# US States Capitals Superlatives: Help build a list **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 25, 2006, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179 "2006-04-25T18:08:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Antonius\_Block](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/51bf81/32.png) [@Antonius\_Block](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antonius_Block)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/21 "2006-04-26T00:08:25Z")
**Providence** is Rhode Island’s capital and most populous city, so should be added to the relevant list. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/22 "2006-04-26T00:15:38Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > State with capital at the lowest elevation: > > I would have to guess my home state of Louisiana (Baton Rouge). Louisiana doesn’t do hills much let alone mountains and Baton Rouge is only about 50 feet above sea level. Olympia, Washington is at sea level, right on the shores of Puget Sound. ---
**Author:** ![PigBoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/97f17d/32.png) [@PigBoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PigBoy)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/23 "2006-04-26T00:19:09Z")
To address the couple of Columbus, Ohio questions, here are the size rankings in Ohio: City proper: 1. Columbus 2. Cleveland 3. Cincinnati Metropolitan area: 1. Cleveland 2. Cincinnati 3. Columbus * * * And regardless of who wins the “weirdest capital” fight, we in Madison can probably at least claim the title of Only State Capital on an Isthmus! Oh wait, it’s supposed to be superlative… um, Most Isthmusified State Capital? ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/24 "2006-04-26T01:09:29Z")
Just to clarify #'s 2 and 3 in the OP – we’re talking highest or lowest elevation _in that state_, right? Not in relation to other state capitols? ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/25 "2006-04-26T03:41:43Z")
Don’t know about most or least in comparison to other capitals, but I heard a while back that Denver is the lowest point in Colorado (or maybe the lowest major city or something). > [@acsenray](#): > > Hmm, could it be California? San Jose → Vallejo → Benicia → Sacramento San Diego was the capital too for a time, either before the US-Mexico War or immediately after, don’t remember. ---
**Author:** ![ataraxy22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ataraxy22/32/307_2.png) [@ataraxy22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ataraxy22)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/26 "2006-04-26T05:36:55Z")
I think Baton Rouge is now larger than New Orleans, and thus should count as largest city in its state. It certainly seemed that way when I was in both over the weekend. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/27 "2006-04-26T12:07:13Z")
> [@Ponder Stibbons](#): > > Since you “spoilered” it, I’m guessing there’s a joke here. I guess you “whooshed” me, then. > > Just to be pedantic, the [USGS](http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html) lists Denver at 5,470 ft and Atlanta at 1,086 ft. Mind you, that list isn’t exhaustive, as it only shows the elevations of the 50 largest American cities, so possible contenders like Santa Fe and Cheyenne aren’t included. Ahhh… I was reading what I wanted to read into the thread rather than reading what was actually written. I _think_ this was the first time that’s happened here on the SDMB. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/28 "2006-04-26T12:13:06Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Just to clarify #'s 2 and 3 in the OP – we’re talking highest or lowest elevation _in that state_, right? Not in relation to other state capitols? Good point. I suppose it would be good to have both categories, but I was thinking about state capitals as a group of cities to be compared with each other. Thus the superlative would be the capital city that is at a higher elevation (or lower for that category) than any other state capital. It might not have the highest (or lowest) elevation in its own state, with some other location perhaps taking that distinction. Maybe a separate category could be set up for the state or states (if any) where the state capital is at the highest elevation for that state. Atlanta would lose out in Georgia, since Georgia’s high point is further north and east at a place called[Brasstown Bald](http://americasroof.com/ga.shtml). Does any state’s capital city occupy the highest elevation in its state? ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/29 "2006-04-26T13:32:39Z")
> [@xbuckeye](#): > > I’m gonna have to fight you over that one…haven’t you ever heard of Madison, WI. Yes, but do you have your own [line of merchandise](http://www.outhousemall.com/customer/home.php?cat=366) exhalting your weirdness? ---
**Author:** ![caveman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/caveman/32/7242_2.png) [@caveman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caveman)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/30 "2006-04-26T15:06:18Z")
> [@UncleRojelio](#): > > Yes, but do you have your own [line of merchandise](http://www.outhousemall.com/customer/home.php?cat=366) exhalting your weirdness? Not to mention Spamarama, a delightful assortment of eccentrics, and the world’s largest urban bat colony… ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/31 "2006-04-26T15:15:04Z")
> [@Antonius Block](#): > > **Providence** is Rhode Island’s capital and most populous city, so should be added to the relevant list. Providence should win in a category not yet mentioned: largest capital in proportion to the size of the state it’s in. I think there’s more of Rhode Island _in_ Providence than there is of Rhode Island _outside_ of Providence. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/32 "2006-04-26T15:22:32Z")
> [@caveman](#): > > Not to mention Spamarama, a delightful assortment of eccentrics, and the world’s largest urban bat colony… … Eyeore’s Birthday Party, and the O’Henry Pun-Off, and Hippie Hollow … ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/33 "2006-04-26T15:37:54Z")
> [@PigBoy](#): > > And regardless of who wins the “weirdest capital” fight, we in Madison can probably at least claim the title of Only State Capital on an Isthmus! Only city in North America on an isthmus, as a matter of fact . . . ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/34 "2006-04-26T15:44:16Z")
I believe Pierre, South Dakota is the least populated state capital. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/35 "2006-04-26T16:01:23Z")
Albany, NY, has the only state capitol without a dome. Boston is also on the water, so it ties Olympia. However, the official elevation of Boston is 10 feet, wheras Olympia has an official elevation of 203. Baton Rouge is 53 and Tallahassee is 79. Boston wins. Juneau is the only capital that can’t be reached by land from any other community in the state. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/36 "2006-04-26T16:02:26Z")
> [@Gangster Octopus](#): > > I believe Pierre, South Dakota is the least populated state capital. It is small at 13000 people but not as small as Montpelier, Vermont with only 8000. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/37 "2006-04-26T16:15:45Z")
Here are a few other potential qualifications for superlative status: Which capital has been capital for the shortest time up to the present? Which capital has the highest non-White population? Which capital has the most expensive Governor’s Mansion? Which non-capital city is most often thought to be the actual capital? (Yes, this would be hard to determine with accuracy, but what do you think it would be?) Which capital city has the least non-governmental business associated with its community? (Better said, which capital is almost completely a government town?) Somebody else come up with some other characteristics, please. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/38 "2006-04-26T16:43:57Z")
> [@](#): > > Which non-capital city is most often thought to be the actual capital? (Yes, this would be hard to determine with accuracy, but what do you think it would be? I’ll nominate Las Vegas. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/39 "2006-04-26T17:03:18Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > I’ll nominate Las Vegas. I like it. Some I have trouble with: Philadelphia Minneapolis Seattle Portland Butte Omaha Either Louisville or Lexington Baltimore I was pre-school age when my father had me learn the capitals, so the confusion over large city vs. capital came much later. ---
**Author:** ![Improv\_Geek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b3f665/32.png) [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2006, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179/40 "2006-04-26T17:04:20Z")
Least Snowfall: Well I know in the early 1900s Tallahassee received snowfall, so I’m going to go with Hawaii as the state capital with the least snow fall. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-states-capitals-superlatives-help-build-a-list/354179.md?page=3)