When it comes to the United States, you may have heard the term "Lower 48" being used to refer to the contiguous states that make up the mainland. But why exactly are they called the Lower 48?

According to one Hawaiian perspective, the name "Lower 48" comes from the fact that these states are geographically lower than Alaska and separated from it. In other words, Alaska is considered the "upper" state while the other 48 are the "lower" ones.

This distinction can be traced back to the time when Alaska was not yet a part of the United States. When the country acquired Alaska in 1867, it became known as the northernmost state in the union. As a result, the contiguous states were often referred to as the "lower" ones in comparison.

Over time, the term "Lower 48" stuck and became widely used to differentiate the contiguous states from Alaska and Hawaii. While Hawaii is not physically connected to the other states, it is still included in the term "mainland" along with the Lower 48.

So next time you hear someone mention the Lower 48, you'll know that it's not just a random name but a geographical reference rooted in history. And if you ever find yourself in a trivia contest, you can impress others with your knowledge of why they call it the Lower 48!