List of extreme points of the United States

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List of Extreme Points of the United States details the geographical extremes of the United States of America, encompassing various points that are the highest, lowest, northernmost, southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost locations within the country's boundaries and territories. Understanding these points offers insight into the vast and diverse landscape of the United States, from rugged coastlines and towering peaks to expansive plains and remote islands.

Northernmost Point

The northernmost point in the United States is Point Barrow, Alaska, located at a latitude of 71°23′20″N. This remote cape on the Arctic Ocean is part of the larger Barrow Peninsula and is significant for its extreme Arctic climate and daylight variations.

Southernmost Point

Ka Lae, Hawaii, also known as South Point, is the southernmost point of the United States, situated at 18°54′39″N latitude. This windswept area is known for its rugged cliffs and is a significant historical and cultural site, with ties to early Polynesian navigation.

Easternmost Point

The easternmost point of the United States is West Quoddy Head, Maine, located at 66°57′W longitude. Marked by the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, this point overlooks the Bay of Fundy and is notable for its picturesque coastal landscapes.

Westernmost Point

The westernmost point of the United States is Cape Wrangell on Attu Island, Alaska, at 172°27′E longitude. Part of the Near Islands group of the Aleutian Islands, Cape Wrangell is remote and largely uninhabited, offering stark and rugged natural beauty.

Highest Point

The highest point in the United States is the peak of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), Alaska, which rises to 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Denali is not only the tallest mountain in the U.S. but also in North America, attracting climbers and adventurers from around the world.

Lowest Point

The lowest point in the United States is Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, California, at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. This salt flat is one of the hottest and driest places on earth, offering a unique and extreme desert landscape.

Geographical Center

The geographical center of the 50 United States is located near the town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, marking the balancing point of the country's spatial dimensions. This symbolic location is commemorated with a marker and visitor center.

Conclusion

The extreme points of the United States highlight the country's geographical diversity, from frozen Arctic shores to tropical Pacific islands, and from towering mountain peaks to below-sea-level desert basins. These points are not only significant for their geographical records but also for the unique ecosystems and cultures that thrive in these extreme environments.