Images

The highest and lowest points in the continental United States are located within 100 miles of each other in California: Mount Whitney (14,494 feet) and Death Valley (282 feet below sea level).

Capital Sacramento

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 39,538,223

Plymouth Rock is the legendary stepping stone of the Pilgrims’ arrival in what is now Massachusetts. It sits on the shore of Plymouth Harbor at Pilgrim Memorial State Park and is actually no bigger than a coffee table.

Capital Boston

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 7,029,917

The largest earthquake ever recorded in the continental United States occurred near New Madrid, Missouri, in 1812. The quake shook more than one million square miles and was felt as far as 1,000 miles away.

Capital Jefferson City

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 6,154,913

Since 1931, Rugby, North Dakota, has been recognized as the geographical center of North America. A 15-foot tall rock obelisk, flanked by poles flying the United States and Canadian flags, marks the location.

Capital Bismarck

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 779,094

Crater Lake, in south-central Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States and was formed in the remains of an ancient volcano. The lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views.

Capital Salem

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 4,237,256

Arizona is blessed with many natural wonders including the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell/Rainbow Bridge, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Monument Valley, Meteor Crater, and Superstition Mountain.

Capital Phoenix

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 7,151,502

Delaware is known as the “First State,” because it was the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution.

Capital Dover

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 989,948

Number of Pixels 5,788,036

Louisiana is the only state with a large population of Cajuns, descendants of the Acadians who were driven out of Canada in the 1700s because they would not pledge allegiance to the King of England.

Capital Baton Rouge

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 4,657,757

The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine is the easternmost point in the 48 conterminous states. The first structure was built in 1808 by order of President Thomas Jefferson. The current brick lighthouse was built in 1858.

Capital Augusta

Image Source Landsat 8

Hernando DeSoto, a Spanish explorer, discovered the Mississippi River in 1540. It is the largest river in the United States and is the country’s chief waterway. Its nickname is “Old Man River.”

Capital Jackson

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 2,961,279

Oklahoma has the largest Native American population of any state. Many of the 250,000 American Indians living in Oklahoma are descended from the original 67 tribes who inhabited Indian Territory. Oklahoma is tribal headquarters for 39 tribes.

Capital Oklahoma City

Image Source Landsat 8

Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston harbor marks the site of the first hostilities of the Civil War in April, 1861.

Capital Columbia

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 5,118,425

Number of Pixels 89,542,287

Mount St. Helens in southeast Washington erupted on May 18, 1980. The volcano and 110,000 acres of surrounding land are now part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Capital Olympia

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 7,705,281

Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes. It also has 7,446 streams and rivers, which if placed end to end would stretch nearly 27,000 miles–more than enough to circle the globe at the equator.

Capital Madison

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 5,893,718

Wyoming is home to the country’s first official national park–Yellowstone, the country’s first national forest–Shoshone, and the country’s first national monument–Devil’s Tower.

Capital Cheyenne

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 576,851

This Lidar scan shows the South Dakota Capitol Building in Pierre, South Dakota. 

The EROS Cal/Val Center of Excellence (ECCOE) provides system and data quality research in support of the USGS National 3D Elevation Program.

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest settlement of European origin in the United States. The Spanish fortress of Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine was built from 1672-1695 and is made of coquina, a soft, impact-absorbing stone composed of sea shells.

Capital Tallahassee

Georgia is home to Okefenokee Swamp, a unique area of primitive wetland that provides sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and wildlife, including several endangered species.

Capital Atlanta

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 10,711,908

Idaho grows more potatoes than any other U.S. growing region, annually producing about 30 percent of U.S. fall production. Warm, sunny days, cool nights, and water from melting snow in nearby mountains make the perfect combination for growing them.

Capital Boise

Image Source Landsat 8

Iowa gets its name from an Indian word meaning “land between two rivers.” It is the only state whose east and west borders are entirely formed by water: the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

Capital Des Moines

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 3,190,369

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky is the world’s longest cave system, with more than 400 miles explored. Tours of Mammoth Cave have been given since 1816.

Capital Frankfort

Image Source Landsat 8

Population 4,505,836

Number of Pixels 116,287,675