From Alaska to Kansas: A Guide to the 15 Biggest States in the USA

Born from a revolution against British rule, the United States was formed after thirteen North American colonies declared independence on July 4, 1776, subsequently drafting its official Constitution in 1787. Pivotal dates in history have significantly altered the country’s course and led to the freedom struggle. 

A nation rich in diverse landscapes and influential history, the USA ranks as the third-largest country in the world (after Russia and Canada). The United States occupies 40% of the North American continent, with 50 states. All the individual states have distinct (now polarised) political units. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the 15 biggest States in the USA by area. From the icy wilderness of Alaska to the sun-baked deserts of Arizona, each state is home to aesthetic landscapes and cultural significance.

Fun fact: The country is also a significant source of entertainment. American TV, Hollywood films, jazz, blues, rock, and rap music are major contributors to popular culture worldwide.

Top 15 Biggest States in the USA 

1. Alaska 

• Capital: Juneau
• Area: 663,267 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: Purchased from Russia in 1867, Alaska’s acquisition expanded territory and resources.
• Climate: Alaska exhibits diverse climates, from maritime in the south to arctic in the north, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers.

Nicknamed the Last Frontier, Alaska tops the list of the biggest states in the USA and is the only one to be apart from the other states. The state is rich in natural resources, including oil and seafood. Alaska has a sparse population of 732,385, with a vast wilderness area like Denali National Park. Altogether, Alaska has 3 million glaciers, with the Matanuska glacier being the largest in the state. The total area of 16.7 million acres includes Alaska’s forest cover, and Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is the only state capital that isn’t accessible by road. The state’s history is marked by events like the Klondike Gold Rush, which brought a surge of settlers in the late 19th century.

2. Texas 

• Capital: Austin
• Area: 268,596 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 transformed Texas into an economic powerhouse.
• Climate: Texas has a varied environment, ranging from arid in the west to humid in the east, with hot summers and mild winters.

Also known as the Lone Star State, Texas comes second in the list of the biggest states in the USA. Famously depicted in films like There Will Be Blood, the state had a tag of the largest ocean of oil field. Historically, Texas was an independent republic before becoming a state. For over a century, the state was a part of the Spanish Empire, and Mexico for some time. The oil boom of the early 1900s increased its economy. Cotton, cattle, and petroleum are the major industries running the economy. Texas has a rustic yet aesthetic terrain ranging from coastlines to deserts and hill country. 

3. California 

• Capital: Sacramento
• Area: 163,696 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The 1848 Gold Rush spurred rapid population growth and economic development.
• Climate: California’s climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the southeast, with significant regional variations.

California ranks third among the biggest states in the USA and covers 163,700 square miles. The Golden State is globally influential, from tech in Silicon Valley to entertainment in Hollywood. Sunny beaches, snow-capped mountains, and fertile farmlands fill the state’s topography. The Gold Rush of 1848 resulted in a massive westward migration. California’s 800-mile stretch of coastline is known for some of the best scenic views in the world.

4. Montana 

• Capital: Helena
• Area: 147,040 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 was a significant conflict between the US Army and Native American tribes.
• Climate: Montana experiences a continental climate with cold winters, warm summers, and significant temperature variations.

Often called Big Sky Country, Montana has wide-open spaces and stunning mountain ranges. The state’s past is deeply rooted in Native American history and frontier conflict, especially the Battle of Little Bighorn. Montana hosts some of the country’s most unspoiled wilderness and attracts nature lovers and solitude seekers alike. It is the only state to share the largest international border with Canada, and its horizon creates a sense of awe and freedom. 

5.  New Mexico 

• Capital: Santa Fe
• Area: 121,590 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The Manhattan Project during World War II led to the development of the first nuclear weapons in Los Alamos.
• Climate: New Mexico has a semi-arid to arid climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and low annual precipitation.

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, stretching over 121,600 square miles, holds the fifth position on the list of the biggest states in the USA. Its unique blend of cultures and landscapes sets it apart. Rich in Native American and Hispanic heritage, it also played a significant role in the development of nuclear weapons. Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the US, is known for its adobe architecture and art. With growing sectors in energy and film, New Mexico offers a distinct blend of tradition and innovation.

Read More: Is It Really 50? Rethinking How Many States Are in the USA

6. Arizona 

• Capital: Phoenix
• Area: 113,990 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: Arizona achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, becoming the 48th state.
• Climate: Arizona features a desert climate in the south with hot summers and mild winters, and a more temperate climate in the north.

Arizona, located in the southwestern United States, is the sixth-largest state, covering approximately 113,990 square miles. It became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. Bordered by California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Mexico to the south, it’s known for its stunning landscapes. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is home to the world-famous Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River. The state also features deserts like the Sonoran, towering saguaro cacti, and mountain ranges such as the Superstition Mountains and San Francisco Peaks.

7. Nevada 

• Capital: Carson City
• Area: 110,572 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 led to a silver mining boom.
• Climate: Nevada is the driest state in the US, with a desert climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters.

With much of its wide-open deserts and rugged mountain ranges, Nevada ranks high among the biggest states in the USA and is nicknamed the Silver State. The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 helped shape Nevada’s population growth. Today, Las Vegas is famous for its gaming industry and casinos, and it is also home to historic mining towns and sprawling wilderness. The Great Basin Desert covers Nevada’s landscape, while the Mojave Desert stretches into the southern region.

8. Colorado 

• Capital: Denver
• Area: 104,094 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859 attracted many settlers and prospectors.
• Climate: Colorado has a varied environment, with alpine conditions in the mountains and semi-arid conditions on the plains.

Nicknamed the Centennial State, Colorado is one of the biggest states in the USA, with a land area of 104,100 square miles. It’s famous for the towering Rocky Mountains, outdoor adventure spots, and vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder. Colorado is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, the Grand Mesa—the largest flattop mountain—and the gold rush that influenced its early history. Its rich heritage includes tales of mining towns and ghost stories.

9. Oregon 

• Capital: Salem
• Area: 98,379 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The Oregon Trail facilitated westward expansion in the 19th century.
• Climate: Oregon’s climate ranges from oceanic in the west to semi-arid in the east, with wet winters and dry summers.

Oregon has diverse ecosystems like coastal cliffs, dense forests, and volcanic peaks. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts. The Oregon Trail brought early pioneers here in the 1800s, and the state has since become a center for green innovation and craft industries. Portland leads in sustainability and tech, while rural areas have breathtaking national parks.

10. Wyoming 

• Capital: Cheyenne
• Area: 97,813 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: In 1869, Wyoming became the first territory to grant women the right to vote.
• Climate: Wyoming experiences a semi-arid and continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.

Wyoming holds the tenth spot on the list of the biggest states in the USA. It’s home to Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park, and is rich in fossil history. Wyoming made history by being the first to grant women the right to vote, earning the name The Equality State. With more wildlife than people, Wyoming is a quiet yet striking place.

11. Minnesota

• Capital: St. Paul
• Area: 86,936 sq mi
• Notable Historical Events: Minnesota Statehood (1858), Flour Milling Boom in Minneapolis (late 19th century), Civil Rights Movements (20th century)
• Climate: Continental climate with cold winters, warm summers, and significant seasonal variation.

Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota’s abundant water resources have shaped its history and economy. The state ranks fourteenth in the list of the biggest states in the USA. After achieving statehood in 1858, the state experienced a flour milling boom, particularly in Minneapolis, which became a global leader in flour production. Throughout the 20th century, Minnesota was at the forefront of various civil rights movements, advocating for social justice and equality. 

12. Utah 

• Capital: Salt Lake City
• Area: 84,899 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The arrival of Mormon pioneers in 1847 led to the establishment of Salt Lake City.
• Climate: Utah has a semi-arid to desert climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and significant snowfall in the mountains.

Utah’s history is deeply rooted in the Mormon pioneers who settled in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Achieving statehood in 1896, Utah has developed immensely in technology and tourism. The 2002 Winter Olympics showcased Utah’s stunning landscapes and solidified its reputation as a premier destination for winter sports. Utah offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty from the red rock canyons of the south to the snow-capped mountains in the north.

13. Idaho 

• Capital: Boise
• Area: 83,569 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: The Lewis and Clark Expedition traversed Idaho in the early 1800s, mapping the region.
• Climate: Idaho has a diverse environment, with maritime influences in the north and arid conditions in the south.

Idaho is one of the biggest states in the USA. Known as the Gem State, Idaho offers diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to fertile plains. The state was pivotal during the westward expansion, with the Lewis and Clark Expedition traversing its terrain. In 1890, Idaho achieved statehood, further solidifying its place in American history. The establishment of the Idaho National Laboratory in 1949 marked a significant advancement in nuclear research.

14. Kansas 

• Capital: Topeka
• Area: 82,278 sq mi
• Major Historical Event: Bleeding Kansas in the 1850s was a series of violent confrontations over the legality of slavery.
• Climate: Kansas experiences a continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation.

Kansas takes thirteenth place on the list of the biggest states in the USA. Often referred to as the Heart of America, Kansas played a crucial role in the events leading up to the Civil War, particularly during the Bleeding Kansas conflicts. Kansas gained statehood in 1861. The city of Wichita earned the nickname Air Capital of the World due to its significant contributions to aircraft manufacturing. Kansas’s vast plains and rich history make it a unique and integral part of the nation.

15. Nebraska

• Capital: Lincoln
• Area: 77,348 sq mi
• Notable Historical Events: Nebraska Statehood (1867), Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad (1869), Agricultural Development in the Great Plains
• Climate: Continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall.

Nebraska concludes the list of the 15 biggest states in the USA. Achieving statehood in 1867, Nebraska played a pivotal role in the nation’s expansion westward. Completing the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 facilitated migration and commerce, transforming the state into an agricultural powerhouse. The fertile lands of the Great Plains allowed Nebraska to become a leading producer of corn and beef. 

Conclusion 

The biggest states in the USA are diverse and offer a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. These states depict America’s identity and vast and varied landscape, from Alaska’s icy wilderness to Oregon’s national parks. Whether landlocked or sharing borders with Canada or Mexico, each state uniquely contributes to the nation’s story.