Does Every Us State Have A Straight Line? Exploring State Borders

Is there a straight line boundary in every state? Most American states, excluding Hawaii, primarily have rectilinear shapes. To illustrate, Pennsylvania, with the exception of its eastern border along the Delaware River and a small portion on the northwestern side adjacent to Lake Erie, takes on a nearly rectangular form. This rectilinear pattern is even more apparent in the newer western states like Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. (Published on October 20, 2018)

The Mason and Dixon Line, originally coined during congressional debates in the lead-up to the Missouri Compromise of 1820, holds historical significance in delineating regional differences within the United States. While it was initially established to mark the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland, it does not extend beyond the Ohio River to the west. This line, although no longer a precise geographical boundary, continues to symbolize the enduring political and social divisions between the Northern and Southern regions of the United States. As of August 18, 2023, it remains a poignant emblem of these distinctions.