Los Angeles: Not the West Coast King (Shocking, We Know)
Ah, Los Angeles. City of Angels, land of dreams, and...surprisingly not the undisputed westernmost US metropolis? Buckle up, geography enthusiasts (and everyone else, this is a fun fact for parties!), because we're about to shatter your perception of the "West Coast."
Hold My Surfboard, Dude: Six State Capitals That Put L.A. to Shame (in terms of sheer westness)
Yes, you read that right. A whopping six state capitals hold the coveted title of "Further West Than Los Angeles." Let's meet this exclusive, westward-leaning crew:
- Sacramento, California: This might come as a surprise, considering L.A. is, well, California. But the Golden State stretches far and wide, with Sacramento claiming the capital crown further inland.
- Salem, Oregon: Known for its misty charm (because let's face it, California isn't the only state with a water shortage!), Salem takes the "Wet and Wild West" crown (unofficial, of course).
- Olympia, Washington: Evergreen State living at its finest! While Seattle may steal the spotlight, Olympia reigns supreme in the "Most Westerly Capital (Besides Those Other Ones)" category.
- Juno, Alaska: This one's a no-brainer. America's Last Frontier definitely qualifies as "out west," with Juneau nestled amidst breathtaking glaciers.
- Honolulu, Hawaii: C'mon, folks. Islands don't get much further west than Hawaii. Plus, who wouldn't want to brag about having a capital city with such legendary beaches?
So there you have it. Los Angeles may be a beach bum's paradise, but it's not the undisputed western champion.
But Wait, There's More! A Philosophical Aside on Westness
This whole "west of L.A." thing brings up some interesting philosophical questions. Is "west" a fixed point, or is it relative? Does being on an island (like Hawaii) inherently make you more western? And what about the whole "going west until you go east" thing?
Maybe that's a debate for another day (or another internet forum). For now, let's just appreciate the geographical quirk that places several state capitals further west than the City of Angels.
So next time you're bragging about living on the West Coast, remember – you might have some unexpected competition!
