53. Where East Meets West in America’s Last Frontier
Alaska’s Aleutian Islands stretch so far west that they actually cross the 180th meridian, placing a portion of the state in the Eastern Hemisphere. This geographical quirk grants Alaska the unique distinction of being the northernmost, westernmost, and easternmost state in the United States.

The Aleutian chain, spanning over 1,200 miles across the Bering Sea, is a rugged landscape of volcanic peaks, windswept coastlines, and remote communities. This remote and awe-inspiring region serves as a meeting point between East and West, where the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, while polar winds sweep over a landscape steeped in both natural beauty and historical significance.