A lot of Americans know basic U.S. geography — you know, that the Atlantic Ocean is to the east and the Pacific is to the west, with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. But there are several geography facts that even the most geographically inclined Americans trip up on.
Whether due to technicalities or misconceptions that spread, these U.S. geography facts are some of the most common ones people get wrong. But if you're a seasoned traveler, it helps to know fact from fiction, and luckily, we're here to set the record straight.
Kansas City Is Also in Missouri
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Despite its rather obvious name, Kansas City is not just located in the state of Kansas. The Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area actually spans both Kansas and Missouri, and each state claims its own Kansas City run by two completely separate city governments.
In fact, most of Kansas City's popular attractions are actually located on the Missouri side. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs play in a stadium in Missouri, not Kansas.
Maine Isn’t the Easternmost State
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Maine is practically the definition of East Coast culture and climate, but it's technically not the easternmost state in the U.S.
That designation goes to Alaska's Aleutian Islands, which happen to cross over the 180th meridian — the farthest eastern longitudes of the world.
The Statue of Liberty Isn’t Technically in New York
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Ever since its erection in 1875, the Statue of Liberty has been a New York City symbol and a top attraction for those visiting the Big Apple.
The Supreme Court acknowledged that the statue is, in fact, a part of New York in 1987, but geographically, it's actually located on the New Jersey side of the state line. Case in point: It's even listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
You Can See Russia From Alaska
Sarah Palin got a lot of flack for this back in 2008 when she claimed that you could see parts of Russia from Alaska — but it's actually true!
From a few parts of Alaska's Cape Prince of Wales, you can see mainland Siberia — which is only 50 miles away.
Parts of Mexico Aren't Actually South of the U.S.
Yes, Mexico is south of the U.S. border, but there's actually a lot of Mexico that's north of America's most southern states.
The slight curve of the Mexico-United States border makes it so that there are a whopping 11 states with land farther south than Mexico's most northern points.
For more geography facts you likely don't know, check out "Geography Facts Most People Get Wrong."