1. Alaska Area: 663,267 square miles Capital: Juneau State since: 1959 Alaska became part of the United States in 1867, in a land deal with Russia. The state is known as the Last Frontier. Its coastline extends more than 6,600 miles. Alaska’s highest point is also America’s: Mount McKinley (or Denali) stretches 20,320 feet above sea level. Fun Alaska fact: The design of the state flag, incorporating the North Star and the Big Dipper, was the inspiration of a 13-year-old Native American boy named Bennie Benson.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce