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USA Geography Trivia: 15 Facts About American Islands
The United States is home to numerous fascinating islands, from tropical paradises to remote Alaskan outposts. Here are 15 intriguing facts about American islands that showcase the geographical diversity and unique characteristics of these territories.
1. Hawaii’s Growing Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii continues to grow due to volcanic activity. Kilauea volcano has added over 500 acres of new land to the island since 1983, making it the only U.S. state that’s actively increasing in size through natural processes.
2. Manhattan’s Hidden History
Manhattan Island was purchased from Native Americans in 1626 for goods valued at 60 Dutch guilders. The island’s bedrock, called Manhattan schist, is what allows the city to support its massive skyscrapers.
3. Largest Island in the Continental U.S.
Long Island, New York, is the largest island in the contiguous United States, spanning 118 miles in length and encompassing 1,401 square miles of land area. It’s home to over 7.5 million people.
4. America’s Northernmost Point
Point Barrow, located on an island-like peninsula in Alaska, is the northernmost point in the United States. The surrounding waters are frozen for most of the year.
5. The Unique Channel Islands
California’s Channel Islands, often called “America’s Galapagos,” host numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are home to the endemic island fox, one of the smallest fox species in the world.
6. Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, features three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays. Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is considered the brightest.
7. Alcatraz’s Natural History
Before becoming a notorious prison, Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay was home to the West Coast’s first lighthouse and was originally named “La Isla de los Alcatraces” (Island of the Pelicans).
8. Michigan’s Isle Royale
Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in the contiguous United States but has the highest return rate. The island hosts a unique wolf-moose predator-prey relationship studied for decades.
9. The Aleutian Island Chain
Alaska’s Aleutian Islands stretch so far west that some of them actually lie in the Eastern Hemisphere. The chain consists of more than 300 small volcanic islands spanning 1,200 miles.
10. Key West’s Unique Position
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States, lying just 90 miles from Cuba. The island was once the richest city per capita in the United States due to shipwreck salvaging.
11. Mount Desert Island’s Distinction
Maine’s Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, is the largest island off the East Coast of the United States. It features Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the U.S. to see sunrise for much of the year.
12. American Samoa’s Time Zone
American Samoa is the southernmost U.S. territory and lies on the other side of the International Date Line from the mainland U.S., making it the last place in America to see each new day.
13. Kodiak Island’s Giant Bears
Alaska’s Kodiak Island is home to the largest bears in the world, the Kodiak brown bear. The island is the second-largest in the United States after Hawaii’s Big Island.
14. Ellis Island’s Split Jurisdiction
Ellis Island is shared by both New York and New Jersey, following a 1998 Supreme Court decision. The original three-acre island belongs to New York, while the remaining 24 acres of landfill belong to New Jersey.
15. U.S. Virgin Islands History
The U.S. Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million in gold. The territory consists of three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, plus many smaller islands.
Conclusion
From volcanic formations to historical landmarks, America’s islands represent a diverse tapestry of geographical wonders. These 15 facts highlight the unique characteristics of various American islands, from the tropical territories of Hawaii and Puerto Rico to the remote Alaskan archipelagos. Each island contributes to the rich geographical and cultural heritage of the United States, offering distinctive ecosystems, historical significance, and natural phenomena that continue to fascinate visitors and researchers alike.