The Unique Landlocked State in the United States: Missouri

When discussing the unique geographical features of the United States, one topic that often comes up is the concept of states that are completely surrounded by other states. In this article, we'll explore this question in detail and focus on the only state in the U.S. that meets this criterion - Missouri. Additionally, we'll delve into other states that share similar geographical conditions.

Missouri: The Lone Landlocked State

Missouri is a unique state in the United States, as it is the only state that is completely surrounded by other states. This makes Missouri a fascinating subject for geographical and historical enthusiasts alike. Missouri shares its borders with eight states: Iowa to the north, Illinois to the northeast, Kentucky to the southeast, Tennessee to the south, Arkansas to the southwest, Oklahoma to the west, Kansas to the northwest, and Nebraska to the north.

Explore Similar Geological Features

While Missouri is the only state completely surrounded by other states, several other states within the United States also share this characteristic. Other states that are either fully or partially surrounded by other states include:

Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Additionally, let's explore the concept of states that share a small panhandle, a geographical feature seen in Oklahoma. The only U.S. state with a true panhandle is Oklahoma, which makes it unique in terms of its odd shape and geographic configuration.

States with Intersecting Borders

Another intriguing aspect of state borders in the U.S. is the concept of states that meet at one point. Four U.S. states meet at a single point where three states intersect:

Oklahoma: Bordering Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Colorado: Also borders New Mexico and Utah. New Mexico: Borders Colorado and Utah. Arizona: Bordered by Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Moreover, there are other states that share border intersections with three other states:

California borders Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. Tennessee borders Kentucky, North Carolina, and Georgia. Mississippi borders Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Conclusion

In summary, while Missouri stands out as the only state completely surrounded by other states, there are numerous other states that are also notable for their geographical configurations. Understanding these unique features can provide valuable insights into the diverse and fascinating landscape of the United States. Whether you are a geography enthusiast or simply curious about the unique characteristics of each state, exploring these features is both educational and exciting.