ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Northwest Angle

The Northwest Angle is a special part of the United States that is located in the northeastern part of the state of Minnesota. It is a small corner that juts out into Canada and is the only part of the United States that is north of the 49th parallel, which is the border between the United States and Canada.

Now, you might be wondering how the Northwest Angle came to be. Well, a long time ago, when the United States and Canada were deciding on their borders, they used a straight line to divide the two countries. However, this line didn't exactly follow the natural geography of the land, and as a result, it ended up creating this little corner of the United States that sticks out into Canada.

So why is it called the Northwest Angle? Well, the word "angle" refers to the shape of this little corner. It's like a small triangle or angle sticking out into Canada from the rest of the United States. And the word "northwest" simply means that it is located in the northwestern part of the continent.

Now, let's talk about what life is like in the Northwest Angle. Because it's such a unique and remote place, it has a small population and is mostly made up of wilderness and lakes. There are only about 100 people who live there!

One interesting thing about the Northwest Angle is that it is not easily accessible by road from the rest of the United States. To get there, you would have to travel through Canada first and then cross the border back into the United States. This can make it a little tricky for people to visit or for goods and supplies to be delivered to the residents.

The Northwest Angle is also known for its beautiful nature and wildlife. It's surrounded by lakes and forests, making it a popular spot for fishing and outdoor activities. There are many different kinds of fish that you can catch in the lakes, including walleye and perch.

In conclusion, the Northwest Angle is a unique and special part of the United States that sticks out into Canada. It has a small population, is surrounded by nature, and has a different way of accessing it compared to other parts of the country.