Can you guess the U.S. states that look like perfect squares just by looking at a map? Chances are, you immediately thought of Wyoming or Colorado — the neat, boxy shapes that stand out among America’s 50 states. But why are some states almost perfect squares, while others look like jigsaw puzzle pieces?
Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how American geography, history, and politics combined to create the borders we see today.
The Fascination with State Shapes
Maps tell stories — and the shapes of U.S. states are no exception. From the curved coastline of Florida to the geometric edges of Utah, each border has a tale behind it. Today, geography lovers and trivia fans alike enjoy Guess the U.S. States challenges, testing how well they know America’s geography.
This obsession has even fueled the popular American 50 states quiz, where people compete to see how fast they can identify states by shape alone.
A Quick Look at the Map of America
Take a glance at the U.S. map — you’ll notice that the East Coast is full of oddly shaped states, while the West seems organized and square. That’s not a coincidence. The difference is rooted in how America expanded and evolved over time.
Also Read This: 50 States, 50 Capitals: Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
How the U.S. Got Its Borders
In the early days, before America became 50 states, boundaries were influenced by colonial charters, natural landmarks, and foreign claims. The 13 original colonies on the East Coast had irregular borders because they followed rivers, mountains, and coastlines — easy-to-define markers in a time without precise surveying tools.
As America grew westward, new territories were divided up in a far more systematic way.
Surveying and Mapping: The Science Behind Square States
The square shapes we see today are thanks to the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) — a scientific approach developed in the late 1700s. This system divided land into grids based on latitude and longitude lines, forming neat, rectangular plots.
When new territories were added to the U.S., surveyors used this system to draw boundaries straight across flat plains — resulting in states that looked almost perfectly square.
Why Western States Look More Square
When the Louisiana Purchase and other western territories joined the Union, the land was vast, flat, and mostly unclaimed. It made sense to draw simple, straight borders using survey lines instead of messy natural landmarks.
That’s why Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah have geometric borders — they were products of mathematical convenience rather than natural geography.
Eastern States and Their Complex Shapes
In contrast, the Eastern states had been settled long before accurate mapping tools existed. Borders were drawn based on rivers, mountains, and even old colonial rivalries.
For example:
- Kentucky’s shape follows the Ohio River.
- West Virginia was carved out during the Civil War.
- Maryland’s border bends along the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.
These irregular shapes reflect centuries of negotiation and compromise.
Examples of Square-Like States
Wyoming and Colorado
Both are nearly perfect rectangles — the only two in the U.S. defined entirely by latitude and longitude. Yet, due to Earth’s curvature, they’re not truly perfect squares — their northern and southern borders are slightly shorter than the eastern and western ones.
Utah and New Mexico
Also largely rectangular, though adjusted slightly to follow mountain ridges and rivers.
States with the Most Irregular Borders
Now let’s look at the other extreme. States like:
- Maryland, with its sharp peninsulas and jagged inlets.
- West Virginia, shaped by mountain ranges and the Civil War split.
- Tennessee, following the winding Mississippi River.
These states showcase how nature and history combined to create unique, irregular shapes.
The Role of Geography and Nature
Nature has always been the best cartographer. Early settlers often used rivers and mountains as boundaries because they were easy to identify. That’s why states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri follow natural river curves instead of straight lines.
Politics and State Creation
Politics also played a key role. The U.S. Congress used the rectangular survey system to simplify territory management and land distribution. The result? Straight lines, easy land sales, and square-looking states — particularly in the Midwest and West.
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
Introduced in 1785, the PLSS divided land into 6-mile squares called townships. This method became the blueprint for future states, creating those satisfyingly straight lines seen on today’s maps.
Cultural Impact: Why We Love “Guess the U.S. States” Quizzes
Fast forward to today, and these unique shapes continue to inspire curiosity. The Guess the U.S. States and American 50 states quiz have become viral online games, helping people learn U.S. geography in a fun way.
Whether you’re testing your memory or challenging friends, these quizzes make geography cool again — blending history with entertainment.
Quiz Time: Test Your Knowledge!
Now that you know why some states are square and others aren’t, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test!
Take our Quiz on American States and see if you can guess all 50 states just by their outlines.
Conclusion
America’s state borders are more than just lines — they’re the result of centuries of exploration, politics, and nature’s influence. From the near-perfect squares of Wyoming and Colorado to the twisting curves of Maryland and Florida, each border tells a story of how this diverse nation came to be.
So, next time you look at a map, take a moment to appreciate those shapes — and maybe, test yourself with a Guess the U.S. States challenge!
FAQs
1. Which U.S. state is the most perfectly square?
Wyoming is considered the most square-shaped state, followed closely by Colorado.
2. Why do Western states have straighter borders than Eastern states?
Because they were surveyed later using longitude and latitude lines rather than natural landmarks.
3. What system was used to design square borders in the U.S.?
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS), created in 1785, introduced a grid-based approach to mapping land.
4. Are any states perfectly square?
No. Due to Earth’s curvature, no state can be a perfect square, though Wyoming comes close.
5. Where can I test my knowledge of U.S. state shapes?
Try an interactive American 50 states quiz or quiz on American states to see how well you know your geography!