7. Nevada Area: 110,560 square miles Capital: Carson City State since: 1864 The Silver State gets its nickname from the Comstock Lode and other rich silver and gold deposits found within its borders. The name of the state itself is from a Spanish word that means “snowcapped.” The highest point in the state is Boundary Peak, which stretches 13,413 feet above sea level. Fun Nevada fact: The state reptile is the desert tortoise.

6. Arizona Area: 113,998 square miles Capital: Phoenix State since: 1912 Arizona leads the U.S. in copper production. Among the standout sites in the state are the Grand Canyon and London Bridge (the original one, now to be found in Lake Havasu City). Arizona was the 48th state to the join the Union; its entry date was Valentine’s Day. Fun Arizona fact: The state insect is the two-tailed swallowtail.

5. New Mexico Area: 121,589 square miles Capital: Santa Fe State since: 1912 The famed Rio Grande flows through New Mexico, a state also known as the Land of Enchantment. Santa Fe’s Palace of Governors is the oldest government building in the U.S. Fun New Mexico fact: The symbol on the state flag is an interpretation of an ancient Sun symbol called a Zia.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce