choice | Make learning interactive by encouraging participants to think critically. |
| Map-based Questions | Improve spatial awareness and reinforce state identification skills. |
| Historical Geography | Link physical features to historical events for added context. |
From the heights of Denali to the depths of Badwater Basin, these trivia packs highlight the incredible features that shape the U.S. Whether you’re hosting a trivia night or simply expanding your own knowledge, these themed packs offer a fun and educational experience.
"Even if you don't know the answer, it's fun to quiz yourself and potentially learn something new. Students and geography lovers of all levels will find these geography questions thrilling and fun and can edify their knowledge of the planet."