How the States Got Their Shapes

November 09, 2010

Why does Missouri have the boot heel? Why is Michigan in two parts? How come Texas is so big, but Rhode Island is so small? If you’ve ever wondered about the eccentricities of the 50 states or would like to learn about them, then we have the perfect book for you.

How the States Got Their Shapes is a fascinating book that addresses many of the questions about just that. It explains why some states have mostly straight borders, while others are surrounded by rivers. It also looks at the driving forces behind naming and shaping the states. The History Channel even aired a miniseries based on the book. After you read How the States Got Their Shapes, perhaps a road trip is in order to explore the boundaries of the states.

If a road trip is not what you’re looking for, you can pick up Lost States by Michael J. Trinklein. It is a brand new book, and it gives a fun history lesson about the states that never were like Franklin, Chippewa, Montezuma and Yazoo.

Dan B.
Blue Springs South Branch