Shape of the States

Shape of the States starts with the shape of the whole United States, then the thirteen colonies, the four acquired states, and the thirty-three ones Congress created. Each state's borders is discussed within a regional context with states next to them and discussions of common issues and specific disputes. The work demonstrates how Congress effectively worked to make these thirty-three relatively equal in size. It shows the actions presidents took to negotiate, acquire, and fight for certain properties to augment the states, such as the Gadsden Purchase. Supreme Court decisions to resolve matters are identified as well.