[Congressman Billybob]

There is a provision in the US Constitution that deaks with this issue. No state can have its boundaries changed without giving its consent to that. Incidentally, there are many states whose boundaries changed yearly, with no fuss and bother.

All states whose boudaries are defined by the "center line" of a specific river, such as the Mississippi, were subject to movements of the course of the river. Until the 20th century, this was common. And no specific approval of the legislature was required, since the line was fdefined by the river. (Beginning in the 20th century, the Army Corps of Engineers has gotton control of this situation, and it now seldom arises.)

Congressman Billybob

Click here, then click the blue CFR button, to join the anti-CFR effort (or visit the "Hugh & Series, Critical & Pulled by JimRob" thread). Please do it now.

[You Dirty Rats]

You mean if the Ohio River diverts 20 miles north I'll end up in Kentucky? That's a scary thought!

I'm still trying to understand how West Virginia was able to become its own state without the approval of Virginia. Not that Virginia would want it back!

[Chuckster]

Well then! That makes it simple doesn't it. All they have to do is change the course of the Connecticut river to make it run west of Killington no?

[jim_trent]

> All states whose boudaries are defined by the "center line" of
> a specific river, such as the Mississippi, were subject to movements
> of the course of the river.

Actually, the river moved, but the state did not. Get out a map of Nebraska. Look for a larger map of Omaha. Then look north of there a few miles. IT IS IOWA. Carter Lake, Iowa. It is on the west side of the Missouri River. ALL the rest of Iowa is on the east side of the Missouri River. So was Carter Lake when it was founded. But when the river changed its course (moved eastward), the land that was Iowa stayed Iowa.

Unfortunately, Carter Lake is a slum. Iowa does not spend any money on it and either does Nebraska.