Why Isn’t Whitehead Spit in Key West the Southernmost Part of the United States?

In the context of every map enthusiast's quest for discovering the southernmost point of the United States, it is often mistakenly believed that Whitehead Spit in Key West is the absolute southern tip. However, the truth is a bit more complex and involves broader considerations of geographical definitions and jurisdiction.

Geographical Context

The latitude of Whitehead Spit in Key West is approximately 24.54 degrees north. While this is indeed the southernmost point in Florida, it is not the southernmost point in the contiguous United States or even the southernmost point within Florida.

True Southernmost Point in the United States

Hawaii is the true southernmost point of the United States. More specifically, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is the most southerly point in the United States under U.S. jurisdiction. The latitude of this station is located at an incredible 90 degrees south. Rose Atoll and Palmyra Atoll, both U.S. territorial possessions, are also highly southern points, albeit not as extreme as the South Pole station. The island of Ka Lae on the Big Island of Hawaii holds the distinction of being the southernmost point in Florida.

Key West: The Southernmost Point in Florida

Despite the common misconception, Key West is the southernmost point of Florida. Whitehead Spit, situated west of Key West, is still within the state but lacks the claim to be the southernmost point. Key West is famous for its location just 90 miles south of Cuba, making it one of the closest U.S. locations to a foreign country.

Other Southernmost Points in the U.S.

Understanding the various southernmost points in the U.S. reveals a more intricate geographical landscape. Other notable southernmost points include:

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station: This research station is the most southerly point in the United States at 90 degrees south. Rose Atoll: A U.S. unincorporated territory in the Central Pacific, it holds a southern latitude of approximately 14 degrees 36 minutes north. Palmyra Atoll: An uninhabited coral atoll in the North Pacific, it is located at about 5 degrees 43 minutes north. Ka Lae: The southernmost point of the U.S. mainland is at Ka Lae on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a latitude of roughly 19 degrees north.

Conclusion

The misconception about Whitehead Spit in Key West being the southernmost part of the United States stems from its geographical position in Florida. While it is indeed a significant point within the state, it is not the southernmost in the broader context of the country. Understanding the broader geographical landscape of the U.S., including territories and territorial possessions, provides a clearer perspective on this fascinating aspect of American geography.