The United States spans a vast area, covering multiple time zones and diverse geographical regions. When it comes to the most easterly point in the US, many people assume it is somewhere along the East Coast, such as Maine. However, the true easternmost point is located farther out in the Pacific Ocean, on a small, remote island.
This topic will explore the location of the easternmost point in the US, why it holds this title, and how it compares to other extreme points in the country.
What Is the Most Easterly Point in the US?
The easternmost point of the United States is Pochnoi Point, located on Semisopochnoi Island in Alaska. This may seem surprising because Alaska is generally associated with being the westernmost and northernmost state, but due to the way the International Date Line (IDL) is drawn, some parts of Alaska actually extend farther east than Maine.
Where Is Pochnoi Point?
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Location: Semisopochnoi Island, part of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.
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Coordinates: Approximately 51.93° N latitude and 179.58° E longitude.
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Significance: It is the farthest point east of the 180° meridian, making it the true easternmost point of the US.
Why Is It Considered the Easternmost Point?
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The 180° longitude line serves as a reference for dividing east from west.
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Semisopochnoi Island lies just west of the International Date Line, but since longitude determines "east" and "west," it is actually farther east than any location in the continental US.
Why Do People Think Maine Is the Most Easterly Point?
While Pochnoi Point is the true easternmost point, the mainland United States has a different easternmost location. That title belongs to West Quoddy Head, Maine.
West Quoddy Head, Maine
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Location: Lubec, Maine, on the East Coast.
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Coordinates: 44.81° N latitude and 66.95° W longitude.
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Significance: It is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States.
Since Maine is the farthest east in the Lower 48 states, many people mistakenly believe it to be the easternmost point of the US. However, when including all US territories and states, Alaska takes the title.
How Does the International Date Line Affect the Definition of "East"?
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary boundary that separates different calendar days. It does not follow a straight line but instead zigzags around political borders and islands.
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Parts of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands extend into the Eastern Hemisphere beyond the 180° meridian.
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Because longitude determines "easternmost" locations, areas beyond 180° are technically farther east than anywhere in the contiguous US.
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Even though Alaska is west of Maine geographically, some of its islands cross into the eastern hemisphere, making them the true easternmost points of the country.
Comparison of US Geographical Extremes
The United States has several extreme geographical points, each holding unique distinctions:
| Extreme Point | Location | State | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easternmost Point | Pochnoi Point | Alaska | 51.93° N, 179.58° E |
| Easternmost (Mainland) | West Quoddy Head | Maine | 44.81° N, 66.95° W |
| Westernmost Point | Attu Island | Alaska | 52.89° N, 173.18° E |
| Northernmost Point | Point Barrow | Alaska | 71.38° N, 156.48° W |
| Southernmost Point | Ka Lae (South Point) | Hawaii | 18.91° N, 155.68° W |
This table shows how Alaska dominates the list of extreme geographical points.
The Landscape and Environment of Pochnoi Point
1. Remote and Uninhabited
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Semisopochnoi Island is part of the Aleutian Islands, a chain of volcanic islands extending from Alaska.
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It is uninhabited, meaning there are no permanent residents or settlements.
2. Volcanic Activity
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The island contains an active volcano.
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It is part of the Aleutian Arc, a series of volcanic islands formed by tectonic activity.
3. Harsh Climate
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The weather is cold, wet, and windy year-round.
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The region is frequently affected by storms and rough seas.
Tourism and Accessibility
Unlike West Quoddy Head in Maine, which is easily accessible to visitors, Pochnoi Point is extremely remote.
1. How to Visit West Quoddy Head
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Visitors can drive to Lubec, Maine, and explore West Quoddy Head State Park.
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The park features hiking trails, scenic ocean views, and the famous red-and-white lighthouse.
2. How to Visit Pochnoi Point
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Reaching Pochnoi Point is very difficult because it is located on an uninhabited volcanic island.
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The island is part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and access is restricted.
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Most visitors need to charter a special boat or aircraft, making it one of the least visited locations in the US.
Why Knowing This Matters
1. Geography and Education
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Many people misunderstand the concept of "east" and "west" due to the way maps are drawn.
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Learning about how longitude works helps clarify these geographical distinctions.
2. Fun Fact for Travelers
- Knowing the true easternmost point is a great trivia fact for geography enthusiasts and travelers.
3. Understanding US Boundaries
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The United States is spread across multiple latitudes and longitudes, and its territories extend farther than just the mainland.
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This fact highlights how vast and diverse the country’s geography really is.
While most people believe that Maine is home to the most easterly point in the US, the true easternmost point is actually Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island, Alaska. Due to the International Date Line, this remote volcanic island in the Aleutian chain lies farther east than any other part of the country.
However, for those who want to visit an easily accessible easternmost point, West Quoddy Head in Maine remains the best option. Understanding the difference between geographical "east" and political borders helps explain why Alaska holds both the easternmost and westernmost points in the United States.