The 2 states that border the most others, they border each other along a roughly 60-mile stretch between Kentucky & Arkansas
On the Jeopardy episode airing Thursday, January 15, 2026, contestants faced a challenging Final Jeopardy clue in the category “U.S. Geography.” The clue read: “The 2 states that border the most others, they border each other along a roughly 60-mile stretch between Kentucky & Arkansas.” This clue tested players’ understanding of state borders, particularly those with high connectivity to surrounding states. Contestants were required to think geographically and strategically about which states are most central and therefore touch the most neighbors.
What are Tennessee and Missouri?
Both Tennessee and Missouri hold the distinction of bordering eight other U.S. states, more than any other states in the nation. What makes this clue even more intriguing is that the two not only tie in the number of neighboring states but also share a relatively short border with one another—approximately 60 miles long—between southeastern Missouri and northwestern Tennessee. This stretch runs near the Mississippi River, a major natural boundary that has historically played a role in state border formations.
Missouri’s Central Location and Borders
Missouri’s geography places it firmly in the Midwestern United States, and its central position is a key factor in its high number of bordering states. Missouri shares borders with Iowa to the north, Nebraska and Kansas to the west, Oklahoma to the southwest, Arkansas to the south, Tennessee and Kentucky to the southeast, and Illinois to the east. These connections span the Mississippi River and cross into both the Great Plains and the southern part of the country.
Missouri’s role as a gateway to the West, as symbolized by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, is partly a result of this central positioning. The state’s ability to connect multiple regions—Midwest, South, and Plains—explains why it touches so many others. Additionally, the historical movement of settlers through Missouri helped define many of the current state borders, including the crucial corner shared with Tennessee.
Tennessee’s Long Shape and Strategic Placement
Tennessee, meanwhile, owes much of its border count to its distinctive long, horizontal shape stretching from east to west. It touches Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west. Its western border is defined by the Mississippi River, which separates it from Arkansas and Missouri and has historically been a significant factor in territorial demarcations.
This geographic spread means Tennessee serves as a bridge between the Deep South and the Appalachian region, while also reaching toward the Midwest. Its placement provides access to a range of cultural and geographical zones, enhancing its connectivity and contributing to its role as one of the most bordered states.
A Shared Border and Historical Context
The 60-mile stretch of shared border between Missouri and Tennessee may seem minor compared to their extensive connections elsewhere, but it’s significant in this context. This short border segment lies near the Mississippi River and is shaped by historical surveying decisions and natural geography. While the river has shifted course over time, official boundaries remain fixed according to historical markers.
This stretch is also unique because Missouri and Tennessee are separated from Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively, by that same river. As such, this limited border zone is one of the only places where these two highly connected states come into direct contact. It’s a fascinating example of how natural features and historical boundary decisions combine to shape modern geography.
Conclusion
The Final Jeopardy clue from January 15, 2026, offered a compelling challenge rooted in U.S. state geography. Missouri and Tennessee, each bordering eight other states, stand out as the most connected states in the nation. Their shared 60-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between Kentucky and Arkansas underscores their geographic relationship and reflects broader themes of American regional development and historical border-making. This clue highlighted not just a trivia fact, but a deeper pattern in the physical and political layout of the United States.