Fifty States Before Forty (11/50).  Located in Little Falls, New York Lock 17 is the highest (12.3 meters) along the Erie Canal.  The guillotine gate is a highlight for boaters and cyclists seeking adventure.  Learn more: https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2016/07/little-falls-lock-17-engineering-marvel-opened-100-years-ago [2022]

Fifty States Before Forty (10/50).  Formed more than 7,000 years ago following the caldera collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States (594 meters).  Be careful on the edges as heavy snowfall makes for precarious navigation.  Learn more: https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/crater-lake-national-park [2016]

 

Fifty States Before Forty (9/50).  Looking at a map at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, the world's largest.  Learn more:  https://iowa80truckstop.com [2011]

 

Fifty States Before Forty (8/50).  Formerly Plaza de Armas and the site of the symbolic possession of the Louisiana Purchase, historic Jackson Square is central to the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Learn more:  https://www.nps.gov/places/places-darmes [2008]

 

Fifty States Before Forty (7/50).  Reno, Nevada: The Biggest Little City in the World.  Designed to attract visitors seeking adventure, the nickname was adopted in 1929.  I visited for my first academic conference.  Learn more:  https://travelnevada.com/historical-interests/reno-arch [2007]

 

Fifty States Before Forty (6/50). Situated in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake is an alpine lake we hiked during my Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Learn more:  https://www.nps.gov/romo [2007]

 

Fifty States Before Forty (5/50).  The first European capital of Maryland, (Historic) St. Mary’s City features the reconstructed 1676 Statehouse.  Annapolis became the capital in 1695. Learn more:  https://www.hsmcdigshistory.org [2024]