One of the oddities that interests me is when a territory is broken into two or more non-contiguous pieces. Some become rather famous, like the small chunk of the United States in northern Minnesota that can only be reached via Canada at Lake of the Woods.
A similar condition exists between and within certain states within the United States, including Michigan. No, I’m not referring to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Everyone knows that one. Rather, I’m referring to the Lost Peninsula.
People can only get to the Lost Peninsula on dry land through Ohio. Residents who live there must take Edgewater Drive back into Ohio. Then they need to loop around to reach the remainder of their home state of Michigan.
The Lost Peninsula doesn’t offer much other than a few houses and a marina. I still find it interesting. This little chunk became disconnected when the border between Michigan and Ohio was established.
Wouldn’t Michigan just want to give up this small plot of land to make a smoother border. Of course not. States, like people, act possessively. They want to hang onto as much territory as possible. It’s not like it’s much of an inconvenience to the residents, though. There is free and unobstructed passage between the States. It’s more simply an interesting oddity.
See also: Reader “Jim C.”‘s visit to the Lost Peninsula (including photos) in Lost Again.
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