One of the oddities that interests me is when a territory is broken into two or more pieces that are non-contiguous. Some are 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, which is an obvious situation. Rather, I’m referring to the Lost Peninsula.







The only way to get to the Lost Peninsula is through Ohio. Residents who live here will have to take Edgewater Drive back into Ohio, and loop around to reach the remainder of their home state of Michigan. There’s not much to be found on the Lost Peninsula other than a marina and a few houses but it’s still an interesting anomaly. This little chunk was left 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, are possessive and 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.